Roberto Alomar Deserved Better

Hall of fame voting is a time when sports writers get to pass judgement on some of the greatest players the game has ever known. It is their opportunity to establish a criteria that lives up to their standards. Last year the voters passed on a 12 time all star, 10 time gold glove winner (a record for 2nd base), and a back to back World Series champion. 365 days later the same player got into the hall of fame with 90% of the vote, a 17% increase from last year. Did the player's numbers change? Was his greatness enhanced? Of course not. The only thing that changed was the cynical attitude of the media.

it is clear that the sports writers felt the need to punish the greatest 2nd baseman of his generation for an incident that happened 15 years ago. Umpire John Hirschbeck blew a call in a critical game causing all star Roberto Alomar to come unglued. He inexplicably lost his cool and spit on the umpire. Although Alomar personally apologized to Hirschbeck and the two have become friends since the incident the media continues to hold a grudge. It is irresponsible and childish to overlook an entire body of work for the sake of one incident. I don't condone the actions of Roberto Alomar on that day in 1995, but I won't let it define a 20 year career either. A first ballot hall of famer is a first ballot hall of famer no matter what. Sports writers should be able to put their personal feelings aside and vote based on athletic performance. It should be irrelevant whether you approve or disapprove of an isolated incident. There aren't 3 people in the history of baseball that have ever played the position of 2nd base better than Roberto Alomar. That's a first ballot hall of famer in my book. And what do I think about Barry Bonds as a first ballot hall of famer? Tune in Saturday to hear my thoughts.