Major League Baseball invites fans to vote on "Franchise Four"
Honorees to be announced at the 2015 All-Star Game
KANSAS CITY, MO (April 8, 2015) - Major League Baseball today announced details of the "Franchise Four" promotion, in which fans can select the four most impactful players from all 30 clubs, along with the Negro Leagues, a "Pioneers" ballot for pre-1915 players and a "Greatest Living Players" category.
Eight finalists from each category were selected based on recommendations from a Blue Ribbon Panel featuring MLB historian John Thorn, the Elias Sports Bureau and representatives from MLB.com, MLB Network and the Baseball Writers' Association of America. The panel consulted with individual clubs in selecting finalists.
The eight Kansas City Royals finalists are below, in alphabetical order:
George Brett (Third Baseman, 1973-93)
Alex Gordon (Left Fielder and Third Baseman, 2007-present)
Hal McRae (Designated Hitter and Outfielder, 1973-87)
Amos Otis (Outfielder, 1970-83)
Dan Quisenberry (Right-handed Pitcher, 1979-88)
Bret Saberhagen (Right-handed Pitcher, 1984-91)
Frank White (Second Baseman, 1973-90)
Willie Wilson (Outfielder, 1976-90)
Fans are invited to vote online and via mobile device at mlb.com/franchisefour. The ballot includes the eight finalists along with a write-in option. Voting runs from today through May 8. The top four selections from each category will be announced on July 14 during the 2015 Major League Baseball All-Star Game pregame ceremony, live on FOX.