On Wednesday, the Baseball Hall of Fame will usher in its newest members, determined by a vote of eligible members belonging to the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA). In order for a player to gain entrance into the hall, one must receive 75 percent of the votes cast. A player must play at least 10 years at the major league level, and is only eligible once five years has passed since their retirement. After becoming eligible, each player remains so for 15 years, after which they must be elected by the Veteran's Committee.
Here's a look a few of the notable candidates for 2011 Baseball Hall of Fame induction.
Roberto Alomar: In his first year of eligibility, in 2010, Alomar fell just eight votes short of induction, picking-up 73.6 percent of the votes. Alomar looks likely to be elected to the Hall of Fame in 2011 based on how close he came in his first year.
Bert Blyleven: With his 15-year period ending in 2012, Blyleven is on his last legs with the BBWAA. In 2010, Blyleven missed induction by five votes and, spurred on by a grassroots movement for his induction, looks like he should get in this year, just under the deadline. Considered to be the best pitcher not in the hall, Blyleven's inclusion is a long time coming.
Tim Raines: Unlikely to make it in 2011, Raines has also seen a grassroots movement sprout up in an effort to get him elected into the hall. Raines garnered 30 percent of the vote in 2010 and, like most others, should see that improve in 2011. Still, it's well short of the required 75 percent.
Edgar Martinez: The best designated hitter to play the game, in this Seattle Mariners' fans opinion. Last year, Martinez grabbed 36 percent of the vote. From the projections around the web leading up to Wednesday, it appears he will lose some votes in 2011.
Barry Larkin: Improvement over 2011, but still likely won't get close enough to the required 75 percent. Larkin garnered 52 percent of the vote in 2010 and should, eventually, find his way into the hall. It likely won't be this year, however.
Jeff Bagwell: The former Houston Astro seems to be the most controversial, and most debated candidate, in the days leading up to the Hall of Fame announcement. Bagwell is in his first year of eligibility and how much of the vote he garners will be telling.
Who gets in?
From the voters who have made their ballots public, it looks like Blyleven and Alomar are bound for Cooperstown this year. Larkin will inch close and Jack Morris, who's seen a steady increase in votes, will again see a bump, still falling short.
The Baseball Hall of Fame announcement takes place on Wednesday, Jan. 5 at 11:00 a.m. local time. Stay tuned to our StoryStream for the latest leading up to the announcement.