Since the 2012 Hall of Fame ballot is pretty much a bust, I’ve actually turned more of my attention to the “Golden Era” (1947-1972) Committee vote.
And after one of the more exciting ballots in the last few years, it was announced Monday that Ron Santo would be, posthumously, joining his peers in Cooperstown.
The Chicago Cubs legend received 15 of the 16 possible votes…12 were needed.
Also on the ballot and receiving votes…Jim Kaat (10), Gil Hodges (9), Minnie Minoso (9) and Tony Oliva (8).
Buzzie Bavasi, Ken Boyer, Charlie Finely, Allie Reynolds and Luis Tiant each recevied three votes.
Santo, who passed away last December, is one of six former Cubs to have his number retired by the team when they celebrated him with the honor in 2003.
Throughout his 15-year career (all but one with the Cubs), the third baseman managed a .277 batting average, 2254 hits and 342 home runs. He brought home a Gold Gloves in five consecutive years (1964-1968) times and was an All-Star nine times.
When Santo first became eligible for election to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1980, he was named on less than 4% of all ballots…meaning he would be removed from subsequent ballots.
In 1985, he was one of several players re-added to the ballot following widespread complaints about overlooked candidates.
After receiving 13% of the vote in 1985, his vote totals increased in 10 of the next 13 years. He received 43% of the vote in his final year played 15 seasons at third base for the Cubs and White Sox.
The “Golden Era” Committee is the second of a three-year cycle of consideration for Managers, Umpires, Executives and Long-Retired Players by Era. Next year, “Pre-Integration Era” Committee candidates will be considered for induction in 2013.
Santo will be inducted in July alongside whoever gets selected by the BBWAA next month.
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