Former Blue Jays Manager Cito Gaston Up For Hall of Fame Contemporary Era Ballot

Gaston led the Blue Jays to back-to-back World Series titles, becoming the first African-American manager in MLB history to win a championship.

Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports

Cito Gaston has a chance at Cooperstown.

The legendary Blue Jays manager was announced as one of the eight managers, executives, and umpires on this year's contemporary baseball era ballot. A committee of voters including baseball executives, historians, and Hall of Fame players will vote on whether Gaston and other eligible candidates will be inducted into Cooperstown's National Baseball Hall of Fame next summer.

After an 11-year playing career, Gaston managed the Blue Jays in two stints from 1989-1997 and 2008-2010. He led the Jays to the franchise's only two World Series titles and became the first African-American manager in MLB history to win the league's championship.

Gaston owns a career winning percentage of 51.6% with an 894-837 all-time record. He has already been honored as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays Level of Excellence and was inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002.

The 79-year-old will need at least 75% of votes from the contemporary baseball era committee to earn a spot in Cooperstown. The results of the voting will be announced on MLB Network on December 3. Others eligible on the same ballot as Gaston include former Tigers manager Jim Leyland and umpire Joe West.