It is Final Four weekend, and we know what that means for Hall of Fame watchers as the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame has announced the newest members of the Springfield-based institution.

The Class of 2023 consists of:

Vince Carter is the unquestioned headliner of the group, entering the Hall in his first year of eligibility.  Known for his athletic dunks and scoring touch, Carter was the 1999 Rookie of the Year, an eight-time All-Star, and was twice named to an All-NBA Team.  Later in his career, Carter won the NBA Sportsmanship Award (2016) and NBA Teammate of the Year (2020), which was a testament to his development as an elder statesman and teacher, which was not who he was in his younger years.  Speaking of his early seasons, regardless of how he left the Toronto Raptors, Carter brought legitimacy to the franchise and was the catalyst for the explosion of popularity of the sport in Canada.  Would Canada have so many great players now without Carter?  It is a legitimate question to ask.

Chauncey Billups was the 2004 NBA Finals MVP in Detroit’s stunning upset of the Los Angeles Lakers.  An All-American at Colorado, Billups went to five All-Star Games and was a three-time All-NBA Selection and two-time All-Defensive player.  Like Carter, Billups won the NBA Sportsmanship Award (2010) and the NBA Teammate of the Year Award (2013).  Billups also played for Boston, Denver, Minnesota, New York and the Los Angeles Clippers, and he is currently the Head Coach of the Portland Trail Blazers.

Seimone Augustus was the strongest female candidate, and it is no surprise that she was chosen.  A two-time Naismith Player of the Year at LSU, Augustus had an outstanding professional career, which was spent entirely with the Minnesota Lynx.  She led her Lynx to four WNBA Championships (2011, 2013, 2015 & 2017), was an All-WNBA Selection six times, an All-Star eight times and was named to the 20^th and 25^th WNBA Anniversary Teams.  Internationally, she won Gold in three Olympics (2008, 2012 & 2016) and the 2014 Worlds.

Bo Ryan is a legend in the state of Wisconsin, where he coached Wisconsin-Platteville to four Division III Championships (1991, 1995, 1998 & 1999) and later took Wisconsin to two Final Fours and won three Big Ten Tournaments.  A four-time Big Ten Coach of the Year, Ryan is already a member of the College Basketball Hall of Fame, with an overall record of 747-233.

Michael Cooper was the defensive specialist of the Los Angeles Lakers dynasty that won five NBA Championships in the 1980s.  Named the Defensive Player of the Year in 1987 and was a five-time First Team All-Defensive Selection and three-time Second Team All-Defensive Selection.

Walter Davis was a six-time All-Star and the 1978 Rookie of the Year.  He is still the all-time leading scorer in Phoenix Suns history.  He was also a two-time Second Team All-NBA Selection.

Michelle Timms enters through the Women’s Veteran Committee.  Timms, an Olympic Silver (2000) and Bronze Medal (1996) winner, played mostly in the WNBL in Australia before joining the WNBA with the Phoenix Mercury.  She was also a WNBA All-Star once.

Jerry West is now a three-time Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, having been inducted as a player in 1980 and in 2010 as a member of the 1960 United States Gold Medal Winning Team.  This long overdue induction is as an executive, with West having won five NBA Rings as the Lakers’ General Manager and laying the foundation for success in the 2000s.  West left L.A. for Memphis, built them up, and later won two more titles in Golden State as an executive. 

Doug Collins was chosen as a contributor, and few have as complete a career a resume as he does.  Collins was an All-American at Illinois State, a four-time NBA All-Star, and was a Head Coach with Chicago, Detroit, Washington and Philadelphia.  Already a member of the College Basketball Hall of Fame, Collins main contributions here is as a broadcaster, where he has done work with CBS, TBS, TNT, ESPN and NBC.

Dick Barnett enters through the Men’s Veteran Category.  Leading Tennessee State to three NAIA Titles, Barnett played for Syracuse, Los Angeles (Lakers) and the New York Knicks where he was a one-time All-Star and two-time NBA Champion.

Harley Redin was inducted via the Women’s Veteran Category.  He led the Wayland Baptist Flying Queens to six AAU National Championships.

Herb Simon is another Contributor inductee, and is currently the longest tenured governor in the NBA.  Simon is highly regarded in the Indianapolis community, and though he has never won a championship, he brought and continues to bring stability to the organization.

Charles Smith has more wins than any other coach in Louisiana High School Basketball and took his team to six state championships.

Look for our Notinhalloffame.com Basketball List to be updated to reflect the newest additions and those who are now eligible.  That should happen around May.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the impending members of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

1958 Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project Class.

Here we are!  Again!!

If you have been following our Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project, you know that we have asked the rhetorical question: What if the PFHOF began in January 1946?

After soliciting and obtaining a passionate group of football fans and historians, we sent out a ballot for a Preliminary Vote, in which we asked each voter to give us 25 names as their semi-finalists and 5 in the Senior Pool. Following that, we asked the group to vote for their 15 Finalists in the Modern Era and 3 in the Senior Category. The final stage was to vote for their five Modern Era inductee and one Senior inductee.

This is the result of the thirteenth official class;

Below are the final results of this project based on 30 votes,

Remember that the group took a vote, and we have reverted back to the top five candidates entering the Hall.  This will be put to a vote again in “1960”.

This is for the “Modern Era”

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1958:

This is for the “Senior Era”, *Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1958, though no one made the mandatory 50% threshold to advance.

About the 1958 Inductees:

Sammy Baugh QB-TB, WAS 1937-52: Inducted in 1958 on his 1^st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.

In 1937, The Boston Redskins relocated to Washington, and that year's First Round Pick was Sammy Baugh. Baugh was initially listed as a Tailback, but passing was not the norm. But he became one of the first accurate passers and the prototype for the modern Quarterback. He won two NFL Championships for Washington (1937 and 1942), and he led the NFL in Pass Completion Percentage eight times, Passing Yards four times, Touchdown Passes twice and Passer Rating three times.

Baugh was not just a Quarterback; he was also an excellent Punter. Before he was exclusively playing offence, he netted 31 interceptions on the defensive side of the ball. In the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Baugh may not be the best Quarterback, but historically speaking, he is considered the most important.

Bulldog Turner C-T-LB-G, CHI 1940-52: Inducted in 1958 on his 1^st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966.

Clyde “Bulldog” Turner lived up to his nickname, playing at Center and Linebacker in a ferocious and skilled fashion.

Turner was a First-Round Pick in 1940 and played his entire career in Chicago. He was one of the best blockers in the decade, and his freak athleticism matched anyone on the field.  Turner proved to be the lynchpin to four NFL Championships and was also the league leader in Interceptions (8) in 1942.

Bob Waterfield QB-K-P, RAM 1945-52: Inducted in 1958 on his 1st r Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.

Bob Waterfield had one of the most remarkable rookie seasons as a quarterback in NFL history. He graduated from UCLA and led the league in touchdown passes (14), was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP), and took the Cleveland Rams to an NFL Championship by defeating Sammy Baugh and the Washington Redskins.

After the Rams relocated to Los Angeles, Waterfield remained with the team until he retired in 1952. He was a three-time First Team All-Pro and led the Rams to another NFL Championship in 1951. Additionally, he played defensive back during the first half of his professional career and was an exceptional kicker and punter in the pros.

Tony Canadeo HB-TB-FB-DB, GNB 1941-52: Inducted in 1958 on his 1st r Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.

One of the most versatile players in Green Bay Packers history, Tony Canadeo did it all for the team.  As an NFL Champion in 1944, Canadeo became the third player in the NFL to rush for over 1,000 yards and the first Packer to do so.  He would play good defense, was their kick returner, and was occasionally used as a Quarterback.

Steve Owen T-G, KAN 1924-25, CLE 1925, NYG 1026-33: Inducted in 1958 on his 20th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966 as a Coach.

Owen was inducted into the actual Hall of Fame as a Coach, but that section has been paused until 1963, and you elected him on his last “Modern” ballot as a player.  Named to the 1930’s All-Decade Team as a player, he was the captain of the team that won the 1927 NFL Championship, and in 1930 he became a player/coach.  Owen held that latter role until 1953, and won two more NFL Championships.

As the 2024 Major League Baseball season approaches, anticipation builds around the pitchers set to dominate the league. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the array of talent promises a year of exciting matchups, strategic plays, and record-setting performances. This preview highlights the elite pitchers expected to lead their teams to victory and captivate fans with their mastery on the mound.

Dominating the Mound: Top Pitchers to Watch

Leading the pack is Spencer Strider of the Atlanta Braves, who has set himself apart with his staggering strikeout numbers and a significant presence on the mound. Strider's performance, including a league-leading strikeout total last year, positions him as a formidable force. With an anticipated improvement in ERA and a solid projection for the coming season, Strider exemplifies the elite pitching talent MLB fans can look forward to this year​​.

Not far behind is the New York Yankees’ Gerrit Cole, a pitcher who has consistently demonstrated his prowess on the mound. While Cole is currently out with an injured elbow, he is expected to return by early June, perhaps sooner. Cole's ability to deliver workhorse innings while maintaining impressive stats has solidified his reputation as one of the game's best. His recent accolade of finally getting the Cy Young Award underlines his exceptional skills and the high expectations placed on him once he returns to the rotation​​.

Consistency and Excellence: The Pillars of Success

Another name that has been making waves is Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies. Wheeler's reliability, especially in crucial games, along with a solid performance record makes him a key player to watch. His notable contract extension and historical WAR highlight Wheeler as a pitcher who brings consistency and excellence to the field​.

The Baltimore Orioles' Corbin Burnes is also on the radar as one of the pitchers to monitor this season. His move to the Orioles was seen as a fresh start for a pitcher already known for his impressive abilities on the mound. Burnes' performance and the potential for an impactful season in a pitcher-friendly park have fans and analysts alike anticipating his contributions to the Orioles' success.

The Rise of New Aces

Pablo López of the Minnesota Twins is another standout, solidifying his ace status with impressive strikeouts and leadership on the field. His significant contribution to the Twins' success and his Cy Young contender status make him a pitcher to keep an eye on​.

The Strategic Depth of Pitching

Incorporating pitcher win props and MLB betting picks into the discussion adds another layer of intrigue as fans and analysts assess the potential impact of these top pitchers. Their performance not only influences the outcome of games but also shapes betting strategies and predictions for the season.

The blend of seasoned pros and emerging talents ensures a season where pitching prowess is front and center. These pitchers are not just playing for wins; they're shaping the season’s narrative with every game they pitch. The 2024 MLB season promises to be a showcase of the strategic depth and competitive spirit that makes baseball a beloved sport across the globe.

In a nation where cricket reigns supreme as the undisputed king of sports, an unexpected challenger has emerged to captivate the hearts and minds of Indian sports fans: Major League Baseball (MLB).

While cricket has long held a dominant position in India's sporting landscape, the recent surge in popularity of America's favourite pastime is turning heads and sparking a newfound interest in baseball across the country. Let’s dive in.

The Rise of Baseball Fandom in India

For decades, cricket has been more than just a sport in India—it's a way of life. From neighbourhood streets to grand stadiums packed with passionate fans, cricket fever runs deep in the veins of Indian culture. However, in recent years, a growing number of Indians have begun to embrace the thrills and excitement of baseball, thanks in part to the efforts of MLB to expand its global reach.

With the advent of digital streaming platforms and social media, Indian sports enthusiasts now have easier access to live MLB games, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content than ever before.

This increased visibility has allowed Indians to develop a deeper appreciation for the nuances of baseball, from the crack of the bat to the intricacies of pitching and fielding. As a result, a new generation of baseball fans is emerging in India, drawn to the sport's blend of athleticism, strategy, and drama.

MLB's Strategic Initiatives in India

Recognising the immense potential of the Indian market, MLB has made significant investments in expanding its presence and cultivating a dedicated fan base in the country. One of the key strategies employed by MLB is the establishment of grassroots development programs aimed at introducing baseball to Indian youth and fostering a new generation of talent.

Through partnerships with local schools, clubs, and sports organisations, MLB has been able to introduce the fundamentals of baseball to thousands of Indian children, providing them with access to coaching, equipment, and playing facilities. These efforts have not only helped to popularise the sport among Indian youth but have also laid the groundwork for the development of future baseball stars who could one day compete on the international stage.

In addition to grassroots initiatives, MLB has also focused on leveraging digital platforms and social media to engage with Indian fans and create a sense of community around the sport. From interactive fan experiences to virtual meet-and-greets with MLB players, the league has embraced technology as a means of connecting with Indian audiences and fostering a deeper appreciation for baseball.

There’s also the support from the numerous MLB 2024 betting platforms. Betting companies have invested millions of dollars into promoting India’s MLB infrastructure, leading to a snowball effect that has attracted other businesses and sports institutions.

India is taking every possible step to promote the growth of MLB within its borders, and through partnerships, leveraging social media, heavy investment, and the support of sports betting establishments, they have managed to propel MLB into the heart of India’s culture.

Cultural Exchange and Sporting Diplomacy

In addition to its growing popularity among Indian sports fans, Major League Baseball's surge in India represents more than just a newfound passion for America's favourite pastime—it also serves as a catalyst for cultural exchange and sporting diplomacy between the United States and India. As Indian fans immerse themselves in the world of baseball, they are not only embracing a new sport but also forging connections with American culture and society.

Through initiatives such as player exchanges, coaching clinics, and cultural immersion programs, MLB is fostering deeper ties between Indian and American communities, creating opportunities for cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

By showcasing the values of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance that are inherent in both cricket and baseball, MLB is helping to bridge the gap between two seemingly disparate sporting traditions and promote mutual respect and appreciation for each other's cultures.

As Indian fans continue to embrace baseball and forge connections with their American counterparts, the bonds of friendship and camaraderie between the two nations will only grow stronger, laying the foundation for a future marked by collaboration, understanding, and shared sporting passion.

Cultural Connections and Cross-Cultural Appeal

While cricket may remain deeply ingrained in the fabric of Indian culture, baseball's rise in popularity can be attributed, in part, to its ability to forge cultural connections and resonate with Indian audiences on a deeper level. Like cricket, baseball is a sport steeped in tradition, strategy, and storytelling, making it relatable to Indian sports fans who value these qualities in their athletic pursuits.

Furthermore, baseball's global appeal and diverse roster of players from around the world have helped to break down cultural barriers and foster a sense of inclusivity and unity among fans of all backgrounds. Indian sports enthusiasts are drawn to the international nature of MLB, which features players from countries as diverse as Japan, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela, adding an extra layer of excitement and intrigue to the game.

Conclusion

As MLB continues to expand its footprint in India and cultivate a passionate fan base, the future of baseball in the country looks brighter than ever. With grassroots development programs, strategic partnerships, and innovative digital initiatives, MLB is poised to capitalise on the growing interest in baseball and solidify its position as a major player in the Indian sports landscape.

While cricket may remain the undisputed king of Indian sports for the foreseeable future, baseball's surging popularity serves as a testament to the universal appeal of sports as well as its power to bring people together regardless of ethnicity or borders.

As Indian fans continue to embrace the excitement and drama of America's favourite pastime, the bonds between India and MLB are only set to strengthen, paving the way for a new era of baseball fandom in the cricket-oriented nation. Within the next couple of years, we may even see MLB become one of India’s most popular sports. It’s certainly not out of the picture. See you next time!