MLB Hall of Fame: Ballot not so sweet for Lou Whitaker

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DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 16: Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Jack Morris throws out the ceremonial first pitch against the New York Yankees during game three of the American League Championship Series at Comerica Park on October 16, 2012 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Some of the best players from the 1970s and 80s are on the Modern MLB Hall of Fame ballot, but there were also some major snubs.

The National Baseball Hall of Fame announced the 10-name Modern MLB Hall of Fame ballot today. The names on the ballot made their greatest contribution to baseball from 1970-1987. The ballot consists of nine players, all still living, and one executive, the late Marvin Miller, who was the executive director of the MLB Players Association during the most tumultuous time in its history.

The committee voting on these candidates consists of a 16-member panel of MLB Hall of Fame members, executives, and veteran media members. According to the MLB Hall of Fame website, the voting “shall be based upon the individual’s record, ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character and contribution to the game.” Electors are limited to four candidates per ballot but can vote for as few as zero. To earn election to the Hall of Fame, a candidate must receive votes on 75 percent of the votes cast..

The Veterans Committee has had difficulty electing players over the last 15 years. From 2002 to 2010, the committee elected one pre-war player (Joe Gordon). In 2010, the Veterans Committee was split into three era-based committees that voted on candidates every three years but still weren’t able to agree on many player candidates. Ron Santo was voted in by the Golden Days Committee in 2012 and Deacon White got the nod by the Pre-Integration Committee in 2013. Managers, umpires, and executives made the cut, but many players failed to reach the bar.

This brought about a new system that divides candidates into four eras: Early Baseball (1871-1949), Golden Days (1950-1969), Modern Baseball (1970-1987) and Today’s Game (1988 on). Last year’s Today’s Game ballot yielded two executives, John Schuerholtz and Bud Selig, but owner George Steinbrenner, managers Lou Piniella and Davey Johnson, and seven players failed to make the cut.

When any Veterans Committee Hall of Fame ballot is announced, it’s always interesting to see who made the list and who didn’t. This year’s Modern Baseball ballot consists of one catcher, two first baseman, one shortstop, two outfielders, three starting pitchers, and executive Marvin Miller. Here is a closer look at the players who are on the ballot and some who were left out in the cold.

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