2014
A player must have been active during a 15-year period prior to election.
Feb. 8, 1991
Persons on baseball’s ineligible list cannot be eligible candidates.
1985
Candidates eligible for future elections if named on 5% of ballots cast in preceding election.
1980
- Candidates eligible for future elections if named on 5% of ballots cast, in either of two preceding elections.
- Five year rule was not waived immediately after Thurman Munson’s death. Munson appeared on 1981 ballot. From 1946-53, there was a one-year rule. From 1936-45, there was no wait. Due to WWII, it was unclear who was still active.
1979
Candidates eligible if named on 5% of ballots cast in preceding election.
1973
After Roberto Clemente dies, rule passed for immediate consideration for a candidate who dies who is still active, or before the five-year waiting period lapses. 1974: Amended to six months.
1968
Screening committee installed, limiting ballot to 40.
1966
Hold annual elections (1966 – present).
1962
A player must have been active during a 20-year period prior to election.
1962
Screening committee starts.
1960
- A player must have been active during a 30-year period prior to election.
- Runoff ballot reinstated (1960-68).for top 30 vote getters. Only needed in 1964 and 1967.
1958
Elections every other year (1958-65).
1954
Five year wait rule first implanted in 1954. Also accepting candidates who had received 100 votes in a previous election.
1949
- Runoff ballot required for top 20 vote getters in 1949 only.
- No second ballot (1949-59).
1947
Minimum of 10 years for BBWAA members to vote.
1946
- Hold second ballot if necessary
(1946-48).
- Hold annual elections (1946-57).
- A player must have been active during a 25-year period prior to election (1946-59).
1945
Nominating ballot in 1946 only. Top 20 vote getters comprise final ballot. Amended in Dec 1946.
1944
Elections held every three years (1945 only).
1939
Elections held every three years (1940-45).