Baker and Piniella Join 2027 Hall of Fame Ballot
Two former Cincinnati Reds managers are among eight candidates the Contemporary Baseball Era Committee will consider this December.
By Samir Doyle ·
The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum has released its 2026 Contemporary Baseball Era ballot, featuring two former Cincinnati Reds managers among eight candidates.
Dusty Baker and Lou Piniella appear alongside Sandy Alderson, Bruce Bochy, Joe Maddon, Brian Sabean, Ted Turner, and Bill White. The committee comprises four managers and four executives. All candidates except Turner are living. The group will meet on Dec. 6 in San Diego to cast their votes. MLB Network will announce the results live at 8 p.m. ET on that day.
Baker managed 26 seasons for the Giants, Cubs, Reds, Nationals, and Astros. He led the Reds from 2008 to 2013. His tenure included 13 postseason appearances and a 2022 World Series title with the Houston Astros. Baker won the Manager of the Year Award three times in 1993, 1997, and 2000. As a player, he won a World Series with the 1981 Dodgers and was a two-time All-Star.
Piniella managed 23 seasons for the Yankees, Reds, Mariners, Devil Rays, and Cubs, winning 1,835 games. He managed Cincinnati from 1990 to 1992 and led the team to the 1990 World Series championship. He also guided the 2001 Mariners to an American League record 116 victories. Piniella earned Manager of the Year honors in 1995, 2001, and 2008. His 18-year playing career included a .291 average and World Series rings with the 1977 and 1978 Yankees.
Candidates must receive votes from 75% of the committee to be elected. Those who earn induction will be installed in Cooperstown on July 25, 2027. That ceremony will also include electees from the 2027 Baseball Writers’ Association of America election, scheduled for announcement on Jan. 19, 2027.
The Contemporary Baseball Era Committee is one of three groups in the Hall of Fame selection process. It considers managers, umpires, and executives whose primary contributions occurred since 1980. A separate ballot for players in this era will be considered in the fall of 2028. The Classic Baseball Era Committee, which handles candidates with pre-1980 contributions, will next meet in the fall of 2027.
