Why didn't Cal Ripkin, Jr receive 100% of the ballots for hall of fame?

Question

So, Cal Ripkin will be inducted this year into the hall of fame after receiving 537 out of 545 votes, which is the 3rd highest percentage of all time.

But it's hard for me to understand why he didn't receive 100% of the votes. Did those 8 people not cast the ballot? Cal Ripkin, Jr played in 19 All-Star games winning 2 all-star MVPs. He was a Rookie of the Year, 2-time MVP, 8-time Silver Slugger winner, and obviously he has the record for most consecutive games played. Plus, he hit 431 home runs, good enough for 37th place; and 3184 hits, good enough for 14th place. And he was part of a world series winning team. And he's renowned as being a great role model.

Given all of this - how could any writer who is casting their ballot for hall of fame - and keep in mind these guys cover MLB - have not voted for him as a hall of famer?

Can someone give me a good reason why Cal Ripkin, Jr does not deserve to be in the hall of fame?

TheDeadJester · Accepted Answer

The reason is some Baseball Writers with the opportunity to vote have publicly said that they never vote for a first time player on the ballot. Another reason is that Paul Ladewski of the Daily Southtown in Chicago that turned in a blank ballot because of Performance Enhancing Drugs in MLB. Saying he has "Doubts" about the hall.

Anonymous · Answer

Griffey should definitely be a first ballot hall-of-famer. There have only been six guys in the history of the game who have hit 600 homeruns- and you wonder if Bonds and Sosa are legit. Griffey was solid as a defensive center-fielder- and it's not far fetched to believe had he not suffered all those injuries that he would be baseball's all-time leading home run hitter- so yes, Griffey is definitely a first ballot hall-of-famer. He's first ballot no doubt!

nrm801 · Answer

These are the same people that used to pencil in Pete Rose, they banned the man from baseball, thats reason enough not to consider Rose. Cal Ripken, Jr was an ambassador for the MLB. They wish the majority of players carried themselves as he did.

In the end, as long as he got accepted to the hall of fame with no major drama, he is going where he belongs.

Forreal · Answer

There are old school sports writers that belive that no players these days should get 100 %...These clown sports writers are old school loser baseball fans that wish baseball was still played by the players they used to dream about.  They vote no cause they think the Babe and old school players are the the only players to be voted in 100%

Adapted_For_The_Screen · Answer

Because the baseball writers of america are douchebags that are mad that they never had the talent to play in the majors so they hold it over these guys when it comes time to get into Cooperstown. Ripken and Gwynn deserved to get in there at 100%

Ira4632 · Answer

There is one guy, I think Bill Conlin of the Philadelphia Daily News, who refuses to vote for anyone the first ballot because he said he thinks no one deserves a 100% vote.

Anonymous · Answer

Well I to believe he should've gotten at least 90 pct. He was just phenomenal as a player, team leader,and role model. And we was very tough idont think i could even play 50 games

jc · Answer

because theres always that one person that doesnt vote for the obvious the old timers usually dont  but t least hes in, its now rare to receive 100% and no one thinks itll happen again but theres talk if a-rod keeps his stats and get a ring or 2 he could get 100%

Knight-of-God · Answer

Every year this happens because a few writters abstain because of Pete Rose not being on the ballot.

Anonymous · Answer

I have no idea why. He was a great player and he deserved 100%

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Why didn't Cal Ripkin, Jr receive 100% of the ballots for hall of fame?

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