from Amazon
Monday, July 13, 2009
Yet another Holy Writer excommunicates himself
This time, it’s Chris De Luca. The news keeps getting better and better:
There is no doubt BBWAA voting members will face agonizing decisions in the coming years. And there is no doubt that when Sosa and Clemens appear on the same ballot, it will be a major story for those covering baseball.
That’s why the BBWAA should do the right thing and get out of the business of voting for Hall of Famers.
This idea doesn’t sit well with the BBWAA’s old guard. Controlling the keys to Cooperstown has been the BBWAA’s biggest toy—a prize that follows members long into their retirement.
But anyone who got into this business knows one of the fundamentals is to never become part of the story.
With the controversial Hall of Fame voting certain to be on the horizon, this is a story none of us should be a part of.
Several news organizations have already banned their BBWAA members from voting on baseball’s big postseason prizes such as MVP, Cy Young Award, Rookie of the Year and Manager of the Year. But no one wants to give up the Hall of Fame vote.
Right. You cannot both report the news and be part of the same news story.
Better to turn over the voting to players, managers and coaches who have 10 consecutive years of service in the major leagues—people who have a far better understanding of the talent in each league because they watch the game every day.
It’s their Hall of Fame. Let them decide.
And let the writers report on their choices.
The idea that it’s a HOF that belongs to the players is fine, similar to the Oscars being voted on by its members. The logic offered here is of course stupid. I prefer Roger Ebert’s views on The Godfather over Heather Graham’s. Simiarly, I don’t particularly care what Gary Carter thinks of Kenny Lofton’s value as a player. But, as long as Heather Graham is voting for Martin Scorcese, I’m ok with Gary Carter voting on Kenny Lofton. Just don’t tell me it’s because of their voter qualifications as anything other than they are members.