Baseball Hall of Fame balloting, 2005

The 2005 elections to select inductees to the Baseball Hall of Fame proceeded in keeping with rules enacted in 2001. The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) held an election to select from among recent players, and the Veterans Committee held a separate election to select from among players retired for over 20 years. The induction ceremonies were held on July 31 in Cooperstown, with Commissioner Bud Selig presiding.

Ford C. Frick Award

The recipient of the Ford C. Frick Award, presented at the induction ceremonies annually since 1978 to a broadcaster for "major contributions to baseball", is not considered to be a member of the Hall, but is permanently recognized in an exhibit at the museum and, if living, also becomes a life member of the Veterans Committee. To be eligible, an active or retired broadcaster must have a minimum of 10 years of continuous major league broadcast service with a ball club, a network, or a combination of the two; more than 160 candidates were eligible.

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On December 13, 2004, 10 finalists were announced. In accordance with guidelines established in 2003, seven were chosen by a research committee at the museum: Jerry Coleman, Ken Coleman, Dizzy Dean, Gene Elston, Tony Kubek, France Laux and Graham McNamee. Three additional candidates – Dave Niehaus, Tom Cheek and Ron Santo – were selected in voting by over 65,000 fans prior to November 2004 at the Hall's official website http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/whats_new/press_releases/2004/pr2004_12_13.htm.

Related Topics:
December 13 - Jerry Coleman - Ken Coleman - Dizzy Dean - Gene Elston - Tony Kubek - France Laux - Graham McNamee - Dave Niehaus - Tom Cheek - Ron Santo

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On February 22, Jerry Coleman was announced as the 2005 recipient http://www.baseballhalloffame.com/history/2005/050222.htm; a former major league infielder and the voice of the San Diego Padres almost continuously since 1972, he was selected in a January vote by a 20-member committee composed of the 14 living recipients, along with six additional broadcasting historians or columnists: Bob Costas (NBC), Barry Horn (The Dallas Morning News), Stan Isaacs (formerly of New York Newsday), Ted Patterson (historian), Curt Smith (historian) and Larry Stewart (Los Angeles Times). Committee members are asked to base the selection on the following criteria: longevity; continuity with a club; honors, including national assignments such as the World Series and All-Star Games; and popularity with fans.

Related Topics:
February 22 - San Diego Padres - 1972 - Bob Costas - NBC - Barry Horn - The Dallas Morning News - Stan Isaacs - Newsday - Ted Patterson - Curt Smith - Larry Stewart - Los Angeles Times - World Series - All-Star Games

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