2008 HOF Ballot

[Rich]

Originally Posted by jimpiano

The Hall of Fame umpires all had an impact on the game in addition to possessing great judgement. Bill KLem created arm signals and the inside protector, Cal Hubbard, developed positioning for base umpires, Jocko Conlan was colorful and a natty dresser and well respected, Al Barlick umped in 7 all star games and 7 world series,Tom Connolly took over development of umpires for the American League after a great career on the field, same for Billy Evans who was a prolific author on umpiring, Bill McGowan worked 8 world series and never missed an inning in his career,Nestor Chylak dealt with such unprecedented unruly fans from ten cent beer night, and disco demolition, in addition to being one of the most respected umpires of all time.

Anyone who diminishes their election to the Hall of Fame diminishes the game, as well.

It's why Harvey should get in, certainly, but they also should take a hard look at Jim Evans and Harry Wendlestedt and their contributions both on and off the field.

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by jimpiano

Anyone who diminishes their election to the Hall of Fame diminishes the game, as well.

I like broadcasters in the Hall, but not umpires. I'll make an effort to listen to Scully call a game, yet I couldn't care less who's behind dish. Trust me, more baseball fans know who Eddie Layton is than all the MLB umpires who ever called a game combined.

No one cares about umpires except other umpires. And not even all us care who's in the Hall, the next AAA ump in line for the call, or who's on vacation in July.

p.s. I loved Luciano when I was a kid. I used to shoot runners out when I was an eleven year old umpire, and he was my hero. He belongs in the Umpire's Hall of Fame, somewhere in Florida.