Overview
- The Contemporary Era Committee convenes Sunday to decide the Hall of Fame’s 2026 class, with Fernando Valenzuela among eight candidates that include Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Carlos Delgado, Jeff Kent, Don Mattingly, Dale Murphy and Gary Sheffield.
- Sixteen voters drawn from Hall of Famers, two club owners, former executives, two journalists and a historian can select up to three names, and election requires a 75% share of ballots.
- The Hall’s revised procedures adopted in March specify that any candidate receiving fewer than five votes will be left off the ballot for the next triennial cycle.
- Successful candidates will be enshrined on July 26, 2026 in a ceremony alongside the BBWAA’s selections.
- Valenzuela’s case blends on-field credentials—173–153 record, 3.54 ERA, 2,074 strikeouts, six All-Star selections, the 1981 Cy Young and Rookie of the Year, and a 1990 no-hitter on the same day as Dave Stewart—with the lasting cultural impact of Fernandomanía, which significantly grew Latino attendance at Dodger Stadium; he previously drew 6.2% (2003) and 3.8% (2004) on BBWAA ballots.