1979 Hall of Fame
Yet another piece of common knowledge that we take for granted today made it's debut in the Hall of Fame voting for 1979. There were only two ways off the yearly BBWAA ballot; getting the votes needed, or hitting the 15 year limit. Now a new rule was in effect: if you fail to hit 5% of voting, no matter how many years you've been featured on the ballot, then you are eliminated from future consideration. The resulting vote showed a veritable bloodbath when compared to prior votes. 31 players, 22 of which were on their first ballot, failed to achieve 5% and were eliminated. Of those 1st time players, only 2 got over 5%, one of which was Willie Mays who easily blew beyond 75% and headed to Cooperstown. The Veterans Committee added two other names to the class of '79. Also inducted: Warren Giles (Pioneer / Executive) General Manager of the Cincinnati Reds who built up 2 pennant winners and a World Championship. Later became President of the National League where he oversaw th...