The official induction won't be until January 23, 2009, with announcements coming on January 10,2009. However, ballots are going out to members of the Baseball Writers Association of America.
The only first ballot 'SLAM DUNK' will belong to former major leaguer, Rickey Henderson. Thats because its his first year of eligibility. He last played major league baseball in 2003. Thus becoming 'eligible' for the 2008-09 induction. There will be,however,others elected to the Hall. Hopefully!
Listed below are Henderson's career stats.
Team(s): Oakland A's; New York Yankees; Oakland A's; Toronto Blue Jays; Oakland A's; San Diego Padres; Los Angeles Angels; New York Mets; Seattle Mariners; San Diego Padres; Boston Red Sox; and Los Angeles Dodgers. 25 years/9-teams. He had a prolific career, and was a lightening rod (early in his career).
Among his many baseball related honors include an all-time leader status in stolen bases and runs batted-in. He was the all-time leader in base walks, until he was surpassed by Barry Bonds in 2007. Most of the teams Henderson played with performed better, and some won championships. He was well in his forties when he 'retired' from the game.
His individual achievements are many.....too many to list here, but are worthy of a 'first ballot election!
Others worthy of election:
Jim Rice-Boston Red Sox. Jim's sin? He had a luke-warm relationship with the media. He was a power hitter, well before the so-called steroid era....382HRS. Comparative with the leaders of today--so-so. But that was accomplished during the seventies, when HR's were not cheap because the ballparks were larger and the baseball was relatively 'DEAD'. Plus, he played in a market not open to African American players during the 70's, or mixed, at best.
Jim was also voted MVP, and a 8x-time all-star, and a 2x silver slugger. His career batting avg. was .298, and he drove in 1451 RBI's. He just missed getting elected in 2008, garnering 72.2% of the vote. The requirement is 75%. He has appeared on the ballot 14 years. 2009 will be his 15th, and last chance. If he fails, he'll have another opportunity via the 'Veterans Committee' election. This is a committee designed to 'right wrongs'. The man DESERVES to get in!
Lee Arthur Smith (one of my favorites). another deserving former player, who paid BIG dues.
Teams: Chicago Cubs; Boston Red Sox; St. Louis Cardinals; New York Yankees; Baltimore Orioles; Los Angeles Angels; Cincinnati Reds; and Montreal Expos. 18-yrs/8 teams. He was scouted by the late Buck Oneil (Cubs Scout), and on his recomendation was signed by Chicago. O'Neil also recomended Hall-of-Famer Earnie Banks. Lee Arthur pitched 8-years for the Cubs, becoming their star relief pitcher, but wouldn't give him the money he deserved.
When he finished his career Smith was the Major League career SAVES leader (478). The record lasted until 2006 (started 1993), when it was broken by the Padres' Trevor Hoffman.
Last year he received 43.3 % of the voting, collecting 235 votes. Like his counterpart, Jim Rice, Lee Smith DESERVES immediate election to the Hall.
Another player who's overdue, and has strong credentials is Andre "The Hawk" Dawson. 16-years/ 4-teams.
Teams: Montreal Expos; Chicago Cubs Bostpn Red Sox; Florida Marlins. He toiled with the Cubs when they were not that good. Actually, they were LOUSEY! He made going to see them play worth the price of the ticket.
He was call "the Hawk" because Dawson, while fleet afoot, was an excellent outfielder with a strong and acturate throwing arm. He was always a threat at the plate...power to all fields.
During the time he played we saw the introduction of 'astro-turf'----hard on the knees,(the field felt like running on concrete) but made the park look better. His dammaged knees shortened his playing career. He did , however, earn MVP honors, as well as, set defensive records. During the time he played it was not usualseeing a career lasting 19-22 years.
Finally, my final choice would be Tommy John, the man responsible for 'Tommy John Surgery' used in all sports, and successfully extending a players' career. The revolutionary surgery was named for him. The rest is history. He's another favorite on mine, especially during his tenure with the Yankees.
Teams: Cleveland Indians; Chicago White Sox; Los Angeles Dodgers; New York Yankees; Oakland A's; and Los Angeles Dodgers. He lasted 26-years/ 6-teams.
He was a very good left-handed pitcher, with a nice cutting curve ball and fast ball.
There are eleven other players on the ballot, but I pushing for these few.
The only first ballot 'SLAM DUNK' will belong to former major leaguer, Rickey Henderson. Thats because its his first year of eligibility. He last played major league baseball in 2003. Thus becoming 'eligible' for the 2008-09 induction. There will be,however,others elected to the Hall. Hopefully!
Listed below are Henderson's career stats.
Team(s): Oakland A's; New York Yankees; Oakland A's; Toronto Blue Jays; Oakland A's; San Diego Padres; Los Angeles Angels; New York Mets; Seattle Mariners; San Diego Padres; Boston Red Sox; and Los Angeles Dodgers. 25 years/9-teams. He had a prolific career, and was a lightening rod (early in his career).
Among his many baseball related honors include an all-time leader status in stolen bases and runs batted-in. He was the all-time leader in base walks, until he was surpassed by Barry Bonds in 2007. Most of the teams Henderson played with performed better, and some won championships. He was well in his forties when he 'retired' from the game.
His individual achievements are many.....too many to list here, but are worthy of a 'first ballot election!
Others worthy of election:
Jim Rice-Boston Red Sox. Jim's sin? He had a luke-warm relationship with the media. He was a power hitter, well before the so-called steroid era....382HRS. Comparative with the leaders of today--so-so. But that was accomplished during the seventies, when HR's were not cheap because the ballparks were larger and the baseball was relatively 'DEAD'. Plus, he played in a market not open to African American players during the 70's, or mixed, at best.
Jim was also voted MVP, and a 8x-time all-star, and a 2x silver slugger. His career batting avg. was .298, and he drove in 1451 RBI's. He just missed getting elected in 2008, garnering 72.2% of the vote. The requirement is 75%. He has appeared on the ballot 14 years. 2009 will be his 15th, and last chance. If he fails, he'll have another opportunity via the 'Veterans Committee' election. This is a committee designed to 'right wrongs'. The man DESERVES to get in!
Lee Arthur Smith (one of my favorites). another deserving former player, who paid BIG dues.
Teams: Chicago Cubs; Boston Red Sox; St. Louis Cardinals; New York Yankees; Baltimore Orioles; Los Angeles Angels; Cincinnati Reds; and Montreal Expos. 18-yrs/8 teams. He was scouted by the late Buck Oneil (Cubs Scout), and on his recomendation was signed by Chicago. O'Neil also recomended Hall-of-Famer Earnie Banks. Lee Arthur pitched 8-years for the Cubs, becoming their star relief pitcher, but wouldn't give him the money he deserved.
When he finished his career Smith was the Major League career SAVES leader (478). The record lasted until 2006 (started 1993), when it was broken by the Padres' Trevor Hoffman.
Last year he received 43.3 % of the voting, collecting 235 votes. Like his counterpart, Jim Rice, Lee Smith DESERVES immediate election to the Hall.
Another player who's overdue, and has strong credentials is Andre "The Hawk" Dawson. 16-years/ 4-teams.
Teams: Montreal Expos; Chicago Cubs Bostpn Red Sox; Florida Marlins. He toiled with the Cubs when they were not that good. Actually, they were LOUSEY! He made going to see them play worth the price of the ticket.
He was call "the Hawk" because Dawson, while fleet afoot, was an excellent outfielder with a strong and acturate throwing arm. He was always a threat at the plate...power to all fields.
During the time he played we saw the introduction of 'astro-turf'----hard on the knees,(the field felt like running on concrete) but made the park look better. His dammaged knees shortened his playing career. He did , however, earn MVP honors, as well as, set defensive records. During the time he played it was not usualseeing a career lasting 19-22 years.
Finally, my final choice would be Tommy John, the man responsible for 'Tommy John Surgery' used in all sports, and successfully extending a players' career. The revolutionary surgery was named for him. The rest is history. He's another favorite on mine, especially during his tenure with the Yankees.
Teams: Cleveland Indians; Chicago White Sox; Los Angeles Dodgers; New York Yankees; Oakland A's; and Los Angeles Dodgers. He lasted 26-years/ 6-teams.
He was a very good left-handed pitcher, with a nice cutting curve ball and fast ball.
There are eleven other players on the ballot, but I pushing for these few.
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