PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — For the first time since 2013, third time since 1971 and ninth time overall, the Baseball Writers’ Association of America didn’t elect anyone to the Hall of Fame.
One former Phillies pitcher came closer than anyone else on the ballot this year. That would be Phils Wall of Famer Curt Schilling, who missed the 75% threshold by 16 votes. He came up short 20 votes in 2020.
Schilling had an excellent baseball career with three World Series titles, a World Series MVP, a NLCS MVP, six All-Star teams, a 3.46 ERA, an even better ERA in the playoffs — as well as other accolades, including winning the Roberto Clemente Award in 2001, which is given to players who show sportsmanship and community service, among other qualities.
However — after his career, Schilling has made frequent offensive, derogatory and dangerous comments on social media — including a recent tweet in support of the assault on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6.
Hall of Fame voters are tasked to elect members "based upon the player’s record, playing ability, integrity, sportsmanship, character, and contributions to the team(s) on which the player played."
Schilling has one more year of eligibility on the ballot, however he has requested the Hall of Fame to remove him from the ballot and send him directly to the veterans committee.
"I will not participate in the final year of voting," Schilling wrote in the lengthy letter that he shared on Facebook. "I am requesting to be removed from the ballot. I’ll defer to the veterans committee and men whose opinions actually matter and who are in a position to actually judge a player. I don’t think I’m a hall of famer as I’ve often stated, but if former players think I am, then I’ll accept that with honor."
In his post, the 54-year-old also pointed to the number of humanitarian awards he won during his long career.
According to the Associated Press, Hall of Fame Board Chairman Jane Forbes Clark said in a statement that they’ll "consider the request at our next meeting."
The BBWAA has said that removing Schilling from consideration would be against the rules.
Schilling’s candidacy and whether he should be voted in has been and will be debated publicly.
The next-closest candidates this year are Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, both of whom come with controversial histories as well.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.