COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — The upcoming baseball Hall of Fame elections for the classic era committee will feature eight candidates, including notable names such as Dick Allen, Dave Parker, and Luis Tiant. The meeting is scheduled for December 8 during the winter meetings in Dallas.

Alongside Allen, Parker, and Tiant, the ballot also includes Tommy John, Steve Garvey, and Ken Boyer. Additionally, former Negro Leaguers John Donaldson and Vic Harris have been nominated. The classic era committee is tasked with recognizing players, managers, umpires, and executives who significantly contributed to baseball prior to 1980.

The 16 individuals voting on the candidates will be disclosed as the meeting date approaches. To secure a Hall of Fame induction, a candidate must garner 75% of the votes. Those elected will be honored in a ceremony on July 27, alongside individuals chosen through the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA), whose selections will be revealed on January 21.

Among the candidates, Parker, John, and Garvey are still living. Tiant, who passed away on October 8 at age 83, made significant contributions during his career.

Dick Allen recorded a career batting average of .292, hitting 351 home runs and driving in 1,119 RBIs from 1963 to 1977. He was celebrated as a seven-time All-Star, earning the National League Rookie of the Year honors in 1964 and the American League MVP award in 1972.

Dave Parker, at age 73, boasts a career average of .290, with 339 home runs and 1,493 RBIs accumulated during his time in the league from 1973 to 1991. He achieved the NL MVP award in 1978 and won batting titles in both 1977 and 1978, consolidating his status as a seven-time All-Star.

Luis Tiant made his mark as a four-time 20-game winner, finishing his career with a 229-172 record and a 3.30 ERA from 1964 through 1982. The three-time All-Star was also recognized with two American League ERA titles during his time.

Tommy John, now 81, concluded his 26-season career (1963-1989) with an impressive record of 288 wins and 231 losses, along with a 3.34 ERA. Notably, he became known for undergoing pioneering elbow ligament-replacement surgery in 1974, a procedure that has since carried his name as “Tommy John surgery.” He is a four-time All-Star.

Steve Garvey, aged 75, recorded a .294 batting average, 272 home runs, and 1,308 RBIs from 1969 to 1987. He was named the 1974 National League MVP and played a pivotal role in the Los Angeles Dodgers’ victory in the 1981 World Series. Garvey set a record for playing 1,207 consecutive games at first base in the National League.

Ken Boyer was another baseball legend, earning 11 All-Star selections and hitting for a .287 average, along with 282 home runs and 1,141 RBIs over his career from 1955 to 1969. He was awarded the NL MVP title in 1964 during his tenure with the World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals.

John Donaldson, who showcased his talents in the Negro Leagues and before them, pitched for over 30 years, contributing significantly to the sport’s history. Vic Harris spent 18 seasons primarily as an outfielder for the Homestead Grays in the Negro Leagues and eventually managed the team for 11 years, guiding them to seven Negro National League pennants and a World Series title in 1948.

In 2022, the Hall of Fame restructured its veterans committees for the third time in the last 12 years, establishing panels dedicated to both contemporary (post-1980) and classic (pre-1980) eras. The contemporary baseball era has distinct ballots for players and another for managers, executives, and umpires, with meetings held every three years.

The selection of nominees for the current ballot was made by a historical overview committee that consisted of baseball historians and writers, including members from various prestigious publications.

Previous voting outcomes saw Allen receiving 11 votes during the 2014 golden era committee deliberations, just shy of the 75% threshold for election. Donaldson garnered eight votes in 2021, while Parker, Garvey, and John received lower numbers in various previous committees.

In addition to the nominees on this ballot, first-time eligible players include Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, and Félix Hernández. Criteria for holdovers remain, with notable candidates like Billy Wagner still in contention, having finished just five votes away from election last January.