Why One Hall of Fame Vote Matters to MLB Players

The Baseball Hall of Fame vote usually feels like a sacred, numbers-driven tradition. But now and then, it shows a more human, even quirky, side.

This article digs into the odd phenomenon of players who got exactly one Hall of Fame vote. From Jim Deshaies’ intentional campaign for a single vote to accomplished pitchers who somehow ended up in the same boat, these stories reveal the personality, discretion, and occasional whimsy baked into Hall of Fame voting.

The Curious Case of the Lone Hall of Fame Vote

When the Baseball Writers’ Association of America (BBWAA) released its Hall of Fame results in January 2001, hardly anyone noticed Jim Deshaies on the ballot. No one really expected him to get any votes.

But Deshaies, a solid but unremarkable pitcher, got exactly one vote—just what he was hoping for.

He’s not alone, either. Over the past two decades, 35 players have received exactly one Hall of Fame vote. That’s an odd little fraternity, stretching across eras, positions, and all sorts of on-field résumés.

A Club That Includes Cy Young Winners

Surprisingly, this one-vote club isn’t just for the underdogs. Barry Zito and Pat Hentgen, both Cy Young Award winners, ended their Hall of Fame runs with a single checkmark.

Relievers like Huston Street and workhorse starters such as Liván Hernández landed in the same group.

The list’s diversity just shows how unpredictable Hall voting can get, especially with ballots mostly kept secret.

Why Do Writers Cast a Single Vote?

BBWAA voters can pick up to 10 players per ballot. But there’s no rule saying they have to use every slot.

That kind of freedom opens the door for all sorts of personal philosophies or quirks.

Since most ballots stay confidential, we rarely know what’s really behind that lone vote.

Protest, Gratitude, or Genuine Belief?

Sometimes, a single vote means a writer truly believes a player deserves Cooperstown, even if no one else agrees. Other times, it’s more of a thank you—a nod to a player who was generous with interviews or just a good pro.

Texas-based writer T.R. Sullivan has said he sometimes uses extra votes to honor players he thinks deserve some recognition, even if they’re not Hall material. For him, voting’s not only about induction but also about remembering.

Players React to Their One Vote

Players’ reactions have ranged from amused to genuinely curious. For some, that single vote turned into an icebreaker instead of a snub.

It’s funny how a cold, numbers-heavy process can suddenly feel a bit more personal.

Knowing — or Guessing — the Voter

Players like David Segui and Aaron Sele publicly wondered who voted for them, treating it like a fun little mystery. Others, including Bronson Arroyo and R.A. Dickey, actually knew who gave them their lone vote.

In those cases, the vote felt less like a Hall endorsement and more like a personal nod from a reporter who’d followed their whole journey.

Metrics vs. the Human Element

With advanced analytics like WAR everywhere, some critics say Hall of Fame voting would be more consistent if an algorithm handled it. Numbers don’t play favorites or hold grudges, after all.

But the single-vote stories remind us why a lot of people still care about the human element.

Why Quirkiness Still Matters

Deshaies’ self-aware, tongue-in-cheek campaign celebrated the “everyman” player. He managed to carve out a respectable career without ever reaching superstardom.

His mock acceptance speech and that small celebration at home? Those moments remind us that recognition, even if it’s just symbolic, can carry real emotional weight.

The mystery of the single vote just sits there, nudging us to remember that baseball—like its history—gets shaped by people, not just numbers.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Just one Hall of Fame vote? Why that distinction matters so much for some MLB players