Hall of Fame: Eight men face contemporary era committee vote

The National Baseball Hall of Fame announced Monday that eight men will appear on the ballot for its contemporary era committee. This panel evaluates managers, executives, and umpires from the 1980s onward. The group convenes on December 6 during the winter meetings in San Diego.

The ballot includes the late Ted Turner, former Atlanta Braves owner. Turner died on May 6 at age 87. He purchased the team in 1976 and led it until 1996. Under his ownership, the Braves won the 1995 World Series. Turner also transformed WTBS into a national superstation.

Four retired managers are among the candidates. Dusty Baker, 77, finished his playing career with a .278 average and 242 home runs. As a manager, he compiled a 2,183-1,862 record over 26 seasons. He won the World Series in 2022 with Houston. He received Manager of the Year honors in 1993, 1997, and 2000.

Bruce Bochy, 71, managed the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers. His record stands at 2,252-2,266 over 28 seasons. He won four World Series titles in 2010, 2012, 2014, and 2023. Joe Maddon, 72, led the Chicago Cubs to their first World Series title since 1908 in 2016. His career record is 1,382-1,216.

Lou Piniella, 83, managed five franchises and posted a 1,835-1,713 record. He won the World Series with the Cincinnati Reds in 1990. Piniella received 11 votes in 2023 and 11 in 2018. Two former general managers round out the list: Sandy Alderson, 79, and Brian Sabean, 70.

Alderson served as executive vice president for baseball operations from 1998 to 2005. He was general manager for the Oakland Athletics from 1983 to 1997. The A’s won the 1989 World Series during his tenure. Sabean was the Giants’ general manager from 1996 to 2014, winning three World Series titles.

Bill White, 92, is the final candidate on the ballot. He played first base and outfield for four teams from 1956 to 1969. He won a World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals in 1964. He later served as National League president from 1989 to 1994.

The committee consists of 16 voters. A candidate needs 75% of the vote for election. Those selected will be inducted on July 25 alongside players chosen by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. The BBWAA balloting results are scheduled for January 19.