The Beckett Blog

The 2008 Hall of Fame ballot that was released today will be remembered as one of the smallest ballots in history. The 25-man ballot, which will be mailed at the end of the week to more than 575 voting members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, consists of just 11 newcomers who made it through the BBWAA’s Screening Committee.

The new group includes former batting champion Tim Raines, Rookie of the Year Award winners David Justice and Chuck Knoblauch, World Series MVP pitcher, Jose Rijo and Rod Beck, who passed away in June.

The complete 25-man 2008 Hall of Fame ballot includes:
• Brady Anderson
• Harold Baines
• Rod Beck
• Bert Blyleven
• Dave Concepcion
• Andre Dawson
• Shawon Dunston
• Chuck Finley
• Travis Fryman
• Rich Gossage
• Tommy John
• David Justice
• Chuck Knoblauch
• Don Mattingly
• Mark McGwire’s
• Jack Morris
• Dale Murphy
• Robb Nen
• Dave Parker
• Tim Raines
• Jim Rice
• Jose Rijo
• Lee Smith
• Todd Stottlemyre
• Alan Trammell

Reporters who have been in the BBWAA for 10 or more consecutive years are eligible to vote, and the new inductees will be announced January 8, 2008.

With such a limited selection to choose from this year, it will be interesting to see which stars, if any, are given bronze busts.  If McGwire’s drug using past is ever going to be granted amnesty by the writers, this has be the year.  Jim Rice better be keeping his fingers crossed too becuase in 09, the hall will welcome in the one and only … Rickey Henderson.