The Hall of Fame voting was released today, and Jim Rice fell just short of making it in (congratulations to Goose Gossage on his election). Rice received 72.2% of the vote, just 16 votes short of the necessary 75%. Rice, who has been on the ballot since 1995, has one last chance to be elected by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America.

As I’ve said before I believe Rice should be in the Hall of Fame, and think he will get enough votes next year to make it. The number of votes Rice receives has steadily increased since 2003, after hovering in the mid 50%’s since 2000. In 2003, Rice received 52.2% of the vote, 20% less than this year. 2007 was the only deviation from this trend (1.3% less than 2006), but was caused in large part by the eligibility of Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn that year. The most distinguished newcomer next year is Rickey Henderson, who should make it easily, but I don’t feel his presence will be enough to derail Rice’s attempt, given that some voters should be swung by the fact that it will be his last chance on the ballot.