Why did Andruw Jones have to wait nine years for the Hall of Fame?

COOPERSTOWN – Curaçao native Andruw Jones was officially inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame yesterday, as previously reported by Noticiacla. But many fans are asking: Why did it take so long, and how does a player get into the Hall of Fame?

Jones first appeared on the Hall of Fame ballot in 2017, after meeting the requirement of being retired from Major League Baseball for at least five years. It took him nine ballots before he finally surpassed the required 75% of the vote needed for election.

How does a player get into the Baseball Hall of Fame?

The election is conducted by a committee and members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA).

To qualify, a player must:

Have played at least 10 seasons in Major League Baseball.

Be retired for at least five years.

Be approved by a screening committee to appear on the ballot.

Receive more than 75% of the votes cast by eligible baseball journalists.

Jones fell short during his first eight years on the ballot, but on his ninth attempt he finally earned enough support to join baseball's immortals.