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Ballad of the Ballot recounts long waits for Kaat and peers
The piece traces Jim Kaat and Minnesota teammate Tony Oliva's extended paths to Hall of Fame eligibility. Kaat endured 15 years on the writers ballot with a peak around 29.6 percent before Veterans Committee voting, and Oliva rose to the 40s before leaving the writers ballot, ultimately gaining induction alongside Minnie Minoso, whose 52 years of persistence culminated in 1986 after a stopstart journey.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jim Kaat
Kaat
Zeeland
Baseball Writers
Hall of Fame
Minnesota Twins
Tony Oliva
Oliva
Veterans Committee
Minnie Minoso
Bob Allison
Baseball Hall of Fame
William Seaman
Star Tribune