2008 HOF Ballot

[kylejt]

Originally Posted by Publius

Damn, kyle, if none of those guys belong, you need to go to Cooperstown and destroy about 20 plaques.

20 would be a minimum, plus I'd boot all the umpires. Safe, out, ball, strike. Throw in some rules and good knees. Big deal. How about the guy who runs the scoreboard at Wrigley, or the lady who plays the organ too? Scully? Yes. Bill Klem? I don't think so.

I did like seeing the uniform Gina Davis wore in "A League of Their Own" at the Hall though. Jocko Conlan's beanie did nothing for me.

[jimpiano]

Originally Posted by kylejt

20 would be a minimum, plus I'd boot all the umpires. Safe, out, ball, strike. Throw in some rules and good knees. Big deal. How about the guy who runs the scoreboard at Wrigley, or the lady who plays the organ too? Scully? Yes. Bill Klem? I don't think so.

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.

[canadaump6]

I sure hope that idiot Ron Luciano didn't make it.

[Rich]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

I sure hope that idiot Ron Luciano didn't make it.

Those that dismiss Luciano only know him from his books. He was a very good umpire who decided that umpiring didn't need to be boring.

He'd never get in the HOF anyway. He only umpired for 12 seasons before he got bored with it and tried television, sporting goods, and writing. It's too bad that mental illness claimed him so young.

[SanDiegoSteve]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

I sure hope that idiot Ron Luciano didn't make it.

Wow, that's pretty cheeky of your young a$$ to call someone like Ron Luciano an idiot. You seem very disrespectful of your elders. Your mommy should have washed your mouth out with soap a few times. It sounds like you were a spoiled child.

[canadaump6]

That's pretty cheeky of your young a$$

A play on words. Cheeky, and a$$. Good one! I'm sure Steven Tyler would be proud.

Your mommy should have washed your mouth out with soap a few times

First of all, the correct term to use is mother. Have some respect. As for the soap thing, we're in the 21st century. Studies have proven that corporal punishment is an ineffective way to solve problems.

It sounds like you were a spoiled child.

What does disrespecting Ron Luciano have to do with one's childhood? I don't care how many Major League games he did. I read two of his books, and could list hundreds of idiotic things he admitted to doing as an umpire. To be associated with him is embarassing, so I don't understand why you are defending him.

[GarthB]

Originally Posted by canadaump6

I sure hope that idiot Ron Luciano didn't make it.

Do you never tire of looking like a fool?

[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.

[jimpiano]

Originally Posted by kylejt

Trust me, more baseball fans know who Eddie Layton is than all the MLB umpires who ever called a game combined. [

Eddie Layton is dead and a trivia answer to who played for the Yankees, Knicks and the Rangers. It is not a question that anyone outside of New York could answer or would care to even know the answer.
Organs are no longer part of most modern baseball stadiums having been replaced by such things as kiss cams, animation screens, and tee shirt giveaways.

Last time I checked umpires are still required, by the rules, to play the game.