MLB Hall of Fame: Breaking down the ballot

COOPERSTOWN, NY - JULY 27: Baseball fans await the start of the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Clark Sports Center during on July 27, 2014 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
COOPERSTOWN, NY - JULY 27: Baseball fans await the start of the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Clark Sports Center during on July 27, 2014 in Cooperstown, New York. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
22 of 34

Mike Mussina – Fifth Year on Ballot (51.8% in 2017)

Mike Mussina is another player who is seeing his vote total slowly increase over his time on the ballot.

A remarkably consistent pitcher, Mussina won 15 or more games 11 times in his career, and only had two losing records. However, he reached the 20 win mark only once, doing so in his final major league season. Although he retired afterwards, Mussina appeared to have plenty left in the tank, and could have made a push towards the 300 win plateau.

Instead, he retired after the 2008 campaign, having posted a 270-153 record. The five time All Star had a 270-153 record, posting a 3.68 ERA and a 1.192 WHiP. In his 3562.2 innings, Mussina struck out 2813 batters while issuing only 785 walks. He was also handy on the mound, winning seven Gold Glove awards as he helped his own cause with his glove work.

It seems to be a matter of time until Mussina is elected. He had faced a backlog of worthy candidates over his first couple of years on the ballot, leading to his strong gains over the past two years. Had he pitched for another two or three season and reached the 300 win plateau, he would likely have been inducted in his first year. However, at this point, it is more of a matter of when, not if, he will be enshrined in Cooperstown.

It may not be this season, but Mike Mussina is well on his way towards being inducted in the MLB Hall of Fame.