80 years ago, the first Hall of Fame election results were announced
These old time ball stars were pictured as they attended the dedication of the baseball Hall of Fame on Main Street here on June 12, 1939. The ceremony which was held in connection with the bi-centennial celebration taking place here. They had all won election to the Hall of Fame and their busts are on view in the building along with those of immortals of the game. Front row; Eddie Collins, Babe Ruth, Connie Mack, Cy Young; Rear row left to right; Hans Wagner, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Tris Speaker, Napoleon Lajoie, George Sisler and Walter Johnson. (AP Photo)
(Anonymous/AP)
Elections tend to dominate the news in February, especially in years of presidential races. But 80 years ago today, no one was talking about the Iowa caucus results, because the first Hall of Fame class had just been announced and that was way more exciting. (Well, also because the Iowa caucus wouldn't be a thing until 1972, but don't worry about that.)
So, who was elected to the HOF's inaugural class? Take the quiz below to find out. We'll give you two hints: 1) Only five players were voted in. 2) Three of those players are in the photo above, taken on June 12, 1939, at the dedication of the brick-and-mortar Cooperstown HOF building.
