Torre Among Names Considered for Hall

Among this year's names being considered by the Veteran's Committee for induction into the baseball hall of fame is current Yankees manager Joe Torre. Torre played 18 seasons in the majors, compiling a .297 average, 252 home runs, 1,185 RBI, and the 1971 NL MVP award. Torre has an excellent shop at reaching the hall as a manager once he retires, but the former catcher and third baseman is not likely to make it as a player.

The player's portion of this year's ballot includes long-time fan favorite Gil Hodges, non-steroid home run champion Roger Maris. The ballot also includes 15 "composite" candidates, comprised of owners, broadcasters, etc...One of the candidates getting a lot of push to be elected is former player's union head Marvin Miller. Miller is at the forefront of those who helped form today's free agency. Of course free agency may not have happened without the courage of Curt Flood to buck the system. Flood is also on the ballot.

A number of persons associated with the Yankees are also on the ballot. In addition to Torre and Maris, "The Captain", Thurman Munson, former player and manager Billy Martin, former broadcaster Bill White, and former team president Gabe Paul are all on the ballot.

Results of the balloting will be announced on February 27.



Billy Martin and Thurman Munson are among this year's Veterans Committee nominees


2007 Veterans Committee Nominees:

Players
Dick Allen
Bobby Bonds
Ken Boyer
Rocky Colavito
Wes Ferrell
Curt Flood
Joe Gordon
Gil Hodges
Jim Kaat
Mickey Lolich
Sparky Lyle
Marty Marion
Roger Maris
Carl Mays
Minnie Minoso
Thurman Munson
Don Newcome
Lefty O'Doul
Tony Oliva
Al Oliver
Vada Pinson
Ron Santo
Luis Tiant
Joe Torre
Cecil Travis
Mickey Vernon
Maury Wills

Composite
Buzzie Bavasi
August Busch Jr.
Harry Dalton
Charlie Finley
Doug Harvey
Whitey Herzog
Bowie Kuhn
Billy Martin
Marvin Miller
Walter O'Malley
Gabe Paul
Paul Richards
Bill White
Dick Williams
Phil Wrigley