Past National Commander Dan Dellinger presents the American Legion Baseball Graduate of the Year trophy to Michael Cuddyer of the New York Mets on June 11, 2015.

2 ALB alums among 1st-time Baseball Hall of Fame nominees

Eight former American Legion Baseball players are on the 2021 ballot for the Baseball Hall of Fame, including two first-timers in pitcher A.J. Burnett and outfielder Michael Cuddyer, the 2014 American Legion Baseball Graduate of the Year.

None of the first-time nominees are considered locks for induction in their first year of eligibility. Voting by the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA) will take place through Dec. 31, with the results announced Jan. 26, 2021.

The 2021 Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown, N.Y., is scheduled for July 25. The event will also include induction of the 2020 Hall of Fame class; the 2020 ceremony was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The 2020 Hall of Fame class includes Derek Jeter, Larry Walker, the late Marvin Miller, and American Legion Baseball alum Ted Simmons.

Players must receive at least 75 percent of the vote to enter the Hall of Fame, and must receive at least 5 percent of the vote to remain on the ballot for next year if they aren’t elected to the Hall. Players can stay on the ballot for up to 10 years before their election eligibility in the BBWAA vote ends.

The nominees for the Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2021:

• Bobby Abreu, 2nd year on ballot.

• Barry Bonds, 9th year on ballot, American Legion Baseball alumnus.

• Mark Buerhle, 1st year on ballot.

• A.J. Burnett, 1st year on ballot, American Legion Baseball alumnus.

• Roger Clemens, 9th year on ballot, American Legion Baseball alumnus.

• Michael Cuddyer, 1st year on ballot, American Legion Baseball alumnus.

• Dan Haren, 1st year on ballot.

• LaTroy Hawkins, 1st year on ballot.

• Todd Helton, 3rd year on ballot.

• Tim Hudson, 1st year on ballot.

• Torii Hunter, 1st year on ballot.

• Andruw Jones, 4th year on ballot.

• Jeff Kent, 8th year on ballot, American Legion Baseball alumnus.

• Andy Pettitte, 3rd year on ballot, American Legion Baseball alumnus.

• Aramis Ramirez, 1st year on ballot.

• Manny Ramirez, 5th year on ballot.

• Scott Rolen, 4th year on ballot, American Legion Baseball alumnus.

• Curt Schilling, 9th year on ballot.

• Gary Sheffield, 7th year on ballot, American Legion Baseball alumnus.

• Sammy Sosa, 9th year on ballot.

• Nick Swisher, 1st year on ballot.

• Shane Victorino, 1st year on ballot.

• Omar Vizquel, 4th year on ballot.

• Billy Wagner, 6th year on ballot.

• Barry Zito, 1st year on ballot.