Ron Santo Elected To Baseball Hall of Fame

Chicago Cubs fan favorite Ron Santo was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame by the Veteran's Commitee.

Santo died less than a year ago. It was an honor that he wanted and eluded him since he retired as a player after the 1974 season.

Many felt that he lacked the "numbers” to warrant election. He was somewhat overshadowed by teammates Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Ferguson Jenkins. Those three are members of the Hall. A player must wait five seasons after retirement to be on the ballot. He then has as many as 15 years on the ballot. If he doesn't receive enough votes to be elected, he is removed after 15 years. A 17 member Veterans commitee panel reconsiders players after that period ends.

A vote by 12 Vets Commitee members is required. Santo got 16 of the 17 votes.

While I'm happy for him to be honored, it is too little, too late.

His numbers have been the same for 38 years.  Where were the voters then?

The man would have, should have been able to enjoy his elections while he was living.  It would have meant so much to him. He was overshadowed by his peers and unfortunately his teams didn't play in a World Series, in spite of his HOF teammates.

Now that he's gone what's the point?  What does election to the Hall of Fame mean?  Is the election about numbers or not?

The all-time hits leader is not in.  The man who held minorities out of the game for decades is in.

If Santo's election had to do with character alone, he should have been in a long time ago.

It seems to me that the Baseball Writers Association has turned the charge determining who is qualified and who is not into something to stroke the egos of those working in a dying medium.  I've heard BBW members make statements about candidates like, "He deserves to be in but not on the first ballot."  What is that all about?   Is not election the ultimate honor in baseball?  Why try to add another level to the honor?