How far girls’ sports have come; Hall of Fame process

The scene for girls and their athletic competition in our schools and colleges is far removed from what “used to be.” I purposely omit the professional area. Anyone reading this column over the years would have noticed baseball at all levels has grasped the greater part of my attention. I am proud of our youngsters who have progressed to high levels in other sports. Alex Farrer’s section giving attention to the activities of local youngsters and their athletic activities in college provides an enjoyment and wealth of information.

But I mentioned girls and their activities in the heading. There is no way one or one-hundred columns could describe the great advancements made in athletic competition of our young ladies. This is true in opportunities, recognition and most of all, in display of great talent.

Let me take you back a few decades. In days even after I became member of the educational scene in 1969, there was only one sport in which girls could earn a varsity letter. That sport was basketball.

I take this opportunity to commend the late Helen Jane McDonald who was active in giving girls an opportunity to compete in softball, volleyball and track. Sadly, their activities did not qualify as a sport in which one could earn a varsity letter. That fact raised the question as what did qualify a sport in which an athlete could letter. The sport had to be an activity in which a region championship could be won. Basketball was the only activity for girls organized on a region and state basis.

Athletics could be termed the tail that wags the dog. It is time for spring sports and look at the opportunities for our young ladies. There is tennis, golf, track and soccer. These activities are not limited to high school; they are available in our middle schools and our young are taking advantage of the opportunities. In the fall our girls can compete in softball, cross county, volleyball, and now we can add swimming and diving to that list.

This section was motivated by my desire to mention what I consider the biggest universal change I see in the sport I watch most – softball. It is remembered when this writer felt girls softball would not make the grade. How wrong can one be? From little girls to the colleges, one of the most interesting attractions on the athletic scene is Girls Softball. Our three high schools, Sonoraville, Gordon Central and Calhoun provide some of the greatest competition around. Interest abounds among parents and fans.

But I mentioned the greatest advancement in girls softball: A day doesn’t pass that I don’t mention the arms (throwing the ball) of the position players. The pitchers arms are beyond discussion. They are great. The strength of outfielders and their arms are a matter of amazement.

To parents, fans and players let me congratulate the growth and advancement in skill of our young ladies. They put on a show to behold and for which we can be proud.

Every year since the local Sports Hall of Fame was formed and members began to be inducted there has always been extensive talk concerning various aspects of the specifics surrounding the Hall.

As soon as nominations have been announced the obser- vations become more prevalent and numerous. Once those selected are made public the talk becomes a little more intense. It is a matter of amazement the people suggesting the names of those “who should be elected.” There is no exception taken here to those mentioned. The fact most have not been nominated is the greatest point of elimination.

I go back to 1936 when baseball came up with the ultimate reward for its stars: a Hall of Fame. The Great Depression had taken its toll on baseball and the establishment wanted something to start the turnstiles turning again. The solution was the establishment of the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, New York.

The Baseball Writers 226 members conducted one election and a special election by a special 78-member veterans committee. Oddly, no criterial was ever spelled out for what made someone a Hall of Famer. It just seemed natural that everyone could tell who was a Hall of Famer. Was it stats or accomplishments? Character? Or was it a combination of both. Whatever, no one could argue against the five (all retired) who were able to capture the required 75 percent of either committee’s vote: Those were Ty Cobb (222 votes), Babe Ruth and Honus Wagner (215 each), Christy Mathewson (205) and Walter Johnson (189).

I recently saw a picture of ten of the eleven living Hall of Fame members in 1939. There were Honus Wagner, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Tris Speaker, Nap Lajoie, George Sisler, Walter Johnson, Eddie Collins, Babe Ruth, Connie Mack and Cy Young. Georgia’s own Ty Cobb is the player missing from the picture of the 11 Hall of Famers living in 1939.

The criterion for election into our local Sports Hall of Fame is well stated on the HOF Website and in printed material. Induction into the Calhoun- Gordon County Hall of Fame is a great honor. I urge friends and fans to get involved in the nominating process.