Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Baseball Hall of Fame 2021
Each year, at this time, the powers that be at the Baseball Hall of Fame announce their inductees. Or, as is the case the year, they send out word that there aren't any. This has happened on other occasions, and always results in much discussion. To no avail. The decision is firm. Check back next year, at about the same time. Maybe we will have a name or two, or even more. Just not this year.
Naturally, this blank page result is not well accepted by many who follow the game. To get the real “feel” for the honour of being inducted, you have to visit the building in Cooperstown, New York. It is an hour or two east of Syracuse, easily reached in a day from our area. There are many other activities in the area, just in case not all of the members of your party have an interest in the game.
Within the confines of the building, there are wonderful displays to keep you in awe for many hours. You will eventually end up in the “Hall”, which has “shrine-like” characteristics. No loud talking, all in hushed tones. No running, for goodness sake. Consumption of ice cream cones not permitted on premises.
Along the walls of the Hall are the plaques of all inductees, from its inception date to the present. Induction ceremonies are held in an outdoor area separate from the Hall, and could likely accommodate close to 100 000 fans. A great celebration, often attended by baseball fans from around the world.
To become an inductee, you will be chosen by about 400 members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. A person becomes a member of that group by writing about baseball for ten years, for a major newspaper or magazine, usually in a baseball city. Voters cast their ballots, often in a public manner, to indicate their choices for the Hall.
It is an interesting time to talk about the whole voting process in North America today. In the strict political sense, in the United States, there are elections for presidents, senators, congressmen, judges, sheriffs, school board members...The list goes on and on. As we have seen, these elections can be somewhat contentious.
As far as the Baseball Hall of Fame is concerned, nominees must get a 75% rating in order to become a member.
For many, the waters have become somewhat muddied in recent years. Many potential inductees are being ignored, mainly because they are suspected of taking some sort of drug that has enhanced their performances. Of course, this does not apply only to baseball. It has been a major concern to the Olympic movement as well. Individuals have been stripped of their medals, whole countries have been told not to send teams to upcoming games, because of their drug programs.
Pete Rose has not been invited into the Hall, even though he had on-field credentials that would have earned him a spot. But he negated that right by messing around with gambling, and that is frowned upon. Those who control the game try to keep it “clean”. And you just can't fault them for that.
Baseball teams have been stealing signs since the game began. A batter has a better chance of getting on base if he knows what kind of pitch is on its way to the plate. The Houston Astros were recently caught, red-handed, at this practice. Lots of punishment was thrown at the team, and a few of their players. Some of them may be on the ballot to enter the Hall some day. Will they get in?
Cheaters never prosper, we were told. We now have ample opportunities to question that statement. I contend that baseball must maintain its standards to limit admissions to the Hall. The whiners will squeal, the young, ink-stained writers who have the votes will demand the doors to be opened wide. Not on my watch, thanks.
James Hurst
February 1, 2021
