Baseball Hall of Fame elections - can spring training be far behind?

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http://www.boston.com/dailynews/008/nation/Former_shortstop_Ozzie_Smith_e:.shtml

Former shortstop Ozzie Smith elected to baseball Hall of Fame

By Ben Walker, Associated Press, 1/8/2002 15:56

NEW YORK (AP) Ozzie Smith, regarded as the best defensive shortstop in major league history, was elected to baseball's Hall of Fame by an overwhelming margin Tuesday in his first year of eligibility.

Smith spent 19 years in the majors and won 13 Gold Gloves for his dazzling play with the St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Padres. He was chosen on 91.7 percent of the ballots.

''I don't think anybody ever played the position any better than he played it,'' former Cardinals manager Whitey Herzog said.

Smith was the only player elected. Players who fell short include former catcher Gary Carter, sluggers Jim Rice and Andre Dawson, and relievers Bruce Sutter and Goose Gossage.

Smith, 47, was a 15-time All-Star. He played four years with the Padres, then spent 15 years in St. Louis before his career ended in 1996.

Smith set shortstop records for most assists (8,375) and double plays (1,590) and regularly entertained fans with a backflip when he ran out to shortstop at the start of games. The Cardinals retired No. 1 in his honor.

He also had 16 straight 20-steal seasons and holds the major league records for most years with 500 or more assists by a shortstop (eight) and the single-season assist mark by a shortstop 621 in 1980.

However, he batted just .262 with 2,460 hits, 28 homers and 793 RBIs.

''The guys who get into the Hall of Fame are the guys who hit the ball out of the ballpark,'' Smith said. ''I hope my going in will open the door for the other guys who have the ability to help their teams with defense.''

To be elected, players had to be listed on at least 75 percent of the ballots of 10-year members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America. Smith is the 37th player elected in his first year of eligibility, which begins five years after retirement.

-- Anonymous, January 08, 2002

Answers

Glad Ozzie Smith was so honored (especially since I'm a Cardinals fan). I think it's too bad Gary Carter missed.

Spring training, oh spring training. I can hardly wait.

-- Anonymous, January 08, 2002


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