Griffey Jr. among 15 newcomers on 2016 Hall of Fame ballot
The BBWAA released its 2016 Hall of Fame ballot Monday, and it features 15 newcomers, including slugger Ken Griffey Jr. and closer Trevor Hoffman.
The list will be mailed to approximately 475 voting members of the BBWAA, who will decide this year's class to be enshrined in Cooperstown next summer.
Candidates must be named on 75 percent of the ballots received in order to be elected into the Hall of Fame.
Griffey Jr., a 13-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glover, has a strong case to become a first-ballot Hall of Famer, as does Hoffman, who compiled 601 saves over 18 seasons - second only to New York Yankees legend Mariano Rivera (652 saves) all-time.
FIRST-TIMERS ON BALLOT
| NAME | POSITION |
|---|---|
| Garret Anderson | OF |
| Brad Ausmus | C |
| Luis Castillo | 2B |
| David Eckstein | 2B/SS |
| Jim Edmonds | OF |
| Troy Glaus | 3B |
| Ken Griffey Jr. | OF |
| Mark Grudzielanek | 2B/SS |
| Mike Hampton | P |
| Trevor Hoffman | P |
| Jason Kendall | C |
| Mike Lowell | 3B |
| Mike Sweeney | C/1B |
| Billy Wagner | P |
| Randy Winn | OF |
The maximum length a player who receives at least five percent of the vote can stay on the ballot is 10 years. There are two exceptions to this recently revised rule, however. Closer Lee Smith and shortstop Alan Trammel were grandfathered into the new system, and will be eligible for up to 15 years.
Catcher Mike Piazza (69.9 percent) fell only 28 votes shy of being inducted last year, and is a strong candidate to be a part of this year's class.
RETURNING PLAYERS ON BALLOT
| NAME | 2015 VOTES (%) | YEARS ON BALLOT |
|---|---|---|
| Jeff Bagwell | 306 (55.7) | 5 |
| Barry Bonds | 202 (36.8) | 3 |
| Roger Clemens | 206 (37.5) | 3 |
| Nomar Garciaparra | 30 (5.5) | 1 |
| Jeff Kent | 77 (14) | 2 |
| Edgar Martinez | 148 (27) | 6 |
| Fred McGriff | 71 (12.9) | 9 |
| Mark McGwire | 55 (10) | 9 |
| Mike Mussina | 135 (24.6) | 2 |
| Mike Piazza | 384 (69.9) | 3 |
| Tim Raines | 302 (55) | 8 |
| Curt Schilling | 215 (39.2) | 3 |
| Gary Sheffield | 64 (11.7) | 1 |
| Lee Smith | 166 (30.2) | 13 |
| Sammy Sosa | 36 (6.6) | 3 |
| Alan Trammel | 138 (25.1) | 14 |
| Larry Walker | 65 (11.8) | 5 |
Voting results will be announced Jan. 6, 2016.