Located in a small town in New York, the Hall of Fame has been a destination for baseball fans since its opening in 1939. It was established by Stephen Carlton Clark, an heir to the Singer Sewing Machine fortune. Clark’s aim was to bring tourists to a city devastated by the depression and prohibition, which had damaged the local hops industry. Clark constructed the Hall of Fame building and it was dedicated on June 12, 1939. ( His granddaughter, Jane Forbes Clark, is the current chairman of the board of directors.). The erroneous claim that Civil War Hero, Abner Doubleday, had invented baseball in Cooperstown was instrumental in the early marketing of the hall.
In 1994, they opened an expanded library and research facility. They have an internet educational program that brings the hall to children who might not have a chance to visit. The hall has an annual exhibit at FanFest at the Major League All-Star Game. So, if the season does get going, fans at Dodger Stadium will be able to view that this year. The team with the most Hall of Fame members is the Giants. There are 66 former members of the Giants now in the hall.
The election process began in 1936. The first class consisted of five players, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Honus Wagner, Christy Mathewson, and Walter Johnson. Over the next couple of years, about 20 were selected before all were inducted in the opening ceremony in 1939. As of January 2022, there are 340 who have been selected for enshrinement. 239 MLB players, 39 Negro League players and executives, 23 managers, 10 umpires, and 36 pioneers, executives, and organizers. 118 members were inducted posthumously, including 4 who died after their election was announced. 31 of the 39 Negro League players were inducted posthumously, including all 26 elected since the 1990s. The Hall includes one female member, Effa Manley. Manley was a co-owner of the Newark Eagles.
Mariano Rivera is the only player ever to be elected unanimously. Derek Jeter was named on 99% of the ballots. Selections are made by the BBWAA and the Veteran’s committee. The waiting period of five years was established in 1954. Although some players who were on the list were grandfathered in like Joe DiMaggio who was elected 4 years after his retirement. There have also been special circumstances where players who do not meet all the criteria can be inducted. Addie Joss was inducted despite having played only 9 seasons. He had died of meningitis. Also if a player who is eligible dies before his 5th year of retirement, he can be placed on the next ballot 6 months after his passing. This allowed Roberto Clemente to be elected in 1973 following his tragic death on New Years Eve, 1972.
From 1936-1947 there was no formal waiting period. Contrary to public belief, there was no special election for Lou Gehrig. He had already met the criteria for election. Since no elections were held in 40 or 41, it allowed Gehrig to enter while still alive. Originally set at 15 years, now if a player is not elected after 10 years on the ballot, his name is removed. But he can still be elected by the Veterans’ committee. Hodges, Oliva, Kaat, and Minoso will be going in this year after their election by this committee. Thus Bonds and Clemens still have a shot.
Satchel Paige was the first Negro League inductee in 1971. Banned players cannot be considered for election to the hall. Only two permanently ineligible players are considered to have the careers and stats that would put them in the hall. Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson. Bill James is of the mind that Pete will eventually be elected, but not Jackson. I am really on the fence with Rose. I saw him play many times. He was indeed Charlie Hustle, and I really disliked him as an opponent. But he came to win and is in fact the all-time hit’s leader. My problem with him is that for one, he has never been contrite about his gambling, and he never showed any remorse for his actions. He did finally admit he gambled on Reds games after denying it for years. I think he goes in eventually.
After induction, they used to allow players who had played with multiple teams to select the team that would be represented on their plaque. Frank Robinson went in with an Orioles cap, Catfish Hunter’s cap is blank. Ryan went in with a T for Texas on his. Fisk wore a Red Sox lid. Reggie Jackson has a Yankee cap. Dave Winfield who spent most of his career with the Yankees and had great success there chose to go in with the Padre’s cap due to his feud with Steinbrenner.
The change to allowing the players to choose came in 2001. This came about because of the rumors that players were going to be compensated for having a team’s logo on their cap. This was a claim that was never really proven but came about because rumor had it that the Tampa Bay Rays were going to pay Wade Boggs to have TB on his cap. The players affected by this were Gary Carter. Carter who won his only ring with the Mets wanted to go in with a Mets logo on his cap, but MLB thought his impact on the Montreal franchise meant more.
Boggs won a ring with the Yankees, but his years in Boston defined him, so he has a Sox logo on his cap. Andre Dawson has an Expos logo on his cap despite him wanting to go in as a Cub. 5 of his 8 All-Star appearances came in Chicago and he was the MVP in his first year there. Tony LaRussa has no logo. He managed 3 different teams over his career. Greg Maddux also has no logo on his cap. We all know what he did as a member of the Braves, but he felt his time in Chicago was equally as important. Randy Johnson went in as a Diamondback despite several great years in Seattle. Mike Mussina, 8 years with the Yankees, 10 with Baltimore went in with no logo. Roy Halladay also has no logo. Although he had signed a ceremonial contract to retire as a Blue Jay, he died before that could happen. He instructed his family to have no logo on his cap.
The Veteran’s committee is tasked with selecting players from the Pre-Integration Era ( 1971-1946 ), Golden Era (47-72), and the Expansion Era (73-Present). In July of 2016, the Hall announced a restructuring of the time frames to be considered, with a much greater emphasis on the modern eras. Four new committees were established. Today’s Game, 88-present, Modern baseball, 70-87, Golden Days, 50-69, Early Baseball, 1871-1949. Confusing isn’t it? All committees ballots consist of 10 names. At least one committee is scheduled to meet each December and they rotate each year. The 2020 meeting was canceled because of the pandemic. Each committee was pushed back a year accordingly.
Of course like any museum, the Hall has a gift shop. You can also get items online. There is a movie theater that shows clips of baseball films. World Series rings and memorabilia are also on display. Several items from Dodger players are on display also. The Dodgers have a history of only retiring numbers of its players who are in the Hall. The lone exception was Jim Gilliam who spent his entire career in the organization and passed away while working as a coach in October of 1978. Since Gil Hodges was recently elected, long overdue in my mind, his #14 should get the same honor. There have also been lengthy discussions from fans saying that Fernando’s #34 should also be retired. There is little argument over the impact the lefty from Mexico made on the organization. His number has not been issued to any player since he left the team. So although it is not officially retired, it holds a place dear to many fans.
I myself hope to make the trip sometime before I shuffle off down the road. Closest I ever was I had a run to NYC, and then had to head down to Tennessee. Got about 60 miles from there, but I was on a schedule, so I could not stop. I sincerely hope some of you can make time and the effort to visit this museum of the greats of the game.
Addendum from Mark Timmons: An Old Friend of mine from IU and who was with the Dodgers for 15 years, is now President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum:
JOSH RAWITCH
Read all about it HERE
I don’t care numbers… Tommy Lasorda has to be there!
Tommy was inducted right after his forced retirement.
Very good, interesting, informative article this morning OldBear.
Great article Old Bear. Went there with my family many years ago. Hope to get there again with my son and two grandsons who have been brainwashed to be huge Dodger fans by my son who was brainwashed when he was five years old. It’s a wonderful place to spend time and enjoy the history of baseball and all its great moments.
Dodgers sign Danny Duffy to a one year deal. He is expected to be ready sometime in June. Looks like could be a great signing.
Got to corner the market on broken pitchers. Will we have enough to fill out a staff on Opening day?
I think the Dodgers signed him last year but he got injured. I see him as another Heaney/Price category 4/5 depth starter. You stockpile these types because – injuries are going to happen, and if you accumulate enough reclamation projects you sometimes get a Brandon Morrow.
For me, the issue is the 3rd starter. That’s a hole on a team that doesn’t have many weaknesses (I think the bench looks really good right now). I’m not confident in Kershaw’s ability to last the season.
Just to add – what the Dodgers have now, in addition to White and the other guy from Oklahoma (I doubt Bobby Miller makes an appearance), the Dodgers can make due until the ASB trade deadline. The Reds appear to already by sellers. Castillo, if he’s around then, most likely will be cheaper.
If Urias or Buehler go down with any significant injury the Dodgers are in some doo doo.
Just a thought on the Kris Bryant signing. Which is the most poorly run organization in baseball? Angels or the Rockies?
There’s a baseball game today! 1PM against the Brew Crew. Even though AB’s and IP’s are very limited in the initial Spring games, it will be so nice to the players on the field today. Former first rounder Beau Burrows will be on the hill for the good guys. He sports a career 19.89 ERA across a whopping 6.1 innings pitched. Oh well, at least it’s baseball.
Maybe we’ll see some regulars, or maybe a glimpse of Michael Busch, or Miggy Vargas. Finally, Spring has sprung.
With the signing of Freddie, one of the very best players in the game, I’m very excited to get this show on the road even if Manfred is doing his best to tie one hand behind our backs by delaying a decision on TB. He has to hold the record for administrative leave days.
With such a short Spring this year, I would have thought we might have seen a brand name on the hill today.
The Dodgers are planning a cautious route with starting pitching to start the season. Roberts mentioning 4-5 innings for starters to begin the season.
We start the regular season in Colorado again. I wonder who will get injured during that series. Seems like it happens every time we play there.
Kenley still hasn’t signed. I’m sure he wants a guaranteed closer role and a high AAV. I doubt he gets both. I can’t recall many relievers getting big bucks this offseason.
With a loaded farm, the Dodgers have the prospect capital to pull off a trade of their choosing. With 12 teams going to the playoffs this year, supply will be down and demand high at the deadline this year.
In a little less than 5 hours from now…
It’s time for Dodgers baseball!
Let’s go, batter up, we’re takin’ the afternoon off
It’s a beautiful day for a ball game,
for a ball game today
The fans are out to get a ticket or two
from Walla Walla, Washington to Kalamazoo
It’s a beautiful day for a home run
but even a triple’s okay
We’re gonna cheer and boo
and Raise a halabaloo
at the ball game today
First baseman Luke Voit was traded from the New York Yankees to the San Diego Padres on Friday, a day after New York completed a two-year contract with Anthony Rizzo.
New York received 20-year-old right-hander Justin Lange, the 34th overall pick in the 2020 amateur draft.
Giants in on Trevor Story if he is willing to mostly play second with opportunities to cover for both Crawford at short and Longoria at third.
One of the better articles on Joc Pederson and his new home.
https://www.knbr.com/2022/03/17/familiar-face-joc-pederson-comes-home-to-familiar-place/
Good 0n Joc, I wish him well – that is a match made in heaven. I wish him well… except when he plays the Dodgers.
Never been to Cooperstown, but I WILL be there on the day #22 gets elected in.
I could not find this photo last night, but I just found it.
Here’s a photo of the Late Roger Dodger, John Rawitch, and myself. This was in Vero Beach, I believe, about 15 years ago, when I still lifted and was 4 inches taller (old age is a bitch).
Just saw the news conference on MLB network introducing Freddie Freeman. He is not only a great baseball player but a class act and vey articulate. Dodgers fans are going to love this guy from what he’ll do on and off the field. AF comes through again with a big shoutout to Dodger ownership for making it all possible. Will be watching the game on MLB network in 15 minutes.
From the press conference, AF said the outlook for the next 5 years is better than what we’ve accomplished in the last 5 years. No Window! This team is great.
Mark, maybe you get a feed of the news conference so everyone can watch it and enjoy it.
Luke Raley traded to Tampa.
I hope we asked for Wander Franco in return?
They got a minor league pitcher in return. They also signed LHP Tyler Anderson to a deal.
Rays To Acquire Luke Raley From Dodgers
By Anthony Franco | March 18, 2022 at 3:14pm CDT
The Rays and Dodgers are in agreement on a deal that’ll send corner outfielder Luke Raley to Tampa Bay, reports Jeff Passan of ESPN (on Twitter). Los Angeles is acquiring pitching prospect Tanner Dodson in return.
Hopefully, Luke will get a chance there.
Good Luck!
PRESS RELEASE
DODGERS SIGN TYLER ANDERSON
LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to terms with left-handed pitcher Tyler Anderson on a one-year contract through the 2022 season.
Anderson, 32, joins the Dodgers after splitting the 2021 season between Pittsburgh and Seattle. He started the year with Pittsburgh, going 5-8 with a 4.35 ERA (50 ER/103.1 IP) and 86 strikeouts. He was traded to Seattle on July 28th in exchange for minor leaguers Carter Bins and Joaquin Tejada and finished the campaign going 2-3 with a 4.81 ERA (34 ER/63.2 IP) and 48 strikeouts in 13 starts with the Mariners.
The southpaw is entering his seventh season in the Majors, and he is a combined 29-38 with a 4.62 ERA (320 ER/623.2 IP) and 542 strikeouts. He started his career with the Colorado Rockies after being drafted in the first round of the 2011 First Year Player Draft out of the University of Oregon.
Hey Bear. This was one of your best write ups! It’s motivated me to go there next year. What the hell am I waiting for? Right? Thank you.
Still my dream trip. Never had the financial freedom to go. I got to see DC while I was in the Army and TDY to Fort Lee Virginia, which is in Petersburg, about 80 miles from DC. Spent two days there and saw as much as I could in that time period. Would like to go back and tour the Smithsonian again. I missed the Air Museum and Arlington Cemetery. Went to the White House, Fords Theater, the Pederson house where Lincoln died. My favorite place besides the Smithsonian, was the National Archives building. It was raining the day I went, so there was no line to view the Declaration of Independence and other related documents. Since there was no line, I got to stand there and read the Declaration. It was an awesome moment for me.
Nice of Andy Burns to hit a 9th inning homer to tie Brewers 3-3, and prevent the loss at the Ranch today.
Kershaw started and went about 25 pitches and into the 2nd with only a walk. Topped out at 90 once and sat at 88-87. Just feeling his way along. Nice to see him out there. Graterol looks trim and easy 99. Some nice work in by the pen regulars like Vesia.
Got to see a bunch of the non-roster bats. Tony Wolters, Eddy Alvarez, Andy Burns, Miguel Vargas, Ryan Noda, Jason Martin, Andy Pages, Stefen Romero. Jake Lamb hit the ball hard.
I think he’s a guy who could really help us from the bench. He was once a Dodger-killer.
The regulars got no hit thru 4 but some well hit outs. Lux smoked one. Belli struck out twice swing on fastballs up. Great to see the park full of fans. Really good day.
I’m really pulling for Jason Martin, a local kid my son played with and against in AAU ball. Also pulling for Jake Lamb, he was really good for those two years in Arizona.
Burrows looked really good. Did they tweak something already? His fastball looked like it had some life to it. I hope Clayton can build a few MPH over the next couple of weeks. Not bad for his first start? They sure didn’t square anything up off of him.
Glad you got to go out and see the game.
Kenleyis a Brave
1 year, $16MM.
I’m surprised he only got one year.
I’m surprised they gave him $16M. I was 99% certain they weren’t going to bring him back all offseason. I guess they would rather spend that money on injured guys.
I can’t help but think that KJ @ $16MM would have been more than twice as valuable to us than Anderson @ $8MM
I’m disappointed about Kenley. Thank you Kenley for all of your tremendous contributions during your Dodger career. Greatest Dodger reliever ever! I would have passed on Anderson and ponied up another 8 mil for Jansen. Nothing but the best until playoffs against our Dodgers.
Castellanos signs for 5/100 with the Phillies.
Correa signs with the Twins, 3/103.5 mil. He has opt out options after each year.
Casty gets paid!
Correa will have a monster season in MN.