The 2015 class featured three first-ballot Hall of Famers out of four, so there are several deserving players who likely have a strong chance after missing out past year amid unique circumstances.
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Piazza was 38 votes short previous year, so the sleeker electorate might help him.
The only other players to be named on more than half the ballots were first baseman Jeff Bagwell (55.7) and outfielder Tim Raines (55.0). Candidates remain on the ballot if they receive 5 percent but require 75 percent to be inducted into the Hall. The following year Campanella’s vote total climbed to 72.4 percent, still shy of election. Two players remain of those that were grandfathered on the ballot: shortstop Alan Trammell (15th year) and relief pitcher Lee Smith (14th year).
Other percentages from that past year that could see an increase are Curt Schilling (39 percent) and Mike Mussina (25 percent).
Griffey Jr. finished his 22-year career with 2,781 hits and 630 home runs, sixth-highest all-time.
Edmonds was an eight-time Gold Glove victor and he hit. Hoffman’s 601 saves and 856 games are second only to Yankees’ legend Mariano Rivera. Pitching primarily for the San Diego Padres, Hoffman’s changeup was among the most effective pitches in baseball during his 18-year career, and he was the first pitcher to reach both the 500 and 600 saves plateau.
Mike Hampton was only a Met for one season, but he was one of the reasons that the Mets made it to their fourth World Series appearance in 2000. 385 with three home runs and eight runs batted in as part of a postseason record of. 321 with nine home runs and 16 RBI in 24 games.
Topping the list: outfielder Ken Griffey Junior, right-handed pitcher Trevor Hoffman, and infielders David Eckstein, Troy Glaus and Mike Lowell. Votes are counted jointly by BBWAA secretary-treasurer Jack O’Connell and Ernst & Young partner Michael DiLecce. The results will be announced on January 6 at 6 p.m. ET.
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While Garret Anderson, David Eckstein, Jim Edmonds, Luis Castillo, Troy Glaus, Mike Lowell, Billy Wagner and Mike Sweeney were all announced as eligible for enshrinement, Ken Griffey Jr. and Trevor Hoffman highlighted the list of newcomers.
