Griffey among 15 newcomers on Hall of Fame ballot

It’s time for the Kid.

Mariners icon Ken Griffey Jr. headlines a 37-player ballot for the Hall of Fame, released Monday, and…let’s face it: This should be a slam dunk, right?

Griffey, now 45, ended his 22-year career in 2010 as a 13-time All-Star outfielder who hit 630 homers, which ranks sixth on baseball’s all-time list.

He was also a 10-time Gold Glove recipient for defensive excellence who also won seven Silver Slugger Awards in recognition of his offensive prowess.

The 2016 ballot also includes another franchise cornerstone in designated hitter Edgar Martinez, who is one of 22 returning candidates.

Martinez, 52, is back for a seventh try after being cited last season on 27 percent of the returned ballots. Candidates remain on the ballot if they receive 5 percent but require 75 percent to be inducted into the Hall.

But the clock is ticking on Martinez, who currently serves as the Mariners’ hitting coach. Candidates can only remain on the ballot for 10 years, although they are subsequently eligible for consideration by the Veterans Committee.

Griffey projects as the first player to enter the Hall in recognition primarily for his Seattle achievements. He batted .292 over 13 seasons with the Mariners while hitting 417 homers and getting 1,216 of his 1,836 RBIs.

Left-handed pitcher Randy Johnson was inducted last July, but his plaque shows him wearing an Arizona cap.

In addition to Griffey and Martinez, the ballot contains three players who spent a portion of their career with the Mariners: left-handed pitcher Mike Hampton (1993), designated hitter Mike Sweeney (2009-10), and outfielder Randy Winn (2003-05).

The ballots are being mailed this week to eligible voting members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. The results will be announced Jan. 6 on MLB Network.

Reliever Trevor Hoffman, who ranks second on the all-time saves list, joins Griffey as one of 15 first-time candidates.

There are also three players who were picked as the Most Valuable Player in a World Series: shortstop David Eckstein (2006, St. Louis), third baseman Troy Glaus (2002, Anaheim) and third baseman Mike Lowell (2007, Boston).

Catcher Mike Piazza is the top returning candidate after receiving 69.6 percent in the 2015 balloting, which elected four players: Johnson, second baseman Craig Biggio and right-handers Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz.

First baseman Jeff Bagwell (55.7) and outfielder Tim Raines (55.0) also return as do several players whose standout careers are tainted by steroid use and other scandals, including outfielder Barry Bonds and right-handed pitcher Roger Clemens.

No such allegations affect Griffey, who is viewed as having a chance to challenge Tom Seaver’s 1992 record of being cited on 98.84 percent of the returned ballots.

The complete ballot (in alphabetical order):

Garret Anderson, Brad Ausmus, Jeff Bagwell, Barry Bonds, Luis Castillo, Roger Clemens, David Eckstein, Jim Edmonds, Nomar Garciaparra, Troy Glaus, Ken Griffey Jr., Mark Grudzielanek, Mike Hampton, Trevor Hoffman, Jason Kendall, Jeff Kent, Mike Lowell, Edgar Martinez, Fred McGriff, Mark McGwire, Mike Mussina, Mike Piazza, Tim Rainers, Curt Schilling, Gary Sheffield, Lee Smith, Sammy Sosa, Mike Sweeney, Alan Trammell, Billy Wagner, Larry Walker and Randy Winn.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Sports

Tulalip Heritage’s JJ Gray makes a layup during the winner-to-state playoff game against Muckleshoot Tribal School on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Hawks beat ‘brothers from the south’ to earn state bid.

Tulalip Heritage wins Tri-District game, pride against Muckleshoot Tribal School.

Stanwood junior Ellalee Wortham (2) lunges toward the basket past several Monroe defenders to attempt an underhand layup in the Girls 3A Basketball District 1 semifinals at Marysville Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Washington on Feb. 18, 2025. Wortham scored 33 points in the 59-41 win for the Spartans, eclipsing 1,000 career points. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Wortham hits 1,000 career points, leads Stanwood to state

A 33-point outing led to a 59-41 win against Monroe in the Girls 3A District 1 semifinals.

Shorecrest senior Cassie Chesnut attempts a free throw in the Scots' 47-23 win against Snohomish in the Girls 3A Basketball District 1 semifinals at Marysville Pilchuck High School in Marysville, Washington on Feb. 18, 2025. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald)
Shorecrest girls basketball upsets Snohomish in District 1 3A semis

An 18-0 third-quarter run allows Scots to blow by top-seeded Panthers 47-23.

Arlington junior Tre Haines stands atop the podium after winning the District 1 Boys 4A Wrestling 157-pound championship on Feb. 8 in Mill Creek, Washington. Lake Stevens senior Jarrell David placed second, Arlington junior Marquell Butler placed third and Lake Stevens sophomore Felix Ramsey placed fourth in the weight class. (Joe Pohoryles / The Herald).
Arlington’s Tre Haines embraces pressure on path for glory

The two-time state wrestling champion will aim to ‘3-peat’ at Mat Classic XXXVI this weekend.

The Shorewood bench reacts to 3-point shot during the 3A district playoff game against Shorecrest on Friday, Feb. 14, 2025 in Shoreline, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep girls basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 18

Meadowdale, Shorewood keep state hopes alive.

The Arlington bench reacts to a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep boys basketball roundup for Tuesday, Feb. 18

Arlington, GP punch state tickets.

Vote for The Herald’s Prep Athlete of the Week for Feb. 9-15

The Athlete of the Week nominees for Feb. 9-15. Voting closes at… Continue reading

Jim Moore: New M’s TV analyst Angie Mentink will silence the doubters

Angie Mentink steps in broadcast booth to fill void left by Dave Sims’ departure.

Tips Week in Review: Everett splits at Prince George, beats Victoria

Eric Jamieson’s hat trick against Victoria highlights Presidents’ Day Weekend

Marysville Pilchuck’s Michael Smathers Jr. takes the ball up the court during a Feb. 7, 2025 home league game against Monroe. (Courtesy of Spencer Janzen)
Marysville Pilchuck’s Michael Smathers Jr. stars in freshman season

The guard averaged 19 points per game for the Tomahawks this season.

Everett qualifies 13 girls for Mat Classic

Mia Cianega wins at 190 as Seagulls place third at district wrestling tournament.

Arlington’s Leyton Martin puts three fingers in the air after making a three point shot during the game against Glacier Peak on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Prep basketball roundup for Saturday, Feb. 15

Leyton Martin’s triple-double leads Arlington to district win

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.