From left to right: Craig Biggio, John Smoltz, Randy Johnson, and Pedro Martinez.
This weekend marked one of the most prestigious traditions in all of sports, the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Yesterday, four remarkable athletes had their likenesses cemented forever among the greatest to ever lace up a pair of spikes. Players that I grew up watching & emulating were finally given their place in history. Randy Johnson was the imposing hard throwing, side-arm south paw that I always modeled my game after. Pedro Martinez dominated with a devastating change-up that I tried for countless hours to master. John Smoltz was was just an all around beast on the hill & helped to propel the Braves to the pinnacle of Major League Baseball in the 90's and then turned around to dominate as a closer after Tommy John surgery. Craig Biggio was the definition of hustle! He was the gritty player that didn't feel right ending a game with a clean uni. And let's not forget about the helmet! He and he alone is responsible for my pine tar addiction. Damn that was a great time for baseball!
With this year's induction ceremony complete, I'm already looking forward to next year. Biggio's former teammate, Jeff Bagwell, is still eligible as well as catcher Mike Piazza. Im also still holding out hope for Barry Bonds (who was never proven to have taken PEDs by the way) and the crime dog Fred McGriff. As far as first time players becoming eligible, we have a decent list headlined by Trevor Hoffman, Billy Wagner, and the great Ken Griffey Jr. That's right! The owner of the sweetest swing is finally eligible for the Hall of Fame! Just know that if Kid Griffey doesn't make it, WE RIOT!