Tigers shortstop Alan Trammell and pitcher Jack Morris both fell short of the 2012 Hall of Fame induction.
Trammell, who spent his entire season with the Tigers managed 36.8 percent of the vote while Morris, who was the Tigers staff ace during the 80’s got 66.7 percent of the vote.
The Hall of Fame requires former players on the ballot to get at least 75 percent of the vote.
However despite not making the cut this year, both Trammell and Morris made nice strides this year in their quest to finally make the Hall.
This year’s inductee, Reds shortstop Barry Larkin had very similar career numbers to Trammell and spent his entire career with one team.
Morris who improved on his vote getting from 53.5 percent is on the cusp of an induction with his near 70 vote this year.
There is a drawback though.
Chris Iott of Mlive.com, takes a look at the very controversial 2013 ballot which could slow the momentum that both Trammell and Morris have.
Here is what Iott has to say…
If the 2013 class were as weak as the 2012 group, Morris would be elected and Trammell would gain serious ground, especially with the comparisons to Larkin still fresh in everyone’s minds. But some big names debut on the ballot next season, including a handful of players that are tainted by steroid accusations.
Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa are among those who will be on the ballot for the first time in 2013. Craig Biggio, Curt Schilling and Mike Piazza will be, too.
At that point, discussions will not center on whether Morris deserves entry despite his 3.90 career ERA or whether Trammell is as worthy a candidate as Larkin, it will center on steroids and how much voters should/will penalize players based on performance-enhancing drugs.
Morris and Trammell might get lost in the shuffle a bit.
What could even be more troublesome for Morris is he could be taken off the ballot if he isn’t voted in within the next two years. Trammell on the other hand has four more years before he can be taken off the ballot.
Still Tigers fans shouldn’t worry too much as Trammell and Morris have probably done enough to both get in within the next couple years.
Ref: Mlive.com, CBS Sports (image)
