Herzog, Harvey In, Miller Out of Hall of Fame 1
Regardless of what happens with the general election in January, there is guaranteed to be a 2010 Class for the Baseball Hall of Fame. The selection today of former manager Whitey Herzog and longtime umpire Doug Harvey adds two more colorful characters to the Hall of Fame. However, another colorful character, former Union leader Marvin Miller, failed to earn selection.
The continued snub of the man who brought baseball salaries out of the Stone Age is disappointing, but not surprising. At age 92, Miller has been tantalizingly close to Hall of Fame induction for many years, but while he receives strong support from players, others seem intent on keeping him out of Cooperstown.
Sadly, I expect Miller is destined for a fate similar to that of former manager Leo “The Lip” Durocher, who was purposely held out of the Hall of Fame by grudge holding sportswriters until following his death.
Given Miller’s feisty personality – he wrote a letter in 2007 discouraging his selection into the Hall of Fame because he felt it was too little too late – if his selection comes following his death I can see him having a letter read at the ceremony declining the honor. Read the rest of this entry →