Yesterday, the National Baseball Hall ofFame gained two new members as Roberto Alomar and Bert Blyleven were voted in by Baseball Writers Association of America.
Alomar was selected in his second year on the ballot with 90 percent of the vote; meanwhile, Bert Blyleven in his 14th with 79.7 percent of the vote. Induction was a long time coming for both, and it’s good to see them finally get their day in the sun this summer.
Congratulations.
It’s especially good to see Alomar, who was snubbed last year – perhaps mainly because of the infamous Hirschbeck incident – was recognized for his brilliance on the field and with his bat.
His life has been rough the past several years because of some domestic issues, but he more than anyone on that list should have been a first ballot Hall of Famer.
I remember Alomar vividly playing for the Blue Jays, Orioles and Indians in his prime – he was a heck of an athlete and always seemed to make the big play in the field and seemingly change the game at times.
When he was an Oriole, I very much appreciated his role in the team becoming a playoff contender and a solid contributor.
As an opponent, Alomar was always someone you feared (because he was so, so good in all facets of the game), but very much respected.
Shortstop Barry Larkin – who I really wanted to gain induction into the Hall of Fame this year – earned 62.1 percent of the vote.
He was a heck of a ballplayer and if Ozzie Smith is in Cooperstown, Larkin deserves a bust there as well.
As for alleged steroid users who are coming up for a Hall of Fame vote in the next few years, or within the decade, the results of yesterday are clear.
It looks as if Rafael Palmeiro is a great case study and as we all know, he only got 11% of the vote. Although he could be very much telling the truth with his story, the writers and voters aren’t buying the explanation at all.
Palmeiro has the numbers for Cooperstown for sure; alas, his performance on Capitol Hill in 2005, and the positive test that following summer may have sealed his fate.
If you were proven to have done steroids, were in the Mitchell report, or there’s even a hint of suspicion — you’re not getting in. I’m sure in the years to come, the writers will deliberate and decide on a case by case basis with alleged and proven users; however, for now, I doubt anyone in that group will ever see their bust in Cooperstown.
It’s very interesting to see how this debate will be handled.
