World Baseball Hall of Fame Announces 2015 Nominees

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Apr 02, 2015, 08:29 ET

List of nominees features global baseball legends, including: Pete Rose, Jackie Robinson, Mickey Mantle, Nolan Ryan, Luis Aparicio, Hector Espino, and more

TORONTO, April 2, 2015 /CNW/ - The World Baseball Hall of Fame today is honored to announce that a new list of the game's global giants has been named for nomination.

Selected by the Board of Governors and the Board of Advisors, on the ballot are personalities unique in their careers, as they range from being in Cooperstown's Hall of Fame to various parts of the baseball playing world. Candidates include those from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Australia, Cuba, Canada, and others outside of the USA.

Bruce Prentice, World Baseball Hall of Fame President, is excited, " for the second time, 12 great ball players will be selected, bringing the total elected to the WBHF, to 24". In succeeding years, says Prentice, " a maximum of 6 will be named to the World Baseball Hall of Fame, keeping the hall's doors open to only those deserving to be recognised."

Cito Gaston former Blue Jays manger and winner of back to back world Series in 1992 and 1993, says; " it would be an honor and a privilege (for someone) to be selected to the World Baseball Hall of Fame."

Steve Rogers, Board of Advisors, "I am honored and excited to serve on the board of the World Baseball Hall of Fame. I look forward to contributing to efforts of the Hall of Fame to recognise the global reach of the game I love. The WBHF is a very positive addition to the baseball family's ability to recognise and honor those who have played the game at the highest levels and those who have made the largest contributions to the growth of the game."

Rod Black, well known Canadian sportscaster and a member of the Board of Governors; " they say that baseball is a timeless game, but the time has come to properly salute the many players and builders who have made the baseball world a better place."

Alexander Cartwright IV, Member of the Board of Governors, "My ancestor Alexander Joy Cartwright Jr. would be blown away to know that his refinement of baseball affects the entire world now."

Of the 31 on the ballot below, the 12 individuals gaining the most votes will be elected to the World Baseball Hall of Fame. The formula for voting will ensure not all elected will be from Cooperstown. The Selection committee will consist of members of the Board of Governors, Board of Advisors, and others chosen from the baseball community.

Ballot Nominees

From Cooperstown (deceased)

Ty Cobb, Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Cy Young, Lou Gehrig, Rube Waddell, Carl Hubbell, Connie Mack, Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis.

From Cooperstown (living)

Tom Lasorda, Nolan Ryan, Rod Carew, Luis Aparicio

From the USA (not in Cooperstown)

Pete Rose, Tim Raines, Roger Maris, Joe Jackson, Lefty O'Doul, Jack Morris.

Nominees outside the USA

James 'Tip' O'Neill (Canada), Larry Walker (Canada), Joe Quinn (Australia), Hector Espino (Mexico), Martin DiHago (Cuba), Omar Linares (Cuba), Luis Tiant (Cuba), Tony Oliva, (Cuba); Edgar Martinez (Puerto Rico); Dennis Martinez (Nicaragua).

Results to be announced in April, 2015, and those selected will join the original 12 Honored Members: Hank Aaron, Sadaharu Oh, Babe Ruth, Roberto Clemente, Ferguson Jenkins, Juan Marichal, Shigeo Nagashima, Bobby Avila, Minnie Minoso, Viktor Starffin, and builders Albert Spalding and Harry Wright.

About Us

The World Baseball Hall of Fame is a non profit organisation whose sole mission is to select and honor great baseball players and personalities from around the world who have contributed to the game of baseball, on the field or in an executive capacity.

Board of Directors

President
Bruce Prentice

Governors
Peter Bjarkman USA, Rod Black Canada, Alexander Cartwright lV USA, Jason Derr United Kingdom, Michael Jones CPA Canada, Matt Journy LLP USA, Kit Kreiger Canada, Bradley Prentice Australia