Former Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter headlines 18 new Hall of Fame candidate class for the Hall of Fame in a ballot released by the Baseball Writers of America today. Jeter seems likely to be inducted on the first ballot after a legendary 20-year career that included 3,465 hits, 14 All-Star Games, five Gold Gloves, and four championship rings.
Former Royals outfielder Raúl Ibañez is also on the ballot for the first time. Ibañez enjoyed a 19-year career that included four seasons with the Royals, in which he hit .272/.335/.465 with 305 home runs and 20.4 WAR.
Other first-timers on the ballot include Bobby Abreu, Josh Beckett, Heath Bell, Eric Chavez, Adam Dunn, Chone Figins, Rafael Furcal, Jason Giambi, Paul Konerko, Cliff Lee, Carlos Peña, Brad Penny, J.