Baseball Hall of Fame Rule?

[Mitchell]

I know that a baseball player has to be retired for five years to become eligible for the Hall of Fame. I do have a question: Does anyone know if the player actually has to announce his retirement in order to receive consideration for the Hall, or does he just not have to play for five years?

Case in point: Left hander Tom Glavine, most recently of the Atlanta Braves, did not pitch in the majors in 2009, but was rehabbing, when the Braves released him in June. He has not signed on with anyone else, but has not announced his retirement. While player signings for next year have not started yet, it would seem unlikely that a team would sign a pitcher who is going to be 44 years old in March, who would not have pitched in the majors for two years.

What I'm wondering is: If Glavine doesnt officially announce his retirement, but he isnt signed by anyone, is he then eligible for the Hall in 2015, because he tried to pitch this year?

If anyone knows what the rule is, and could post, it would be appreciated. Thanks.

Mitch

 

[Goodieluver]

I think he still has to officially retire

Based on the rule, in a sense whenever Clemens officially stops pitching, he could be eligible cuz he "retired" how many years ago

 

[Mitchell]

Okay, thanks.

Hopefully Glavine will be smart, and will announce his retirement, at the end of this season, so he would be eligible to be inducted in 2015.

Mitch

 

[CitY of MicA]

Interesting question

While I don't know the official rule, Rickey Henderson didn't offically retire until 2007, and he's already in the Hall. I don't think you have to announce your retirement; it's five years after you played your last game.

 

[milagros317]

There is nothing in the rules about announcing retirement. The player is only required to have ceased being an active player in Major League Baseball for five full years. There is an automatic exception for players who die less than five years after being an active player.

Eligible Candidates -- Candidates to be eligible must meet the following requirements:

1. A baseball player must have been active as a player in the Major Leagues at some time during a period beginning twenty (20) years before and ending five (5) years prior to election.

2. Player must have played in each of ten (10) Major League championship seasons, some part of which must have been within the period described in 3 (A).

3. Player shall have ceased to be an active player in the Major Leagues at least five (5) calendar years preceding the election but may be otherwise connected with baseball.

4. In case of the death of an active player or a player who has been retired for less than five (5) full years, a candidate who is otherwise eligible shall be eligible in the next regular election held at least six (6) months after the date of death or after the end of the five (5) year period, whichever occurs first.

5. Any player on Baseball's ineligible list shall not be an eligible candidate.

All the rules: http://web.baseballhalloffame.org/hofers/rules.jsp

 

[jaba]

thanks Mils....

There is nothing in the rules about announcing retirement. The player is only required to have ceased being an active player in Major League Baseball for five full years. There is an automatic exception for players who die less than five years after being an active player.



All the rules: http://web.baseballhalloffame.org/hofers/rules.jsp

once again, a Dodger fan bats cleanup, and sets the record straight.....

 

[Mitchell]

Thanks, mils, for posting the rule.

I still dont think Glavine will be eligible until 2015 anyway, even if he never plays again, because he was rehabbing in the minors, and didnt get released by the Braves until June. Maddux will be eligible in 2014, and should definitely get in on his first ballot, so it's likely the Braves dynamic duo wont go into the Hall of Fame together.

Mitch

 

[ticklingfeet4fu]

Thanks, mils, for posting the rule.

I still dont think Glavine will be eligible until 2015 anyway, even if he never plays again, because he was rehabbing in the minors, and didnt get released by the Braves until June. Maddux will be eligible in 2014, and should definitely get in on his first ballot, so it's likely the Braves dynamic duo wont go into the Hall of Fame together.

Mitch

Tom Seaver was in the Mets rehabbing in 1987 before he got hurt again. Tom Glavine if he does not play another major league game is eligible in 2014. If you rehab in the minors and don't play another Major League game you are eligible from five years after your LAST Major League game.

 

[Mitchell]

Okay, 4u, thank you. I wasnt sure of the rule. That means Glavine and Maddux would be able to go into the Hall together if they both get in on their first ballot, which they both should. That would be cool.

Mitch