2021 KC Royals Hall of Fame ballots are out, but who should go In?

Ballots for this year’s KC Royals Hall of Fame class have been mailed out. Let’s take a look at each player to justify both induction and rejection.

The Royals Hall of Fame (RHOF) was originally established in 1986 to “celebrate the accomplishments of individuals who have made exceptional contributions to Kansas City Royals baseball, both on and off the field”.

The first inductees in 1986 were pitcher Steve Busby and outfielder Amos Otis. Currently, there are 18 players, two managers, and six others who have played a significant role within the organization. The last person to be inducted was Mike Sweeney in 2015. It is the longest stretch (six years) where someone has not been inducted.

According to the RHOF website, to be eligible for the first time players must have been:

"“…active in the Major Leagues at some time during a period beginning twelve (12) years before and ending three (3) years or more prior to election. Eligible players that received a minimum of ten percent (10%) of the vote in the most recent prior election cycle remain on the ballot for up to five cycles. All eligible players must have been active with the Kansas City Royals for at least three (3) seasons and accumulated a minimum of 1,500 plate appearances or 300 innings pitched. Those eligible shall have ceased to be an active on-field member of the Kansas City Royals (or for any other Major League Organization) in the role for which they are being considered for at least three (3) calendar years preceding the election – but may be otherwise connected to the Royals or another Major League Organization.”"

The RHOF voting takes place every other year (odd years) and consists of 40 electors. Those electors include: current living members of the RHOF, select Royals board members, select members of the Kansas City Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association, selected Kansas City Electronic Media Members, select members of the Royals Front Office Staff, and finally Royals fans will represent two electors through an online vote. Through fan voting, the top three vote-getters will receive two full votes.

To be inducted into the RHOF, someone needs to garner 75% of the votes. To remain on the ballot for the next voting cycle, those eligible need to get at least 10% of the elector votes.

So Royals fans your vote matters. Let’s break down everyone eligible on the ballot and break down why they should get votes to be in the RHOF and also why they shouldn’t receive a vote.