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By Jim Amato
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Saturday, 19 April 2008 |
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I'm waiting....I have been waiting a very long time.
I think it is about time that the following gentlemen be inducted into the baseball Hall Of Fame. They are...Bert Blyleven, Jim Kaat, Dick " Richie " Allen, Andre Dawson, Jim Rice, Tommy John, Tony Oliva and Ron Santo.
Why ? Because they deserve it !!!
Blyleven had close to 300 career wins. He is ranked very high on the all time strike out list. Bert accomplished these feats while usually pitching on inferior teams.
Jim Kaat had a long and distinguished career. He too is close to 300 wins and he may have been the best defensive mounds-man of all time and he has several Gold Gloves to to justify that claim.
During his tenure in the Majors Dick Allen was one of the most feared men in the batters box. His bat could truly " carry a team " as they say.
Dawson and Rice rang up impressive numbers and it looks like maybe soon the doors of the Hall Of Fame will open for them.
Tony Oliva and Ron Santo may not be so lucky and that is a shame. From 1963 to the early 1970's when a knee injury took its toll, Oliva was one of the most respected hitters in the game. He won three AL batting championships. He was considered the Roberto Clemente of the American League. That is quite a compliment.
Santo was the cornerstone of the Chicago Cubs for many a season. He was a solid hitter with power and was good with the glove at the "hot corner ".
For Tommy John, you would think just having a miraculous surgery that was named after you that has extended the careers of many a pitcher would be enough to get you into the HOF. Well add to that almost 300 victories and you may ask yourself, " how could he be on the outside looking in ".
Hard to believe isn't it ?
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