PHILADELPHIA – The Philadelphia Phillies have announced the ballot of 12 candidates eligible to be named the 38th inductee of the organization's Wall of Fame on Friday, Aug. 12.
- Steve Bedrosian, RHP (1986-89)
- Larry Christenson, RHP (1973-83)*
- Jim Fregosi, Manager (1991-96)*
- Gene Garber, RHP (1974-78)*
- Jim Konstanty, RHP (1948-54)*
- Fred Luderus, 1B (1910-20)*
- Ron Reed, RHP (1976-83)*
- Scott Rolen, 3B (1996-02)
- Jim Thome, 1B (2003-05; 2012)
- Manny Trillo, 2B (1979-82)
- Pinky Whitney, 3B (1928-33; 1936-39)*
- Rick Wise, RHP (1964; 1966-71)*
* Appeared on 2015 Wall of Fame ballot
Any inductee in the past needed "five or more years of service" to be eligible, however it appears the Phillies have reworded the requirements:
2016 Wall of Fame eligibility requirements: "Players, managers and coaches with four or more years of service are eligible. All candidates must be retired for three years before they can be eligible for the 12-man ballot. In addition to a player's statistical record, consideration is given to longevity, ability, contributions to the Phillies and baseball, character, plus special achievements."
2015 Wall of Fame eligibility requirements: "Players with five or more years of service are eligible. Managers and coaches need four or more years of service. All candidates must be retired for three years before they can be eligible for the 12-man ballot. In addition to a player's statistical record, consideration is given to longevity, ability, contributions to the Phillies and baseball, character, plus special achievements."
This change benefits first baseman Jim Thome in 2016, along with 2010 National League Cy Young Award winner Roy Halladay potentially in the future, who were Phillies for only four seasons.
Outfielder Tony Gonzalez and catcher/coaches "Irish Mike" Ryan and Jimmy Wilson, who were Wall of Fame candidates in 2015, have been left off this year's ballot.
Fans can select their top three choices from a 12-man ballot of Phillies alumni. A first place vote is worth five points, second place three points and third place one point. The top five fan consensus choices as determined by total points will serve as the official ballot for a special Wall of Fame Selection Committee that will choose this year's inductee.
One noticeable name that is absent from the ballot is 2008 World Series champion Jamie Moyer. On Jan. 19, it was reported by NJ.com that he and Rolen would be included on the ballot. The Moyer Foundation confirmed the report on Facebook two days later.
Voting has officially begun on phillies.com and will conclude Monday, March 7, at 5 p.m.
Matt Rappa (@mattrappasports) is managing editor of Philliedelphia.com.
