Tony Gwynn and Cal Ripken, Jr. Make HOF On First Ballot

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COOPERSTOWN, NY (January 9, 2007) – Cal Ripken, holder of one of baseball’s most prized records, and Tony Gwynn, one the game’s most prolific hitters, were elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America on their first year of eligibility. They will be inducted into the Hall July 29 at the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, N.Y.

A record 545 ballots, including two blanks, were cast by BBWAA members with 10 or more consecutive years’ service, eclipsing by 25 the previous mark of 2006 when Bruce Sutter was elected. Players must be named on 75 percent of ballots submitted to gain election. This year, 409 votes were needed.

Ripken broke the vote record by being named on 537 ballots, breaking the previous mark of 491 by Nolan Ryan in 1999. Ripken’s 98.53 percent is the third highest in the history, behind Tom Seaver (98.83 in 1992) and Ryan (98.79 in 1999). Gwynn’s percentage of 97.6 based on 532 votes ranks seventh all-time. Ripken’s and Gwynn’s election brings to 280 the number of elected members of the Hall.

Relief pitcher Rich “Goose” Gossage fell 21 votes shy of election with 388 (71.2%). The only other players receiving more than half the vote were outfielders Jim Rice with 346 (63.5%) and Andre Dawson with 309 (56.7%).

Of the 15 players other than Gwynn and Ripken on the ballot for the first time, only two received sufficient support to remain in consideration, first baseman Mark McGwire and outfielder-designated hitter Harold Baines. Players must be listed on five percent of the ballots (28 this year) to stay on the ballot for up to 15 years. McGwire had 128 votes (23.5%) and Baines 29 (5.3%).

In his 15th and last year on the ballot, Steve Garvey got 115 votes (21.1%). Also dropping off the ballot in his second year was pitcher Orel Hershiser (4.4%). Other holdovers who will remain on the ballot are Bert Blyleven (47.7%), Lee Smith (39.8%), Jack Morris (37.1%), Tommy John (22.9%), Dave Concepcion (13.6%), Alan Trammell (13.4%), Dave Parker (11.4%), Don Mattingly (9.9%) and Dale Murphy (9.2%).

The vote totals:
Cal Ripken 537 (98.5%), Tony Gwynn 532 (97.6%), Rich “Goose” Gossage 388 (71.2%), Jim Rice 346 (63.5%), Andre Dawson 309 (56.7%), Bert Blyleven 260 (47.7%), Lee Smith 217 (39.8%), Jack Morris 202 (37.1%), Mark McGwire 128 (23.5%), Tommy John 125 (22.9%),  Steve Garvey 115 (21.1%), Dave Concepcion 74 (13.6%), Alan Trammell 73 (13.4%), Dave Parker 62 (11.4%), Don Mattingly 54 (9.9%), Dale Murphy 50 (9.2%), Harold Baines 29 (5.3%), Orel Hershiser 24 (4.4%), Albert Belle 19 (3.5%), Paul O’Neill 12 (2.2%), Bret Saberhagen 7 (1.3%), Jose Canseco 6 (1.1%), Tony Fernandez 4 (0.7%),  Dante Bichette 3 (0.6%), Eric Davis 3 (0.6%), Bobby Bonilla 2 (0.4%), Ken Caminiti 2 (0.4%), Jay Buhner 1 (0.2%), Scott Brosius 0, Wally Joyner 0, Devon White 0, Bobby Witt 0.