January 9, 2013
Curt Schilling has accomplished many milestones over his career, but being a first ballot Hall of Famer isn't one of them.
The 216 game winner and former Phillie received only 38.8 percent of the 75 percent of the vote needed from the Baseball Writers Association of America to be inducted.
Schilling is not the only one who did not make the cut though. In fact, not a single player on this year's ballot received enough votes for induction. This is the first time since 1996 that no player will be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Not surprising considering the ballot is headlined by first ballot players who are viewed as the poster boys for steroid use, including the likes of Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa and Roger Clemens.
The inclusion of players who are known for being linked to steroid use, rather than for the illustrious* careers they had made it difficult for the players who didn't use performance enhancing drugs to get into the hall. Like fellow first ballot player Craig Biggio (68.2 percent of the vote), who got 3,060 hits over his career and Schilling.
Schilling pitched nine seasons in Philadelphia, winning 101 games recording an ERA of 3.35. Schilling was the team's ace in their run to clinch the NL Pennant in 1993.
Over his entire 20-year career, Schilling has a 3.46 ERA and 3116 strikeouts in 3261 innings pitched
Schilling won three World Series with Arizona in 2001 and then in Boston in 2004 and 2007. He was the MVP for the 1993 NLCS and the 2001 World Series.
Although Schilling did not make it in this year, he will get another chance to earn enough votes next year along with the rest of the players on the ballot. However, the ones who are known or even suspected to have used steroids are going to have a tough time making it in.
To see the ballot results, click here.
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