What Is 2015 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting resulted in the induction of Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz, and Craig Biggio, with voters from the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) electing players based on a 75% threshold from eligible ballots.

Key Facts

Randy Johnson received 97.3% of the vote in the 2015 Hall of Fame balloting
Pedro Martinez was elected with 91.1% of the vote
John Smoltz earned 82.7% of the vote and was elected in his first year of eligibility
Craig Biggio made it with 79.7% of the vote after falling short the previous year
The BBWAA requires a player to receive votes on at least 75% of ballots to be inducted

Overview

The 2015 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting marked a significant year in baseball history, with four standout players earning induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Conducted by the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA), the election highlighted both dominant pitchers and a versatile position player who had long careers and impressive statistics.

This class was particularly notable because it included three pitchers who defined their era and a switch-hitter whose career spanned two decades. Voter sentiment shifted notably from previous years, especially in the case of Craig Biggio, who gained enough support after being just short in 2014.

Randy Johnson received 97.3% of the vote, one of the highest percentages in Hall of Fame history, reflecting his dominance as a left-handed power pitcher over 22 seasons.
Pedro Martinez was elected with 91.1% of the vote, recognized for his peak performance, especially during his years with the Boston Red Sox and Montreal Expos.
John Smoltz earned 82.7% of the vote in his first year of eligibility, notable for being both a top starting pitcher and a successful closer later in his career.
Craig Biggio was inducted with 79.7% of the vote after receiving 74.8% in 2014, becoming the first player elected after falling just short the previous year.
The 75% threshold required for induction was met by all four inductees, with no other players reaching that benchmark, though several remained on the ballot for future consideration.

How It Works

The BBWAA Hall of Fame voting process follows a structured set of rules and eligibility criteria that determine which players are considered and how ballots are cast.

Eligibility: Players must have played at least 10 seasons in Major League Baseball and be retired for at least five full years to appear on the ballot.
Voting Body: Only members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America with at least 10 years of experience are eligible to vote, and they may vote for up to 10 players.
Vote Threshold: A candidate must be named on at least 75% of ballots cast to earn induction into the Hall of Fame, a strict standard ensuring broad consensus.
Ballot Longevity: Players may remain on the ballot for up to 15 years, provided they receive at least 5% of the vote each year, as was the case with Biggio in prior years.
Retention Rules: Players who drop below 5% are removed from future ballots, ending their eligibility through the BBWAA process, though they may later be considered by committees.
Historical Context: The 2015 vote occurred amid ongoing debate about steroid-era players, with Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Mark McGwire on the ballot but falling well short of 75%.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the top vote-getters in the 2015 Hall of Fame balloting, highlighting vote percentages and career milestones.

Player	Vote %	Years Active	Primary Team	Hall Eligibility Year
Randy Johnson	97.3%	1988–2009	Arizona Diamondbacks	First
Pedro Martinez	91.1%	1992–2009	Boston Red Sox	First
John Smoltz	82.7%	1988–2009	Atlanta Braves	First
Craig Biggio	79.7%	1988–2007	Houston Astros	Second
Roger Clemens	37.5%	1984–2007	Toronto Blue Jays	Third

This table illustrates how first-time candidates dominated the top of the ballot, while holdovers like Biggio benefited from increased support. The gap between inductees and non-inductees underscored ongoing controversies surrounding performance-enhancing drugs, which continued to influence voter decisions despite strong statistical cases for some excluded players.

Why It Matters

The 2015 Hall of Fame election had lasting implications for how voters assess legacy, peak performance, and ethical considerations in baseball.

Randy Johnson’s near-unanimous election reinforced the value of sustained dominance, including 303 wins and 4,875 strikeouts over his career.
Pedro Martinez’s induction celebrated one of the most electric peak performances in history, with a 2.93 ERA and 3,154 strikeouts despite injury-plagued later years.
John Smoltz’s dual role as starter and closer—earning 210 wins and 154 saves—highlighted versatility rarely seen in modern pitchers.
Craig Biggio’s comeback set a precedent, showing that players can gain momentum and be elected after narrowly missing the threshold.
The continued exclusion of Bonds and Clemens reflected voter hesitation, despite both having over 70 WAR and MVP awards, due to alleged steroid use.
This class also emphasized the Atlanta Braves’ 1990s dynasty, with Smoltz joining previously inducted teammates like Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine.

The 2015 balloting remains a pivotal moment in Hall of Fame history, balancing statistical excellence with the evolving standards of sports integrity and legacy recognition.