George Steinbrenner, Marvin Miller, and Tommy John.

This year’s list includes Expansion Era candidates. In addition to the above three up for consideration are:

Vida Blue
Dave Concepcion
Steve Garvey
Ron Guidry
Al Oliver
Ted Simmons
Rusty Staub
Billy Martin
Pat Gillick

In order for someone to be elected they need to collect 12 of 16 votes (75%) from the committee that includes eight Hall of Famers, four media members, and four executives. To see who is on the committee go to the Hall of Fame website.

Taking out Steinbrenner and Miller, the list is full of some very good, but not great players. Perhaps in another year I would give strong consideration for Ted Simmons and Steve Garvey, and Billy Martin as a manager. I actually advocated Martin last winter and still believe he should get in, just not this year due to the presence of Steinbrenner and Miller. I believe following three individuals transcend the game and should headline the Veterans Committee selections:

George Steinbrenner: This was discussed ad nauseam this summer and rightfully so. The Boss transcended the game in such a way that both owners and players owe him a debt of gratitude. Under his watch the game exploded from an entertainment standpoint. His team, however polarizing, made for a great story nationally that helped grow the MLB brand. The players are multi millionaires thanks to Steinbrenner embracing free agency like no other. Think about where salaries would be without the wild Yankees spending? The Yankees become the most powerful sports brand in the world under Steinbrenner. That alone is Hall of Fame worthy.

Marvin Miller: Like Steinbrenner, Miller transcends the game off the field. A labor economist from the Bronx, Miller was able to beat the reserve clause, a stipulation that tied players to their team in perpetuity, and won. The thought of players as oppressed seems odd in an era of salaries that average $3 million dollars, but it wasn’t until the late seventies they were able gain some financial freedom. Under Miller the average salary rose from $19k to $241k. Baseball has been historically slow to change, and beating the “good old boys club” has never come easy. Miller was able to do that in a huge way. You may not like what the MLBPA has become, but that doesn’t mean Miller’s work shouldn’t be recognized. Not sold and want to learn more about Marvin Miller? Just check out ThanksMarvin.com.

Tommy John – I had a chance to interview John when he was manager in the Atlantic League. I realize that he may not have a period of dominance during his 26 year career (I count only 3 seasons that are Hall worthy), but the fact that he was able to pitch that long after tearing an elbow ligament is why he belongs there. We all know if he won another 12 games he probably would have been inducted sometime in the nineties. How many pitchers win 288 games? How many pitch till their 46? How many do this on a reconstructed elbow? Enough said. The surgery for which he was the guinea pig has extended the careers of many pitchers, some who will be considered Hall of Famers in the future. The only question I have is what cap will he wear?

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: George Steinbrenner, Hall of Fame, Marvin Miller, New York Yankees, Tommy John, Veterans Committe