Red Sox News & Notes @ SOX & Dawgs

As we all know by now, former Red Sox great and current NESN analyst Jim Rice was denied entry to the Baseball Hall of Fame on his 14th ballot. Rice issued a statement yesterday about being denied again.

“Today’s results are obviously a disappointment. I believe my accomplishments speak for themselves, and a majority of the voters seem to agree. It is tough to come this close, but I remain hopeful for the 2009 results. I appreciate all the kind words from so many players, including Rich Gossage, and I congratulate Goose on his well-deserved election today.”

Even Rich “Goose” Gossage, who was the writers only inductee, thinks Rice should be in the Hall of Fame.

“I think Jim Rice does belong in the Hall of Fame,” said Gossage. “I’ve said that all along. No hitter scared me, but Jim Rice came the closest. What a tremendous hitter he was, and he made that whole Boston lineup a better lineup . . . Jim came pretty close and maybe next year it’ll be his turn, hopefully.”

Sean McAdam from the Providence Journal brings up a great point:

Twenty times in the history of balloting, a player has received more than 70 percent but less than the necessary 75 percent. In each instance, the player was eventually elected to the Hall.

The most recent case in point was Rich “Goose” Gossage, the only player elected yesterday. A year ago, Gossage was named on 71.2 percent of the ballots cast.

So let’s take a look at the players who will be on the ballot for the first time in 2009.

  • Steve Avery, Jay Bell, Mike Bordick, John Burkett, David Cone, Ron Gant, Mark Grace, Rickey Henderson, Charles Nagy, Denny Neagle, Jesse Orosco, Dean Palmer, Dan Plesac, Rick Reed, Greg Vaughn, Mo Vaughn, Matt Williams, Mike Williams

In my opinion, the only player I can see be elected in his first try would be Rickey Henderson. With Rice getting 72.2% (392 votes) this year, I think Rice will get the necessary votes next year to finally get that elusive call saying that he’s been elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

You can definitely bet that Pawtucket Red Sox owner Ben Mondor will keep his campaign going to get Rice into the Hall.

Buddy LeRoux; was part owner of Sox, real estate baron; dead at 77 [Boston Globe]