My Take on Cooperstown this Year

I have mixed reaction to the selection of Andre Dawson (left) to the Hall of Fame this year. Frankly I am surprised. Dawson had great statistics,one of only three players to have 300 stolen bases and 400 home runs, but I am just not sure that is enough to put him in over players like Dale Murphy.

On a different note though and why I'm glad he got in was because he brings the hall to a personal level to me. I remember Dawson throughout his career. It was a major deal when the Expos, now the Nationals, traded him to Chicago.

He played right field when all the games at Wrigley were played during the day. It
seemed like a natural fit. Nicknamed the Hawk, Dawson said in his speech Sunday the Wrigley field fans were the air beneath the Hawk's wings. That is a great quote from a great guy.

Doug Harvey, a 5 time world series umpire, and Whitey Herzog, a St. Louis Cardinals manager were this years other selections and in my opinion were excellent choices. Kudos to baseball writers for putting umpire Doug Harvey in. Whitey Herzog was the
best manager of a generation and will take his rightful place.

Bert Blylleven barely missed again. New guys like Roberto Alomar made a good show for themselves. Dale Murphy once again got some votes. He just can't get the support to push him over the top. Like I said earlier, if Dawson is there Murphy should be too.

Get ready for a wave of Braves as soon as they become eligible. Writers may black ball Murphy but Cooperstown cannot legitimately be open without Tom Glavine, Greg Maddux and John Smoltz getting in on their first opportunity. I hope I can be there. It is a long way to New York, but that is well worth a visit. I didn't think I would make it to Bobby Cox Tribute night this year and it's going to happen so I'll be hoping for a free week in my schedule for when those great three pitchers are elected.