There was talk about on the air yesterday about whether George Steinbrenner belongs in the baseball Hall of Fame. I think the answer is an obvious yes as the man transcended the game with the construction of his billion dollar empire. The players union owes Mr. Steinbrenner a debt of gratitude because I don’t believe salaries would have escalated as quickly without him diving feet first into free agency during the late seventies. When 29 other owners spent their time figuring out how to hold the game back Steinbrenner raised the bar and forced them to elevate their mindset. I don’t believe the Wilpon’s would have spent as much on their team if not for the Yankees excellence across town. Baseball is a different game, like it or not, because of the presence of George Steinbrenner.

Of course there are detractors. Many will point out to the off the field issues like illegal campaign contributions to Richard Nixon and the Howie Spira situation. Looking back it’s amazing that Fay Vincent decided to ban Steinbrenner for life for what really deserved a slap on the wrist. Do the lawyers in the audience believe any of his proof would hold in court? Let’s be honest, we have members of our Senate that have done far worse. Remember, labor unrest that would lead to the 94’ strike was just beginning around that time and keeping Steinbrenner away from the game would certainly go a long way in deflating salaries. In any event, it’s ludicrous to allow minor transgressions to keep him out of the Hall of Fame.

With that said, Steinbrenner does have a checkered past from a baseball perspective. Letting him into the Hall of Fame destroys the “integrity of the game” mantra that some hold dear to their heart during the voting process. I personally hate that stance, it’s far too sanctimonious, but each voter has a right to interpret their ballot individually since there is no consistent standard required. However, it weakens the stance of those that are against Pete Rose entering the Hall of Fame. Is there a vast difference between what Rose and Steinbrenner did off the field? Are they any worse individuals than Ty Cobb reportedly was? Does a league that endorsed segregation in its early years deserve to hold such a moral high ground?

George Steinbrenner belongs in the Hall of Fame. Pete Rose deserves it just as much, if not more, due to his on the field accomplishments. When George gets the call the commissioner, whoever that may be when it happens, should address the Pete Rose suspension and lift it. Hopefully the voters see it my way and elect him shortly thereafter. Maybe Steinbrenner’s final gift to the game of baseball will be to open the doors of the Hall of Fame to the all time hit leader. How great of a final act would that be?

Mike Silva is a freelance writer and radio host since March of 2007. This website is his own personal "digest" of New York Baseball He's also hosts NYBD Radio on Blog Talk Radio and 1240 AM WGBB. Check out his sports media commentary at www.sportsmediawatchdog.com. Check out his official website, www.mikesilvamedia.com

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Tags: Cincinnati Reds, Fay Vincent, George Steinbrenner, Howie Spira, New York Yankees, Pete Rose