The initial Baseball Writers' Association of America ballot for 2016 Hall of Fame candidates was released Monday through the BBWAA's official website.
Five players appear on the ballot for the first time, headlined by legendary center fielder Ken Griffey Jr. and one of the best closers of all time in Trevor Hoffman. Longtime Los Angeles Angels third baseman Troy Glaus is also up for Hall of Fame consideration, along with Mike Lowell and David Eckstein.
Griffey burst onto the scene with the Seattle Mariners and even had the opportunity to play with his father, Ken Griffey Sr., at the dawn of his career. The Kid was known for tremendous defense in the outfield and a sweet swing with effortless power at the plate, leading to 10 Gold Glove Awards and 630 home runs.
Among the select few joining the 17 others who have a shot at Cooperstown this year, Hoffman seems like the most realistic possibility to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. The seven-time All-Star played 18 years in MLB, mostly with the San Diego Padres, and racked up 601 career saves—second on the all-time list to only Mariano Rivera.
Competition to gain entry into baseball's shrine figures to be particularly stiff this coming year. The 2015 class featured three first-ballot Hall of Famers out of four, so there are several deserving players who figure to have a strong chance after missing out last year amid unique circumstances.
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