During Tuesday night’s FOX Sports Midwest’s St. Louis Cardinals telecast, former Cardinals outfielder and current radio commentator Chris Duncan joined play-by-play man Dan McLaughlin for an inning of conversation.
McLaughlin’s remarks included his view that Chris’ father Dave, long-time Cardinals pitching coach under Tony La Russa, should be enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
I think that is a worthy topic, as it would be trail-blazing, since no coaches have yet to be inducted in Cooperstown. Even getting on a veteran’s committee ballot would be a good initial step, but one that may take some time.
First things first, in my opinion. Focus on what you can control – or at least influence.
Duncan should be fitted for a red jacket as a member of the Cardinals team Hall of Fame. The soonest this could happen is 2017, however.
The way the team Hall of Fame voting is organized, non-players can only join as the annual ownership selection. Being a part of the player nomination process myself, I know the DeWitts are both very interested and active.
Their choice this year is a former owner, Sam Breadon, preceded by player development guru George Kissell and the first year, broadcaster Mike Shannon. Other than believing Kissell should have been first, I have no issues with the owners’ selections.
In fact, I readily admit that I lobbied both of the DeWitts personally this year in favor of Breadon, just as I did the year before on behalf of Kissell.
I think I am going to do the same and get behind Dave Duncan’s case for next year. I hope others do, too.
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