News
Fans to pick new Reds Hall of Famers
Ten players on the ballot for the Class of 2010
1988 NL Rookie of the Year Chris Sabo spent seven seasons with the Reds. (Getty Images)
By Steve Gartner / MLB.com
07/29/09 2:26 PM ET
CINCINNATI -- The Reds announced Wednesday their Hall of Fame Ballot for the Class of 2010 and fans will get the chance to vote for more than one candidate for the first time. The ballot includes Bret Boone, Jeff Brantley, Norm Charlton, John Franco, Danny Graves, Kevin Mitchell, Hal Morris, Paul O'Neill, Chris Sabo and Scott Sullivan. "We look at the Hall of Fame as really a tribute to the fan and how the fans have played a role in creating the really wonderful history," said executive director of the Reds Hall of Fame Rick Walls said. "Allowing them to pick the next Hall of Famer is really the way to go." The 10 players on the ballot were selected among a group of more than 50 who fit the eligible criteria of having played for the Reds in the last 13 seasons, having played for the Reds for at least three years and in their third year of retirement. Walls said an election committee uses a number of criteria to narrow the list to 10. "It's not about batting average or home runs," Walls said. "It could be about leadership, their impact, their longevity -- there's a lot of factors. That's what's beautiful about it." Fans can vote starting Aug. 1 until Sept. 2 at various ballot box locations, including the Cincinnati Hall of Fame and Museum, Great American Ballpark, participating Skyline locations and online at reds.com. Barry Larkin won the election last year. Walls said fans can vote for up to three players this year after only being able to vote for one player last year. "This will broaden the response among the players on the ballot," Walls said.Steve Gartner is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
