We are back ... Sorta ...
A little of this, a little of that, with a dash of why sprinkled in ...
First up, an endorsement. Facebook page link: Vada Pinson Jr.
Page maintained by his son, Vada Pinson III. The page is constantly updated, well maintained, respectful and classy. So obviously Vada III is breaking social media rules. 😄 I kid, I kid. I've seen some shakily run pages of other baseball and football greats. But this ain't one.
Right up front the intent of the page is to generate and educate. Generate discussion on behalf on Vada Jr. Educate on why Vada Jr. deserves another look for the baseball HOF. Plenty of pics, info, stats and member participation. No politics 😃. Also absent, or nearly, from the page are the "...If ... Then why not ..." posts. I'm not big on those type of player comps either. Only using this as an example: "If Harold Baines then why not Vada Pinson". Kill those arguments with fire please. To me that helps no one. Only using Baines as he is the new "If ... Why not ..." Hall of Famer in this example. I just don't care for those comparisons.
Stats courtesy of BB-Ref
One happy ballplayer
Should one want to write the Baseball Hall of Fame on behalf of Vada Pinson here is the address:
Historical Overview Committee
Baseball Hall of Fame
25 Main Street
Cooperstown NY 13326
I went pen to paper with my letter. Handwriting not the best here but it gives me more of a personal feel. Authentic. And I write the way I talk. Shaky punctuation and all 😎
Vada's career is one that I believe deserves another look. Stats, attitude, class on and off the field. Respected and loved coach during his time also. Hall of Fame quality is there. Full respect to Vada III for what he's doing on behalf of his father. ✌
Intermezzo ...
To the sax ...
Advocating? ...
Around 2009 I found out that anyone can nominate a former player who meets criteria for Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration. I've had some fun through the years with that. How much do letters from fans like myself help? Who knows. I just enjoy doing it.
The players I've supported via pen & paper are:
Ricky Watters.
Robert Brazile. Inducted.
Isaac Bruce. Inducted.
Richmond Webb.
Kenny Easley. Inducted.
Bryant Young. Inducted.
Lance Briggs.
And David Fulcher soon.
Solid group. Probably add Pat Swilling to this.
A few years back, after being told it was possible to write the Baseball HOF (But an individual cannot nominate a player that way). I'm far better writing on behalf of football players, but I decided to write on behalf of some Diamond Kings:
Tony Oliva. Inducted.
Fred Lynn.
Dale Murphy.
Dwight Evans.
Reggie Smith.
Dave Parker. Inducted.
And Vada Pinson just recently.
Dave Parker, The Cobra. When I started watching MLB big Dave was the man. "When the leaves turn brown I'll be wearing the batting crown". 😃. I'm so glad he was finally elected. Passed over far too long. His health hasn't been good the last few years but I really hope he gets an opportunity this Summer to truly enjoy that moment.
I can make a solid case for all listed above for the HOF. I'd like to think in some way letters from fans advocating for athletes in this fashion means a little something though not putting any player over the bar. Every letter helps, be respectful. 😇
Random Musings ...
This is shaping up to be one of the more fascinating F1 seasons in years.
UNC basketball. Fellas, you need to straighten this out.
March Madness is simply not the same since the advent of NIL and the portal.
I'm slowly coming around to the idea that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, not Michael Jordan or LeBron James, is the Greatest Basketball Player of all time.
Kareem was a winner.
Respected throughout his career by friend and foe. A generational talent on the court. I would have liked to see Kareem as UCLA coach. Obviously never happened. His even keel personality would have been a plus. He's a good dude.
Later ...
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