It looks like there will be no living inductees to recognize at the Hall of Fame Inductions in 2013. This year, no player received at least a 75% vote by the Baseball Writers Association of America in order to achieve that final, ultimate feather in the baseball cap. The last time this occurred was in 1996, but the Hall was still represented by living candidates voted in by the Veterans Committee – pitcher Jim Bunning, Orioles Manager Earl Weaver and Negro League picther, Bill Foster. This year, however, is the first time since 1961 that the Hall of Fame inductees will all be represented by family and/or friends. The induction class will consist of Jacob Ruppert, umpire Hank O’Day, and player Deacon White, all of whom died in the 1930s.
While I agree with the statement made about not inducting certain first-year candidates (no need to rehash names), there certainly were some players that didn’t have an association with steroids or PEDs that were worthy of the Hall. Alas, there’s always next year and for a couple players, like Jack Morris, they will have to see what the Veteran’s Committee decides in future years. But, as a participant at past Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies, it’s a shame that this year’s class will not have a living inductee. It adds so much to the excitement of the weekend for the baseball fans, the town and the general sense of appreciation for Baseball. It’s unfortunate for Baseball that it worked out so strangely this year, but stay tuned for 2014, because I expect it to be a bumper crop!
