[HRBAKER]

Originally Posted by Chris Counts

Can somebody please explain to me what the criteria of a "first ballot" Hall of Famer is? Is this criteria any different from that of a "second ballot" Hall of Famer? And where exactly is this criteria written down?

It's my theory that all this nonsense about first ballot vs. second ballot-and-beyond is nothing but the invention of the voters, who just happen to be sports writers looking for something controversial to write or talk about — and some reason to place more importance on their roles in the process.

I agree, it's almost as crazy as arguing about what a "rookie" card is.
It's a purely artificial hobby or media construct that gives people something to talk about.