After a disappointing Hall of Fame class in 2013 (as in zero elected players), the 2014 Hall of Fame class looks promising. There are several former players who are eligible for election for the first time in 2014. Thanks to these players who have just become eligible, this is the largest class in over 15 years.

The 2014 class announced at 11 am on MLB Network; and included three players who got in during their first year of eligibility: Tom Galvine, Greg Maddux, and Frank Thomas. Managers Tony Larussa, Joe Torre, and Bobby Cox were all also announced as members of the class of 2014.

The Baseball Writers Association of America votes on the players — that have been retired for a minimum of five seasons and a maximum of 15 — had a “Hall of Fame worthy career”. There are over 500 voters who are voting for the Hall of Fame, and all of those writers are limited to a total of 10 players per ballot. Former players have to earn more than five percent of the vote to remain eligible for election. To be elected into Cooperstown, the retired player has to garner more than 75% of the vote.

Greg Maddux was elected in his first year of eligibility for the Hall of Fame. Maddux spent an incredible 23 years pitching at the major league level before retiring, and is widely considered one of the most dominant pitchers during the so-called “Steroid Era”. He also won four NL Cy Young Awards during the course of his career.

Tom Glavine is joining his battery mate from Atlanta — Greg Maddux– in becoming a first ballot Hall of Famer. Glavine spent 22 years terrorizing batters in the National League; he spent 17 years in Atlanta. Tom Galvine also collected a couple of NL Cy Young Awards (two).

Frank Thomas was one of the most dominant hitters in the modern era — over a 19-year career as he posted an incredible OPS of .974. He spent 19-years playing Major League Baseball, 16 of those with the Chicago White Sox. Thomas won two AL MVP awards during his time in Chicago.

Craig Biggio barely missed out on joining the 2014 class with 74.8% of the vote.

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