Kenny Lofton, Sandy Alomar Jr. make 1st Hall of Fame ballot appearance

Several former Cleveland Indians are making their first appearance on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for potential induction in the class of 2013. Kenny Lofton, Sandy Alomar Jr., Julio Franco, and Jose Mesa are the four former Indians who are first-timers on the ballot. The other first-timers are Roger Clemens, Barry Bonds, Sammy Sosa, and Craig Biggio.

Lofton spent nine seasons with the Indians between 1992 and 2001 (he was on the Braves in 1997) and finished his career with the Indians in 2007. Lofton lead the league in stolen bases five times and finished his career with 622 steals.

Alomar Jr. played for Cleveland from 1990 through the end of the 2000 season and is the current bench coach for the Indians. He was named the AL Rookie of the Year in 1990 and was a six-time All-Star with the Indians.

Franco had two stints with the Indians during his 23-year career. He played in Cleveland from 1983 through 1988 and again in 1996 and for part of 1997. He was a three-time All-Star and five-time Silver Slugger award winner.

Mesa was the closer for the mid-90s Indians. He was an All-Star in 1995 and 1996. In 1995 he led the league in saves with 46 and finished second in Cy Young voting.