FanHouse GregVaughn

The 2009 Hall of Fame headlines rightfully belong to Rickey Henderson, who was elected the first year he was eligible, and Jim Rice, who was elected the very last year he was eligible. As for everyone else, well, there's always next year, right?

The short answer: it depends.

In Tommy John's case, no, there is no next year. Like Rice, this was John's 15th year on the ballot, the most that the Baseball Writers Association of America allows before ruling a player ineligible to be included on future ballots. Now, the only way John will ever be inducted is if the Veterans Committee votes him in -- that's the same committee that has inducted exactly one player since 2001.

From the Windup is FanHouse's extended look at a particular portion of America's pastime.

The 2009 Hall of Fame ballot was released Monday, and with it is certain to come heated debate right up until and after the voting results are revealed on Jan. 12, 2009. This year's class of candidates is similar to last year's, in that it's a shallow group.

There is only one sure-fire Hall of Famer among the 23 candidates, which means this is a critical vote for the borderline players who have been up for election on multiple occasions. Now is the time for those borderline guys to get over the top or make a big push to lay the groundwork for election in future years.

After the jump is a breakdown of the ballot, complete with what I think will happen and what should happen with this year's class of Cooperstown contenders.

For the extremely low price of $450.00, you can buy a brick that will accompany the statue of Tony Gwynn which is set to be released at Petco Park in the near future. There are four different bricks you have an option of purchasing should you be so inclined as to support Mr. Gwynn and the Padres. Naturally, the price ascends based on the style and length of message you would like to appear on the brick.

As Gaslamp Ball points out, proceeds benefit the Padres Foundation for Children -- whatever that is. I have an idea for a message, "Dedicated to Tony Gwynn, the best Padres hitter EVER," with all apologies to Greg Vaughn and Garry Templeton of course. As far as ways for fans to show love to their favorite player, this is pretty cool. Certainly beats the heck out of buying a jersey.

Previously at FanHouse:
Dennis Green Says Bronze Tony Gwynn's Ass