1939 Hall of Fame

 The Hall of Fame opened in 1939. The people in charge wanted at least ten 20th century legends to be enshrined to kick off the museum. This was made possible with the '39 vote. Between the BBWAA vote and the selections from the Old-Timers Committee there were plenty of new names to be put in a plaque, but the highlight of the class was the special selection of Lou Gehrig. The legend retired earlier that summer, and it was decided to ignore the usual waiting requirements. A special vote was cast and while the results of it were a secret, it may be the case that everyone voted 'yes' and long before Mariano Rivera we had the true first ever unanimous vote.

After this group, there was a decision to wait until 1942 to make another regular vote.

Also inducted:
-Charles Comiskey (Pioneer / Executive) Key figure in the formation of the American League and influential team owner (Chicago White Sox).
-William Arthur "Candy" Cummings (Pioneer / Executive) Credited creator of the curveball pitch.