KANSAS CITY, MO (March 2, 2021) -- The Kansas City Royals have announced that 2021 Royals Hall of Fame voting begins today. The online portion of this year’s vote will remain open to fans through Wednesday, March, 10 at 11:59pm (Central) at www.royals.com/hofvote.

The Royals Hall of Fame voting process includes two phases. The Regular Phase takes place in odd-numbered years and focuses on eligible former players and managers. The Veterans Committee phase takes place in even-numbered years and considers both non-field personnel and players who have previously received Royals Hall of Fame (Regular Phase) votes, but are no longer eligible for election in that manner.            

The Royals Hall of Fame voting process is designed to give electors the power and responsibility for discerning which careers are worthy of the ballclub’s highest honor - it is not a nomination system, instead all players that meet eligibility thresholds are placed on the ballot for electors to make their considered judgements. To be eligible for the first time, players must have been active with the Royals for at least three (3) seasons and accumulated a minimum of 1,500 plate appearances or 300 innings pitched. Eligible names shall have ceased to be an active on-field member of the Royals (or for any other Major League organization) in the role for which they are being considered for at least three (3) calendar years preceding the election. The 2021 vote includes five first-time eligible players and two names that return after receiving at least ten percent of the vote in 2019.

The eligible players on the 2021 Royals Hall of Fame ballot are (in alphabetical order): Carlos Beltran, OF (1998-2004); Billy Butler, 1B/DH (2007-2014); Kyle Davies, P (2007-2011); Johnny Damon, OF (1995-2000); Jeremy Guthrie, P (2012-2015); Luke Hochevar, P (2007-2013; 2015-2016); and Yordano Ventura, P (2013-2016).

Fans will be joined by other voters, including all living members of the Royals Hall of Fame and select members of the Royals Front Office Leadership Group, the Kansas City Chapter of the Baseball Writers Association of America, Kansas City electronic media representatives and Royals associates with at least 15 years of service, in selecting any Royals Hall of Fame inductees. The online fan ballot will account for three overall votes with each of the top three vote getters receiving all three fans' votes. Any candidate receiving 75 percent of the vote will be elected and scheduled for induction. Candidates must receive a minimum of ten percent of the ballots cast to remain eligible for inclusion on the ballot for the next Royals Hall of Fame (Regular Phase) voting cycle. Eligible names may remain on the ballot for five voting cycles. 

The Royals Hall of Fame was established in 1986 to celebrate the accomplishments of those players, coaches and other personnel who have made exceptional contributions to Kansas City Royals Baseball.

The first inductees were outfielder Amos Otis and pitcher Steve Busby. They have been joined by pitcher Paul Splittorff, second baseman Cookie Rojas, Manager Dick Howser, pitcher Dennis Leonard, designated hitter Hal McRae, shortstop Fred Patek, Club President Joe Burke, pitcher Larry Gura, Royals founders Ewing and Muriel Kauffman, third baseman George Brett, second baseman Frank White, first baseman John Mayberry, pitcher Dan Quisenberry, Manager Whitey Herzog, center fielder Willie Wilson, pitcher Jeff Montgomery, broadcaster Denny Matthews, pitcher Bret Saberhagen, pitcher Mark Gubicza, scout Art Stewart, pitcher Kevin Appier, Groundskeeper George Toma, and first baseman Mike Sweeney.