Awesome idea. I'm a fairly new member, but have been studying the game for half a century so I hope everyone gets to participate.
I would love to see presentations by experts on each era. I for one am fairly ignorant of the 1900s. I know who is in now, but would love to hear from people passionate about that era about who is really deserving and why.
My ideas for eras would be pre 1894, 1894-1919, 1920-1945, 1946-1968, 1969-1995, 1996-2007. The rules more or less became modern in 1894. The ball changed about 1919-20. Black players came in in 1946. The mound dropped in 1969. Steroids? Who knows? But that is 6 distinct eras IMHO. Basically 20-25 year blocks.
You could start at the beginning. Or vote one player from each era in. I think forget the present HOF. Everybody eligible. Start from fresh.
As far as guys with baggage: gambling, drinking, steroids, being a general pain in the butt, I say that people will vote their conscience on that anyway.
The top black players should be on the ballot for the pre Jackie Robinson eras. Not many stats, but plenty of stories.
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