Very big news on our front occured today.  The Baseball Hall of Fame announced their nominees for the Veteran's Committee Ballot, and by our standards, the list contains some serious heavyweights.  This list is based on the "Golden Era" candidates from 1947 to 1972.

Ron Santo (#2 on our list) could very well find his way in this year.  Recently deceased, the attention on inducting the Cubs superstar has never been higher.  Many fans of Baseball (and not only in Chicago) have pointed to the oversight of Ron Santo to be one of the biggest oversights in Hall of Fame history, and based on our high rank; it is obvious what we think.  We would be thrilled if he got in.

Minnie Minoso (#4 on our list) is another candidate whose play in the 1950's is gaining more respect.  Another star from Chicago (This time, the White Sox), Minoso's number was retired at Comiskey.  This would be another induction that we feel is long overdue.

Gil Hodges (#5 on our list) holds the dubious honor of having the most Hall of Fame votes without getting into the Hall of Fame.  Hodges was very popular, but unlike the above stars, he is  not a sabremetrician's dream.

Tony Oliva (#17 on our list) was on pace for Cooperstown, but injuries prevented that golden path.  Another look at the first half of his career could gain him entry

Jim Kaat (#19 on our list) could very well be the best fielding pitcher of all time.  Throw in over 280 wins and you have a ballplayer who does not seem out of place in the Hall of Fame.

Luis Tiant (#33 on our list) should be inducted just for his cigars and moustache.

Ken Boyer (#40 on our list) was a former MVP and one of the top third basemen of his time.  He did recieve decent Hall of Fame support during his initial candidacy.

Allie Reynolds (#41 on our list) is the player who you have to go back the furthest in history to check his stats.  The former Yankee was a post war star, but as part of a loaded team he could be either aided or hurt by that fact.

Former General manager, Buzzie Bavasi and former owner Charlie Finley are also on the ballot.

Just days after winning the World Series, St. Louis Cardinals Manager Tony LaRussa has decided to retire.  On three occasions, LaRussa managed teams to World Series victories and was widely praised for his cerebral style of managing.  We don;t generally rank managers on our list, but if we did, we know that LaRussa would be very high on our list.