Tuesday, January 8, 2008
USA Today: Goose Gossage hopes Hall of Fame vote provides relief
“I came into situations that God couldn’t get out of, and I got out of them,” he said. “I’m not blowing my own horn, but this is just fact. Nobody did it like me.”
After falling short eight times in balloting for the Hall of Fame, the Goose could make it in when this year’s results are released Tuesday. Only four pitchers who were primarily relievers have been given baseball’s highest honor: Hoyt Wilhelm (1985), Rollie Fingers (1992), Dennis Eckersley (2004) and Bruce Sutter (2006).
Last year, when Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn were voted in, Gossage’s percentage increased from 64.6 to 71.2 and he fell 21 votes short of the 75 percent needed for election.
I hope Goose gets in this year. I also hope Jim Rice doesn’t because I don’t think he’s a Hall of Famer but I guess 1 out of 2 wouldn’t be so bad.
Update: Hall welcomes Gossage into its doors
Rich “Goose” Gossage, who may be better known for his first tour with the Yankees (1978-83), was elected on Tuesday in his ninth year on the ballot. He’ll join his former Padres manager, Dick Williams, on the stage behind the Clark Sports Center this coming summer.
Congratulations Goose!
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