I always look forward to induction day for the Baseball Hall of Fame. I especially looked forward to today’s ceremony because it has been delayed for two years because of Covid-19.
This year’s class included two players with Michigan connections, Derik Jeter (Kalamazoo) and Ted Simmons (Southfield). I am especially encouraged with Simmons inductions. Prior to being named by the Modern Era Committee. Simmons received less than five percent of the baseball writers vote in his first year of eligibility. Under H of F rules, a player receiving less than five percent of the vote is no longer eligible to be voted on by the eligible voters. During his entire career Simmons played in small Midwest market teams (St. Louis, Milwaukee, Atlanta) which did not receive the national publicity of east coast teams or big market teams, especially if they were not winning teams. Simmons is most worthy of his induction based on his long and steady career.
Lou Whitaker of Detroit Tiger fame is also worthy of induction into the Hall of Fame. Like Simmons, Whitaker received less than five percent of the vote in his first year of eligibility. Whitaker is one of the best second baseman to ever play the game. He and Alan Trammell hold the record as the longest running double play combination in history. In addition, they also turned the most double plays in history. Trammell was inducted into the Hall in 2018. Whitaker’s statistics are as good or better than Trammell’s. Whitaker also has multiple Gold Glove awards. I hope the Modern Era Committee does the right thing and inducts Whitaker into the Hall in the next year or two. Whitaker is very deserving.
With the new NCAA rules allowing players to receive some compensation this was bound to happen. Former Michigan State basketball player and founder of UVM, Mat Ishbia announced his company will be sponsoring members of Michigan State’s football and men’s basketball teams — 133 student-athletes — by providing those players with $500 a month for the entire 2021-22 school year.
Stay safe. Wear your mask. Wash your hands regularly. Social distance when indoors. Schedule your vaccine and booster when it becomes available.
Orchid of the Day: Derek Jeter, Ted Simmons, Larry Walker and Marvin Miller for their induction today into the Baseball Hall of Fame
Onion of the Day: Lady Luck who keeps infecting young Tiger players with the injury bug. Earlier in the year Spencer Turnbull, fresh off his no-hitter, was bitten and had to have Tommy John surgery and now it is Jake Rogers, who was really coming on as of late, prior to having arm soreness. Today it was announced he will also need Tommy John surgery. Both are expected to be out of action for all of
Quote of the Day: “I was a Tiger fan. I grew up idolizing Norm Cash, Rocky Colavito, Frank Lary and Bill Freehan.I discovered my first hero in Al Kaline and had no idea how much he impacted my life. He was my hero, and as I stand before you as a man, he remains my hero today.” Ted Simmons during his Hall of Fame induction speech today in Cooperstown, NY.