Baseball is one of America’s most beloved sports, with millions of devoted fans across the country. As such, it’s no surprise that the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the United States. But how many baseball players are actually inducted into the Hall of Fame? What percentage of baseball players receive this prestigious honor?
The History of the Hall of Fame
The Baseball Hall of Fame was founded in 1936, when baseball legend Babe Ruth was the first to be inducted. Since then, the Hall of Fame has grown to include more than 300 players. Each year, a select few are voted in by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, a group of more than 600 professional journalists. This voting process ensures that only the best of the best are inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The Criteria for Induction
In order to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, a baseball player must meet certain criteria. First and foremost, the player must have played in the major leagues for at least 10 years. Additionally, the player must have been retired from the game for at least five years. This allows for a thorough examination of the player’s career, as well as a chance for any potential issues to be addressed.
Players are also judged on their performance on the field. The Baseball Writers’ Association of America looks at the player’s stats, awards, and other accomplishments, such as MVP and Cy Young awards.
The Number of Inductees
Since its inception in 1936, the Hall of Fame has inducted a total of 317 players. This number includes all players who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame, regardless of whether they are still active or have retired.
The Percentage of Baseball Players in the Hall of Fame
Given the number of players inducted into the Hall of Fame, it’s easy to calculate the percentage of baseball players in the Hall of Fame. According to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, there have been more than 19,000 players who have played in the major leagues since 1871. This means that the percentage of players who have been inducted into the Hall of Fame is just 1.6%.
Conclusion
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum is a prestigious institution that honors the achievements of the greatest players in the game. While it’s an honor to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, only a select few baseball players have earned this distinction. According to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, only 1.6% of all players who have ever played in the major leagues have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.