Chicago Goes to Cooperstown
list of accomplishments for Sox’ Baines, Cubs’ Smith is hall of fame-caliber
Imagine waking up the day after an election and finding that a highly unlikely candidate was the winner.
No, I’m not talking about that election. I’m referring to Harold Baines’ election by the Veterans Committee into the Baseball Hall of Fame. It happened last fall when the Today’s Game Era Committee (1988 and later) chose Baines and Lee Smith for induction.
Like Mariano Rivera, who was elected by the writers
this year, Smith received unanimous support. Baines reached the 75 percent threshold by precisely and controversially receiving the minimum 12 of 16 votes needed.
Whatever your take, two of Chicago’s favorites will have their plaques unveiled Sunday in Cooperstown, New York. Rather than compare and despair about their numbers, let’s take some time to appreciate their accomplishments. ✶