Cleveland Legends Face Last Chance for Hall of Fame Induction

Two notable players from Cleveland’s baseball history, Manny Ramirez and Omar Vizquel, face their final opportunity for Hall of Fame induction. The Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) has released the 2026 ballot, featuring both former Indians players among others vying for a place in Cooperstown.

Cleveland Legends on the 2026 Hall of Fame Ballot

This year’s ballot includes 12 newcomers and 15 holdover candidates. Ramirez is in his tenth and last year of eligibility, while Vizquel enters his ninth year on the ballot. Unfortunately, both players face steep odds for induction.

• Manny Ramirez: 555 career home runs, 12-time All-Star, 9 Silver Sluggers, 2004 World Series MVP.
• Omar Vizquel: 11 Gold Gloves as a shortstop; previously received 52% of the vote in 2020.

To be elected, a player needs at least 75% of the votes from approximately 400 BBWAA members. Historically, Ramirez has not surpassed 34% of the vote, primarily due to concerns over his prior performance-enhancing drug use.

Challenges for Vizquel

Vizquel’s candidacy has faced setbacks as well. In 2020, he held significant voting momentum, but allegations of domestic abuse and a lawsuit related to claims of sexual harassment have hindered his path. His support dwindled to 17.8% in 2025, a sharp decline from earlier years.

Ramirez and Vizquel were pivotal figures during their time with the Indians, contributing to six AL Central titles and World Series appearances in 1995 and 1997.

Newcomers to the Ballot

This year’s ballot also introduces several former Indians, including:

• Shin-Soo Choo: Played for the Indians from 2006 to 2012, with a career batting average over .300.
• Edwin Encarnacion: Highlighted by a three-year, $60 million deal with Cleveland, he recorded 424 career home runs.

Other notable newcomers include Ryan Braun, Matt Kemp, and Alex Gordon, among others. Each player can remain on the ballot for a maximum of 10 years if they receive at least 5% of the votes annually.

Key Dates and Voting Process

Ballots are due by December 31, 2025. The results will be announced on January 20, 2026, at 6 p.m. Meanwhile, last year’s inductees included Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Billy Wagner, showcasing the competitive nature of Hall of Fame voting.

As the deadline approaches, the baseball community will watch closely to see whether these Cleveland legends will receive the recognition they deserve in Cooperstown.