Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred announced the reinstatement of 17 deceased players from the permanently ineligible list. This move primarily serves the purpose of evaluating these players for the Hall of Fame. The Hall has already stated that these players will be assessed by the Historical Overview Committee for possible inclusion in the Classic Baseball Era Committee ballot for December 2027.
Among the reinstated players, the notable names are Pete Rose and ‘Shoeless’ Joe Jackson. Several other players were also involved in scandalous events, notably the 1919 Black Sox Scandal.
No chance
- Buck Weaver: Noteworthy for his role in the Black Sox Scandal.
- Happy Felsch: Played only parts of six seasons.
- Chick Gandil: Finished with 19.4 WAR but connected to the scandal.
- Phil Douglas: Was banned but had a mediocre career.
- Lefty Williams: Had a good last season, but overall performance fell short.
- Lee Magee: Career ended due to a game-fixing scandal.
- Fred McMullin, Swede Risberg, Joe Gedeon, Gene Paulette, Jimmy O’Connell, Cozy Dolan, William Cox also featured in the scandal and lack solid Hall credentials.
Not out of the question
- Eddie Cicotte: Strong pitching history could lend him credibility despite his ban.
- Benny Kauff: Once a top player, his character was deemed inappropriate despite being acquitted of certain charges.
Overall, only Pete Rose and Joe Jackson seem likely candidates based on their performances despite their tumultuous pasts. The discussion surrounding their Hall chances continues as opinions vary widely across the fan base.
