One Step Shy of Half of "Machine" Being In

The Office of the Commissioner of Baseball
Allan H. (Bud) Selig, Commissioner
245 Park Avenue, 31st Floor
New York, NY 10167
(212) 931-3800

Dear Mr. Commissioner:

In light of the latest development with the Hit King and his alleged debacle at the U.S. Army Reds Legend Baseball Camp, I must remain steadfastly in favor of Mr. Rose’s still-non-existent inclusion in baseball’s Hall of Fame. The Big Red Machine of the mid 70s has been hailed as the greatest octet to ever take the field. How many of them are in Cooperstown? Only three to my knowledge. It could easily be six, most definitely five.


As I’ve mentioned in previous letters, Mr. Rose has demonstrated poor judgment and unappreciative public and private behavior. None of that, however, is a reflection of what number 14 stood for on the playing field. There are a number of guys in the Hall that have had suspect, at best, lives away from the diamond. Regardless of Rose’s unfortunate behavior at the baseball camp, I would still suggest he is a hero to many and should be a role model to the athletes of today.

Consideration for his future election to the Hall is in order. Rose was a key member to the Machine. Sparky Anderson was their skipper, and if he thought that the eight of ’76 was the best club to ever take the field, that should stand for something.