Contemporary Baseball Era Hall of Fame ballot's Fernando Valenzuela decision

"Valenzuela received fewer than five votes from the 16-person committee. Candidates needed to receive votes on 75% (12) of the ballots cast by the Contemporary Era committee in order to gain induction into Cooperstown. The group only voted in Jeff Kent, who was on 14 of the ballots. Gary Sheffield is another former Dodgers player who also was up for consideration."

"Because of his total, Valenzuela is not eligible to be considered when the group reconvenes in 2028, but could return to the ballot in 2031. The Contemporary Baseball Era Committee ballot featured players whose most significant career impact was made since 1980, played at least 10 seasons and have been retired for 15 or more years. Kent will be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame on July 27, 2026, along with any electees who emerge from the Baseball Writers' Association of America vote."

"The beloved left-hander signed as a teenager out of Mexico and made his MLB debut in 1980, though only appeared in two games out of the bullpen. It was then the 1981 season that spawned "Fernandomania." Jerry Reuss was due to start Opening Day at Dodger Stadium but suffered a calf strain during batting practice, which prompted then-Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda to thrust Lasorda onto the mound."

Fernando Valenzuela fell short of election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on the Contemporary Era ballot, receiving fewer than five votes from a 16-person committee. Candidates needed 12 votes to gain induction, and only Jeff Kent earned election with 14 ballots. Gary Sheffield was also considered. Valenzuela cannot be re-evaluated by the committee until 2031. The Contemporary Baseball Era Committee considers players whose prime impact occurred since 1980, who played at least 10 seasons and have been retired 15 or more years. Valenzuela's statistical case is mixed, but his cultural and franchise impact was immense, including the 1981 "Fernandomania" season.

Read at Dodger Blue