There has not been a single player unanimously voted into the MLB Hall of Fame. Thanks to Boston Red Sox writer Bill Ballou, that trend will continue.
The rivalry between the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees is one of the fiercest in the game. From the battles on the field to the battles amongst the fanbases, there is no mistaking the animosity that exists between the franchises.
And yet, there is a mutual level of respect. Greatness can be recognized and celebrated across team lines, where players such as Derek Jeter, David Ortiz, Pedro Martinez, and Mariano Rivera can be recognized for what they were. These players were amongst the greatest at their positions, legends in their own time. Regardless of the uniform, they commanded respect from the fans, even if it would be sacrilegious to root for them otherwise.
Rivera is now on the ballot to join the MLB Hall of Fame. His statistics are without equal, as he dominated over the course of his 19 year career. He posted a major league record 652 saves, with a 2.21 ERA and a 1.000 WHiP, striking out 1173 batters in 1283.2 innings. Easily the greatest closer in MLB history, the only question involving his induction to the Hall was whether or not he would become the first player to unanimously inducted.
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That will not be the case. In what may be a fitting way to end any such hope for a player to be inducted unanimously, at least this year, it is a Red Sox writer who will refuse to vote for Rivera. Citing his disdain for closers in general, and making bizarre similes to minor league goalies, Bill Ballou of the Worcester Telegram and Gazette is getting his 15 minutes of fame.
It was, at best, a pipe dream to think that any player would be inducted with 100% of the vote, particularly a closer. And naturally, that is the primary reason behind why that one writer will not vote for Rivera. While it would be misguided, saying that is the rationale, while submitting a ballot, would at least be a stance some could agree with.
Instead, Ballou is looking to avoid responsibility for his vote. Because he does not want to vote for Rivera, he is submitting a blank ballot. In his mind, depriving other worthy candidates, such as Roy Halladay or Edgar Martinez is preferable to standing on an island as the only writer to refuse to vote for Rivera.
The game of baseball has evolved dramatically over the years. Closers, and relievers in general, are a far more important part of the game than they were even 30 years ago. Even the traditional starter has seen major changes, especially with the advent of the Opener in the past year. Not everything remains the same.
To blatantly dismiss a position, and the greatness exhibited there, is to ignore what the game has become. It is a belief stuck in the past, with shoddy logic being used as justification. This is a refusal to adapt to a game that is ever changing, and a sign that they are no longer capable of being able to adequately judge the merits of the players submitted for their vote. Ballou’s refusal to vote, and his asinine justification for doing so, should be enough to remove him from the list of voters for the Hall of Fame.
Mariano Rivera will not be a unanimous Hall of Famer after all. Naturally, it is a Boston Red Sox writer who is throwing a wrench into the works.