Ripken's power and his defense at shortstop would have made him a Hall of Fame candidate even without the streak.

Gossage might be a borderline Hall of Fame candidate, but Rivera is an obvious choice.

But he didn't have to beat out any Hall of Fame candidates.

Hall of Fame candidates must also have established a personal reputation for character and citizenship.

He left Minnesota as a Hall of Fame candidate and has been good, not great, here.

Those who said Rose didn't belong thought that Hall of Fame candidates should also be judged by their personal character and actions off the field.

Young is a Hall of Fame candidate who has contributed a tremendous amount to the game.

In theory, one Hall of Fame candidate's credentials should not be measured against those of another candidate.

Some didn't believe that a valid Hall of Fame candidate, not even Stargell, existed on this year's ballot.

He is not the same pitcher, but at 40, he's a winning pitcher who needs only two victories for 200 as a Hall of Fame candidate.