Also selected as officers were Irving E. Sanborn of the Chicago Tribune, syndicated columnist Hugh Fullerton, and The Boston Globe baseball writer Tim Murnane.

[8] In 2007, the BBWAA opened its membership to web-based writers employed on a full-time basis by "websites that are credentialed by MLB for post-season coverage.

"[9] The organization's primary function is to work with Major League Baseball and individual teams to assure clubhouse and press-box access for BBWAA members.

In addition, BBWAA members also elect players to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, which is the organization's most public function.

[10] (Similar arguments were made for the inclusion of Web-based journalists, before the BBWAA added Web writers to its ranks in December 2007.

)[9] Others have openly questioned why the BBWAA is involved in the award and Hall of Fame voting processes at all,[11] citing in some cases journalistic integrity and the need to remain unbiased in their coverage of newsworthy events.