1974 Hall of Fame Class

The 1974 class, member by member

The 1974 inductees were Cool Papa Bell, Jim Bottomley, Mickey Mantle, Sam Thompson, and Whitey Ford (players) and Jocko Conlan (umpire). Jim Bottomley, Jocko Conlan, and Sam Thompson were chosen by the Veterans process. Mickey Mantle and Whitey Ford came through the BBWAA ballot, with Mickey Mantle receiving the most votes, 322 (274 were needed). By votes received: Mickey Mantle 322 and Whitey Ford 284; the line to clear was 274. Of the 1974 writers' selections, Whitey Ford drew the fewest votes, 284. Cool Papa Bell was chosen by the Negro League process. The St. Louis Stars, Chicago American Giants, and Detroit Wolves are where Cool Papa Bell, a center fielder, played. The St. Louis Cardinals, Cincinnati Reds, and St. Louis Browns are where Jim Bottomley, a first baseman, played. Jim Bottomley was inducted after death, according to the player record. The Chicago White Sox is where Jocko Conlan, an outfielder, played. The New York Yankees is where Mickey Mantle, an outfielder, played. Sam Thompson is listed as an outfielder whose clubs included the Detroit Wolverines, Philadelphia Quakers, and Philadelphia Phillies. The induction of Sam Thompson came posthumously. For Whitey Ford the record shows a pitcher with the New York Yankees. Follow any name to the player page, where the Hall of Fame line reads 1974. Neighboring classes: 1973 class, 1975 class.