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Every year, the Baseball Writers Association Of America submit their votes for who will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. To eligible for induction, a player must meet three basic requirements: first, they must have been active for 15 years. Second they must have been retired from playing for five years. Third, if a player has been banned from the game, they’re automatically ineligible.
With the formalities out of the way, this year’s class features many potential Hall of Famers looking for etch their name into baseball’s history books. For some it’s their first chance, others their last, unless voted in by the Veterans Committee down the road. With the announcement coming on January 22nd, it leads us to the question: who will get in this year? Here’s the 2019 National Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee Prediction:
New York Yankees Closer, Mariano Rivera
Perhaps the easiest to predict, other than one person who claimed not to vote for Rivera, he’ll get in nearly unanimously. Boasting perhaps the greatest resume with five World Series championships, 13 all star appearances, five relief man of the year awards and of course holding the all time saves record in his 17 year career, there’s nobody like Mo.
Toronto Blue Jays/Philadelphia Phillies Staring Pitcher, Roy Halladay
Perhaps one of the most dominant pitchers of the 2000’s, Halladay was a man among boys. His .659 winning percentage is fifth since 1900, with only Hall of Famers Pedro Martinez, Whitey Ford, Christy Mathewson and Lefty Grove ahead of him. He also has 67 career complete games, which in all baseball may not be impressive but considering the modern era wouldn’t allow anything close to that, it’s a marvel to be hold. While he tragically passed in 2017, Halladay’s memory could be preserved in baseball’s sacred hall.
Seattle Mariners Designated Hitter, Edgar Martinez
This may be a hard sell but it’s Martinez’s final year of eligibility and his numbers may just be good enough to get in. Holding two batting titles, five silver sluggers and seven all star appearances, he left an impression. However, the big ticket for Martinez may be how he ultimately changed the game by making the designated hitters position feel more like a real position than just a spot for another batting opportunity. If it wasn’t for Martinez, names like David Ortiz, Frank Thomas and Travis Hafner may not have seen any kind of recognition.
