The Baseball Hall of Fame 2021

The baseball hall of fame 2021 isn’t the usual affair. Normally, the Hall of Fame holds an induction ceremony each summer in Cooperstown. But last year, the coronavirus pandemic forced the postponement of the ceremony. This year, it will hold a special one to honor players like Derek Jeter and Larry Walker. The Hall will also enshrine legendary labor leader Marvin Miller.

This will mark the first time that the BBWAA doesn’t elect any new members of the Hall. But there are still plenty of big names on the ballot this year. Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa are all entering their ninth year of eligibility. Each player gets 10 shots to be elected before he moves on to one of the Hall’s era-based veterans committees.

Adding to the crowded ballot are two all-time talents who carry baggage from their links to performance-enhancing drugs: Alex Rodriguez and David Ortiz. Both are considered among the top slugging designated hitters of all-time, but their connections to PEDs will likely keep them off the list for many voters.

Meanwhile, third basemen are underrepresented in the Hall of Fame and Scott Rolen could be a worthy addition. He was a dominant defender at Coors Field and hit 316 home runs in his 17-year career. He finished on 29.2 percent of the ballots a year ago, but should get a boost from Helton’s selection. That’s the kind of move that should help a player on the eve of his 10th and final year on the ballot make a push for enshrinement.