PHILADELPHIA -- Former Phillies ace Curt Schilling fell short of election into the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Wednesday, but he at least increased his percentage of the vote from a year ago.
If that trend continues, it could lead to enshrinement in the next few years for the right-hander.
Schilling received votes on 51.2 percent of ballots cast, compared to 45 percent last year. Players must receive votes on 75 percent of the ballots for enshrinement. This is Schilling's sixth year on the ballot. He needs to hit the 75 percent threshold in 10 years or he is removed from consideration, although he can be inducted later by the Veterans Committee.
Schilling appeared on 52.3 percent of ballots in 2016, but he suffered a drop last year, presumably following controversial political statements.
 • Complete voting results 
Schilling isn't the only player with Phillies ties on this year's ballot. Most notably, Jim Thome got elected in his first year of eligibility, receiving votes on 89.8 percent of ballots.
Billy Wagner (11.1 percent) and Scott Rolen (10.2 percent) will return to the ballot next year. It was Wagner's fourth year on the ballot and Rolen's first. Jamie Moyer appeared on 2.4 percent of ballots, while Brad Lidge and Kevin Millwood did not receive votes.
Players that do not receive votes on 5 percent of the ballots are no longer eligible for voting.
Based on WAR as calculated by Baseball-Reference.com, Schilling (79.9) ranked fifth overall on the ballot. Thome (72.9) ranked sixth. Rolen (70.0) ranked eighth.