The Baseball Hall of Fame announced its 2009 induction class. Rickey Henderson made the Hall on the first year he was eligible while Rice made it on his last year of eligibility. Henderson got 94.8% of the vote and Rice just slipped in at 76.4%. Induction requires a minimum of 75 % of the vote from the Baseball writers of America.
Henderson is regarded by many to be greatest lead-off hitter in the history of the game. A unique character both on and off the field, Henderson's first year induction came as no surprise to anyone. The only question we have is: why did he not get 100% of the vote?
WIth a creer OBP 0f .401, Henderson holds many MLB records including: runs scored, stolen bases, and lead off home runs (to begin a game). One has to wonder what it takes to garner 100% of the vote inasmuch as it has never happened.
Rice made the Hall on his last year of eligibility before going to the Veteran's committee for election. The 1978 AL MVP was dominant at his position in offensive categories for over a decade yet his election was never a lock. His election mark the succession of three Red Sox left fielders to make the grade. He followed Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski at the position and now joins them in Hall. Rice's relationship with the press is often cited as a reason for his lengthy wait, which if true, is utterly ridiculous. Performance and results on the field, really should be the only measuring stick. Writers harboring grudges who decide to "get even" against any great player by not voting him into the hall should have their vote taken away.
Congrats to both players. We look forward to the weekend of July 24 for the formal ceremonies . Rickey's acceptance speech alone would be worth the wait.
- Steve
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