Well, it is that time of year again: The time when new members get voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. On Jan. 6, another class was prestigiously named to the Hall of Fame. The greatest players of past generations are voted on by the Baseball Writers Association of America, and only the elite few will get the honor of being named a Hall of Famer.

This year there were several candidates worthy of the honor. Undoubtedly, the biggest name on this year’s ballot was former Seattle Mariners center fielder, Ken Griffey Jr. Mariners fans everywhere were buzzing about Griffey’s first year of eligibility, wondering if the 1997 MVP would collect 100 percent of the votes.

The question was not whether or not he would get in, but with how many votes.

The results were announced at 3 p.m. and Griffey came in at 99.3 percent of the ballots cast, breaking Tom Seaver’s record of 98.8 percent of the ballots. Griffey’s name was on 437 of the 440 ballots cast.

Griffey was taken first overall by the Mariners in the 1987 draft. Over 22 seasons in the big leagues, splitting time with Seattle, Cincinnati and the White Sox, Griffey smacked 630 career home runs with his picture-perfect swing. He was named to 13 All-Star games — 10-straight while a member of the Mariners.

Known simply as “The Kid” for his big smile and swagger out on the field, Griffey won 10-straight Gold Glove awards and seven Silver Slugger awards while with Seattle.

“It’s an unbelievable honor,” Griffey said of getting the call. “Just being voted in is an honor.”

Also voted into this Hall of Fame class was Mike Piazza with 83 percent in his fourth year on the ballot. Piazza played 16 seasons in the Major Leagues as a catcher, hitting 427 home runs along the way. He was selected to 12 All-Star games and was awarded 10 Silver Slugger awards, going down as one of the greatest offensive catchers of all-time.

Considerable candidates on the ballot, but just missing the cutoff, were Jeff Bagwell with 71.6 percent and Tim Raines with 69.8 percent. Raines, who will be on his last year of eligibility next year, and Bagwell, who will be on his seventh, both hope to get over the 75 percent mark next January.

Former Mariner Edgar Martinez, arguably the best designated hitter of all time, received votes on 43.4 percent of the ballots this year in his seventh year on the ballot. Although he is still a ways away from the 75 percent needed to get in with only three years left on the ballot, Martinez remains optimistic for his candidacy as he gained 16.4 percent from last year’s 27 percent.

“I am really encouraged, and thankful, in the increase of votes,” Martinez said of his 43.4 percent. “I certainly didn’t expect to be elected today, but it is always a little disappointing when it becomes official.”

Martinez spent 18 seasons in the Major Leagues, all with Seattle. He posted a career batting average of .312, hitting a total of 309 home runs and 514 doubles. He was named to seven All-Star games and collected five Silver Slugger awards.

The induction ceremony for Griffey and Piazza will be held in Cooperstown, New York, on July 24.