As we sort of figured earlier this week, Roberto Alomar, a 12-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winning second baseman, and Bert Blyleven, a 287-game winning pitcher who ranks fifth on the all-time strikeout list, were elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America Wednesday.
It’s not the most star-powered lineup Cooperstown will induct, but it’s hard to argue against either. We don’t expect a run on Alomar cards, but it’s possible Blyleven’s rookie card will get a small boost, especially since it’s almost 40 years old.
Alomar, by the way, recently signed 2011 Topps cards for the company’s 60th anniversary promotion.
The only other players to earn more than 50 percent of the vote were Barry Larkin (62.1%) and Jack Morris (53.5%). Both could get in in a couple of years.
Mark McGwire got less than 20%. It’s highly unlikely any of the players whose names were linked with steroids will gain election, although Barry Bonds will be an interesting case when he is eligible for induction in 2013.
Here’s a list of players eligible for the first time next year: Vinny Castilla, Javy Lopez, Bill Mueller, Ruben Sierra, Bernie Williams.
Not a real candidate in that group, which could open the door for Larkin and perhaps Morris.
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Here’s a nice little story on an old-time boxing collector/fan.
And how about Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Josh Scobee, who turned his game-worn and game-used gear into giveaways for fans this week. First Coast News dishes up the story and video.
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