Yankees: Jeter’s vote for the Hall of Fame dramatically enhances his aura and stature

The highest honor for a former New York Yankees player, as well as for any other ex-ballplayers, is to be elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. On January 21, Derek Jeter was elected to the HOF one vote shy of unanimity.

Active members of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) for 10 or more years decide who should be included in the HOF.

Initially, membership in the BBWAA was comprised only of newspaper writers. Rules were loosened after 2000 — allowing prominent internet-based journalists to become members of the BBWAA. This change was made because the number of newspapers in the U.S. has rapidly dwindled, and baseball coverage has taken on new forms, especially through the internet.

Once a player is retired after five seasons, is professionally worthy, and is in good standing (i.e., has not been banned from baseball), he is placed on the ballot for inclusion into the Hall. A player is subsequently elected into the Hall when he receives at least 75 percent of all the ballots cast, which happens only in exceptional cases. Many outstanding players never receive 75 percent of the vote.

Read my previous blog for more information about the HOF selection process.