And The Winner Is...

Courtesy of NBCSports.com

When I was eight, all I wanted to be when I grew up was Lou Whitaker.  Never mind that I hit from the right side of the plate, I wasn't a Jehovah's Witness, or black, to me Lou Whitaker was the greatest player EVER!!  To listen to the Tiger Stadium crowd ring down in a singular baritone voice "LOOOOUUUU," was music to my young ears.

Of course as Tigers fans know, we had "two for the price of one."  Alan Trammell was not the immediate sensation that Sweet Lou was, but every year he just kept getting better.  By the mid-80's, there was no better all around shortstop in the game.  I was just to the right of the left field foul post, when Tram hit two homers practically to the same seat.  Both balls looked like a full moon coming right towards us.

Together, they became the most prolific Double Play Combination in the history of the game.  With 2819 career double plays together, I always assumed that they were both a lock for the Professional Baseball Hall of Fame.  When their nominations came and went, I asked myself if my personal bias tainted my view.  I am a Detroit Fan Though and Through.  With an equal love for the Spartans, my underdog status is complete.  However once I looked at the numbers and read the opinions of those who know the game best, I came to realize that this oversight is a travesty.  Then once Jack Morris's time had come and went, I realized that the Hall of Fame is not about what the Game's Greatests did on the field.  What's important is that you do it on the field, and then suck up to the all important Baseball Writer's Association.  If you played in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York, you are likely a shoein.  

So I'm torn!!  I love reaching out to the greatest fans in the world to right a wrong, but deep down I couldn't care less.  See I'm not a yes man.  I'll never be considered a trend setter, Yuppie, Hipster, Metrosexual, blah - bah.  I don't go along with the crowd, I speak my mind, and I'm not effected by naysayers or critics.  My attitude was bolstered when I read that George C. Scott said, "The whole thing is a goddam meat market.  I don't want any part of it." when he declined the 1971 Best Actor Award for the title role of Patton from the Motion Picture Academy.  Maybe it's because I was born in 1971, and naturally have an edge.  Maybe I'm just a stubborn ass, and refuse to listen to convention.  What I do know, is that I will not try to endear myself to the self serving Baseball Writer's even if I'm given the chance.  I will make my voice known about all the reasons that Lou Whitaker, and Alan Trammel should be enshrined with the other greats of the game.

I will do things my way, because I know in my heart it's right.  I will work hard for results, not for the accolades, but to make a difference.  I will not get caught up in the pat yourself on the back awards circuit even if I am nominated.  I'm not competing against anyone else.  I'm trying to be better than the person I was yesterday.  Tomorrow I will try to be better than I am today.  Personally, I think "the whole damn thing is a goddam meat market.  I don't want any part of it."  Plus I am comforted knowing that this is not only my way, IT'S THE DETROIT WAY!!