Baseball has been around for over 150 years and during that time, the sport has grown in popularity and the best players have been immortalized in the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Every year, a select few players, managers, and executives are inducted into the Hall of Fame, a prestigious honor that celebrates the best of the best in baseball. But how many players actually get inducted every year?
What is the Hall of Fame?
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is the official hall of fame for Major League Baseball (MLB). It is located in Cooperstown, New York and was founded in 1939 to recognize the greatest players, managers, and executives in baseball history. The hall of fame includes not only those who excelled on the field, but also those who made important contributions to the game off the field.
The Hall of Fame is made up of more than 300 members, including players, managers, and executives, who have been inducted since its inception. Inductees are chosen by a panel of baseball experts and historians, who vote on the individuals they believe deserve to be honored. Each year, a select few are chosen to join the ranks of the Hall of Fame and their names are added to the list of members.
What Are the Requirements for Induction?
To be eligible for induction into the Hall of Fame, a player must have played in at least 10 major league seasons and must have been retired for at least five years. Players must also have been named on 75% of the ballots cast by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA).
A player must also have made an impact on the game. This can include leading their team to a championship, setting records, or making an overall impact on the game.
How Many Players Get Inducted Each Year?
The number of players inducted into the Hall of Fame varies from year to year. While some years may see only one or two players inducted, other years may see a larger group of players honored.
In 2019, four players were inducted into the Hall of Fame. This was the lowest number of players inducted since 1971, when only two players were inducted. In 2020, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America elected four players to the Hall of Fame, the most since 2015.
In 2021, the Hall of Fame will once again have four inductees with the announcement of Derek Jeter, Larry Walker, Ted Simmons, and Marvin Miller.
What Are the Other Categories for Induction?
In addition to players, there are a few other categories of inductees that are recognized by the Hall of Fame. These categories include managers and executives, umpires, pioneers, and veterans.
Managers and executives are those who have had a significant impact on the game of baseball in a managerial or administrative role. Umpires are those who have officiated the game and have had a major influence on the sport. Pioneers are those who have made major contributions to the game, such as inventing new equipment or developing new strategies. And veterans are those who have made a significant contribution to the game but may not have had the longevity of other inductees.
Conclusion
The National Baseball Hall of Fame is a prestigious honor that celebrates the best of the best in baseball. Each year, a select few players, managers, and executives are inducted into the Hall of Fame and their names are added to the list of members. The number of players inducted into the Hall of Fame varies from year to year, but typically includes four players each year. In addition to players, there are a few other categories of inductees that are recognized by the Hall of Fame, including managers and executives, umpires, pioneers, and veterans.