Chronicle writers explain their votes

When the Baseball Hall of Fame reveals the results of this year’s voting by eligible voters in the Baseball Writers Association of America on Jan. 25, we’ll see if the writers break up last year’s Cooperstown

shutout.

Last year, no players were voted into the Hall of Fame, which last happened in 2013, and 1996 before that. For Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens, it represents their last chance to gain induction before being kicked to consideration

by the Hall’s era committees.

To gain entry, players need 75% support from the voters. Every ballot had to be turned in by Dec. 31. This time, 30 players were on the ballot; voters can select no more than 10. Players appear on a

ballot five years after the end of their playing career and remain eligible for election for up to 10 years if they get 5% of the vote or more. Players receiving less than 5% are dropped from the next year’s ballot.

Elise Amendola / Associated Press 2006 (Clockwise from top left) Alex Rodriguez, Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and David Ortiz appear on the Hall of Fame ballot. Rodriguez and Ortiz are first-timers, while it’s the final shot for Bonds and Clemens to get elected by the writers.

Kathy Willens / Associated Press 2007

Mark Costantini / The Chronicle 2007

Rusty Kennedy / Associated Press 2001