The 2008 Hall of Fame ballot that was released Monday and will be mailed at the end of the week to more than 575 voting members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America contains merely 25 names, one of the smallest ballots in history.Only 11 newcomers to the ballot made it through the BBWAA's Screening Committee, which has been traditionally liberal in placing new names up for consideration. Once there, however, candidates must be named on at least 5 percent of ballots to remain eligible for up to 15 years. This can be a difficult cut.
The new group includes a former batting champion in Tim Raines, who also has the fifth-highest stolen-base total in history with 808, and two former Jackie Robinson Rookie of the Year Award winners in David Justice and Chuck Knoblauch, both of whom went on to multiple postseason appearances. There is also a former World Series MVP in pitcher Jose Rijo of the 1990 Reds, a 50-homer hitter in Brady Anderson, a key starting pitcher on the Blue Jays' 1992 and '93 Series champions in Todd Stottlemyre, two of the top closing relievers of their time in Robb Nen and Rod Beck, a 200-game winner in Chuck Finley and two exceedingly dependable players who were managers' dreams in Shawon Dunston and Travis Fryman.
Rijo is on the ballot for the second time. He was on in 2001, but is on again because of his comeback in 2002.
Now, on to the former Appleton Fox, Rich "Goose" Gossage.
What normally happens with such a ballot is that writers cast reflection on the holdovers who for whatever reason have yet to win the 75-percent approval required for election. Voters tend to want to vote for some players, and if the new names aren't dazzling, then an intense second look at the other candidates becomes an option.
This is good news for Rich "Goose" Gossage, who is in his ninth year on the ballot and has made a steady rise in the voting in recent elections. Gossage's vote total on the previous ballot of 388 was 21 shy of the amount required.
Getting as high as 71.2 percent of the vote bodes well for the two-time Fireman of the Year and 22-season veteran because every player who has received more than 70 percent of the vote in a BBWAA election has made it to the Hall of Fame. Granted, some of those gained entry through the Veterans Committee, but the Goose is right at the door with as many as six elections left for him if he doesn't make it this year.
Results will be announced on January 8.
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