We owe you all an apology! When the New York Yankees announced a few days ago that they were retiring the number 6 of Joe Torre, and the inevitable end of single digit uniforms in the Bronx. In addition to the retirement of number 6 and his addition to Monument Park, there are additional plaques of former Yankees that will go on permanent display.
Multiple plaques exist on Monument Park are present that celebrates the careers of Yankees who did not have their number retire. This includes, Miller Huggins, Jacob Ruppert, Joe McCarthy, Lefty Gomez, Allie Reynolds, Mel Allen, Bob Sheppard, Red Ruffing and George Steinbrenner. The new additions to this list are Paul O’Neill and Tino Martinez.
O’Neill arrived to the Yankees via Cincinnati in 2003 and would make four All Star Games there, and had 1,426 Hits with 185 Home Runs in Yankee pinstripes. He was a big part of the World Series Titles in the late 90’s.
Tino Martinez arrived in New York in 1996, and like O’Neill, he factored in to the World Series Titles in 1996, 1997, 1999 & 2000. Martinez was the runner up for the American League MVP in ’96, made two All Star Games, had 192 Home Runs as a Yankee.
Once we complete our look at the top North American franchises in terms of post career accolades is it possible that any team will be ranked higher than the Yankees?
Every year that the Tennis Hall of Fame announces their latest class, we have openly questioned the standards of those they have let into their establishment. Basically, their Hall of Fame has a lot who fit into a Hall of “Pretty Good”. However, the Rhode Island based institution has announced something that we feel is worth praising with their 16 million dollar expansion.
Additional exhibits and the use of upgraded technology is part of the plan, the rest of which involves additional tennis courts, a larger stadium, and additional campus wide amenities.
We are curious to see if this will result in another wave of expansion, increased ticket sales and a higher profile overall.
Whether or not you think the process behind the Baseball Hall of Fame voting is a controversial or not, one thing that most people agree on is that there is something magical about Cooperstown and all that it represents. That is why it is worth celebrating when a major piece of its facility is now going on tour.
The Hall of Fame plaque of Babe Ruth, who may still be the most iconic Baseball Player of all time, will be on display when the New York Yankees host their cross-town rival, the Mets this Tuesday. Afterwards, the plaque will be showcased at Grand Central Terminal on Wednesday.
This tour is not just a celebration of the career of Babe Ruth and the Baseball Hall of Fame, but is an initiative of the New York Tourism Board. The Baseball Hall will be ushering in a 100th Anniversary exhibit of Ruth’s debut in the game. Incidentally, this marks the first time that a plaque from the Baseball Hall of Fame has ever left the facility.
Well it looks like we have another musical Hall of Fame in the state of Tennessee to praise this month!
In the great musical city of Memphis, construction has begun on a 12,000 square foot facility, which is scheduled for completion in one year’s time. The Blues Hall of Fame originated in 1980, by the Blues Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserve the history of what is arguably one of the most important musical genres in the world. The Foundation is affiliated with over 175 Blues organizations around the world and uses philanthropic endeavours to help past Blues legends in need.
The Hall of Fame will not only give these great musicians the recognition that they deserve, but will house rare recordings, and film that previously had no real home. Officials estimate 100,000 visitors in its first full year of existence, and we for ones are looking forward to pilgrimage to the home of the Blues.