The Hall of Fame ballot goes out to Baseball Writers’ Association of America voters this week, starting the annual debate over which former players are worthy of attaining baseball immortality.
Two prominent Chicago players, White Sox left-hander Mark Buehrle and Cubs third baseman Aramis Ramirez, are making their first appearance, though both are considered long shots to make it to Cooperstown, N.Y.
Buehrle has a better chance down the road than Ramirez, but his path might depend on whether voters value his consistency over the long haul above sheer dominance.
The usual polarizing suspects also are on the 2021 ballot, including Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Curt Schilling, who has a shot after being selected on 70% of the ballots last year, close to the 75% necessary for election.