What's Wrong With The BWAA

I ran across this article while reading the morning paper. The full effect of the article cannot be seen online, but it is described. In the Sun Times, there is a large photocopy of Rick Telander's Hall of Fame ballot accompanying his article. His name is filled out and his BWAA number is also on the ballot.

What's so unusual about this. The rest of it was unmarked. In fact, it wasn't even sent in. The stamp is still good, he says. This is a prime example of what is wrong with some BWAA members. I enjoy reading Rick Telander's articles and he makes valid and insightful points. Usually. His decision to not vote undermines the players who rightfully deserve to be elected. If more writer's chose this method, players would never get elected. Unfortunately, in some years, this is true.

If I had the privilege to vote, I would not waste it by writing in votes for Pete Rose or not sending it in. By Rick's own admission, some of these players on the ballot would've gotten his vote. Then, please, in the future, exercise that option and vote for the players that you think are deserving.

This kind of elitist BS is what infuriates me about some of the BWAA members. Rick states that the steroid abuse in baseball is behind his decision and he can't be sure of anybody's status anymore. Well, that's fine for the players who have been caught or suspected, but don't punish everyone for the actions of a few players on the ballot. Are you the vote that Harold Baines lost? Why not vote for Andre Dawson like you wanted to.

Your intentions are good, but gravely misplaced. The White Sox players were talked out of refusing to take their drug tests, since a refusal was counted as a failed test, because it doesn't solve anything. No matter how good their intentions were, it was the wrong thing to do. The same applies to your decision not to send in your ballot because of steroids. It doesn't solve anything and only ends up hurting players who have done nothing wrong. I hope Rick Telander gets his act together next year. If not, I'll fill it out for him if he doesn't want to.