Tim Lincecum is getting his first crack at the Hall of Fame. Barry Bonds — at least through traditional means — is getting his last.
The beloved Giants right-hander is included in Cooperstown’s 2022 Hall of Fame ballot that was released on Monday. Lincecum will have 10 chances to get voted in by the Baseball Writers Association of America unless he is able to receive at least five percent of the vote. Lincecum is considered a long shot for induction.
Lincecum was one of the best pitchers in the National League from 2008-2011 and the best pitcher in 2008 and 2009, winning back-to-back NL Cy Young awards in those seasons. Lincecum pitched two no-hitters throughout his career, led the league in strikeouts from 2008-2010 and was a member of all three Giants World Series teams.
Lincecum’s greatness was likely too short-lived for enshrinement. After 2011, Lincecum never again posted a ERA below 4.00 and was out of baseball by 2016.
When it comes to greatness, Bonds’ is undeniable, but the controversy surrounding his alleged use of performance-enhancing substances has been a non-starter for Hall of Fame voters. Bonds received 61.8 percent of the vote last season, but will need a huge bump this year to receive the 75 percent required for election. If he doesn’t make the cut, his last chance would be via the Era Committee system, also an unlikelihood.
Joining Lincecum on the ballot for the first time are former Giants Jake Peavy and Joe Nathan. Peavy was a member of the rotation on the Giants’ 2014 title team, while Nathan was traded to the Twins before he became one of the best closers in baseball for over a decade.
Other former Giants on the ballot are Tim Hudson, Jeff Kent, Omar Vizquel, and A.J. Pierzynski.
