“First of all, I don't understand why I always have to be the last. I keep saying that for the last 20 years. Last 17 years of my career, I always say, 'Why do I have to be the last one?' I guess being the last one is special." ~ Mariano Rivera, Hall of Fame Closer
The results of the Base Ball Writers’ Association of America for the 2023 Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot were announced tonight. The induction will take place during the Hall of Fame Weekend on Sunday, the 23rd of July 2023.
We already know that Fred McGriff was unanimously elected by the Contemporary Baseball Era 16-member committee. John Lowe won the BBWAA Career Excellence Award and Pat Hughes won the Ford C. Frick Award.
Only one player received the needed 75% of the vote. My congratulations to Scott Rolen for being elected this year. I didn’t choose him as I thought his numbers fell short, but I’m glad he is going in.
Here’s a look at the voting numbers:
Bobby Abreu - 60 votes, 15.4%.
Bronson Arroyo - 1 vote, 0.3%. Off the ballot.
Carlos Beltran - 181 votes, 46.5%.
Mark Buehrle - 42 votes, 10.8%.
Matt Cain - 0 votes, 0%. Off the ballot.
R.A. Dickey - 1 vote, .03%. Off the ballot.
Jacoby Ellsbury - 0 votes, 0%. Off the ballot.
Andre Ethier - 0 votes, 0%. Off the ballot.
J.J. Hardy - 0 votes, 0%. Off the ballot.
Todd Helton - 281 votes, 72.2%.
Torii Hunter - 27 votes, 6.9%.
Andruw Jones - 226 votes, 58.1%.
Jeff Kent - 181 votes, 46.5%. Last year on the ballot.
John Lackey - 1 vote, .03%. Off the ballot.
Mike Napoli - 1 vote, .03%. Off the ballot.
Jhonny Peralta - 0 votes, 0%. Off the ballot.
Andy Pettitte - 66 votes, 17%.
Manny Ramírez - 129 votes, 33.2%.
Alex Rodriguez - 139 votes, 35.7%.
Francisco Rodriguez - 42 votes, 10.8%.
Scott Rolen - 297 votes, 76.3% Elected.
Jimmy Rollins - 50 votes, 12.9%.
Gary Sheffield - 214 votes, 55%.
Hudson Street - 1 vote, .03%. Off the ballot.
Omar Vizquel - 76 votes, 19.5%.
Billy Wagner - 265 votes, 68.1%.
Jared Weaver - 0 votes, 0%. Off the ballot.
Jayson Werth - 0 votes, 0%. Off the ballot.
Once again, the obvious PED users didn’t get the required votes, nor did the players with off the field issues. As I’ve said previously, no one is “perfect”, but that’s my line in the sand, they used, no Hall and the other flaws need to be considered as well. I’ll stick with “integrity and character” as attributes that need to be present, along with the baseball accomplishments.
How did I do? Neither of my two picks made it. If you’d like to see my previous thoughts on the ballot, CLICK HERE. Let me how your choices did.
~ Coach Mike
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Character and integrity for any player in any sport should be the most important ‼️ So well said, Coach🤗 Thank you for the update🙏