In addition to the standard voting carried out yearly by the Baseball Writers Association of America, this year the Veterans Committee can elect players from a 25- man ballot. That ballot was compiled in several steps, which are explained at the Hall of Fame website. While the results of this election will not be announced until March 2nd, we wanted to review both Hall of Fame ballots together.

You once again can access an overview of our voting standards in our 2002 HOF article. In the following alphabetical review of the 25 players on the Veterans Committee ballot, I have linked to our previous commentary for players who also appeared on the 2003 Veterans Committee ballot. In most cases, I have nothing further to say with regards to these players, but where any change in our opinion has occurred all alterations are noted. A list of the players for whom we would vote if eligible follows the candidate reviews.

Dick Allen received Rotohelp's support as a Veterans Committee candidate in 2003.

Bobby Bonds

Ken Boyer

Rocky Colavito

Wes Ferrell

Curt Flood received Rotohelp's support as a Veterans Committee candidate in 2003.

Joe Gordon

Gil Hodges received Rotohelp's support as a Veterans Committee candidate in 2003. (Note: Upon further review, the Hall of Fame does consider overall contribution to the game of Baseball for those with careers as both players and managers/executives/umpires.)

Elston Howard

Jim Kaat received Rotohelp's vote in 2002 and 2003.

Mickey Lolich

Sparky Lyle pitched a few strong seasons of relief for the Yankees. He even won the 1977 American League Cy Young Award. However, the practical jokester's career does not warrant recognition in the Hall of Fame.

Marty Marion

Roger Maris

Carl Mays

Minnie Minoso

Thurman Munson

Don Newcombe

Tony Oliva

Vada Pinson

Ron Santo received Rotohelp's support as a Veterans Committee candidate in 2003.

Luis Tiant: While Tiant did not fit on our ballot in 2002, we felt he deserved consideration by the Veterans Committee and now believe he warrants a place in the Hall of Fame.

Joe Torre received Rotohelp's support as a Veterans Committee candidate in 2003. (Note: Upon further review, the Hall of Fame does consider overall contribution to the game of Baseball for those with careers as both players and managers/executives/umpires.)

Maury Wills

Smokey Joe Wood likely would have earned a place in the Hall of Fame if not for an arm injury that cut short the flame-thrower's pitching career. Following that injury, he played a few productive seasons in the outfield. However, his overall contributions do not add up to Hall of Fame worthiness.