Time showed just how great Goose was

Edward Perez, Long Beach, CA — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 23:18:24 GMT

Hey Mike, My Dog Celizic barks hello. I want to know what you think of Tommy John still not getting into the Hall of Fame? The guy won 288 games on a bad arm. Do you think the Veterans Comittee will elect him if the writers don't.

Time showed just how great Goose was

John Doe — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 01:09:34 GMT

The baseball hall of fame is no longer a shrine. It became less than that when it denied a black player at his last chance to get in even though everyone said he should be in. The 'Hall of Fame' is diminished.

Time showed just how great Goose was

Karen, Hartford, CT — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 03:28:29 GMT

I remember watching Goose Gossage as a kid when I was just learning about baseball and the Yankee's from my older brother. He was amazing to watch, and he's more than deserving of this honor.

Time showed just how great Goose was

Jim Hudson, Ohio — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:01:49 GMT

Gooose Gossage was a great relief pitcher that was one of the most imposing figures on the mound and he didn't use steriods! I'm happy to see him finnaly elected to the Hall of Fame which is long over do.

Time showed just how great Goose was

Nancy D Chesapeake VA — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:23:48 GMT

HANG A STAR ON THAT ONE!!!!! I am a padre fan and spent many a summer night in my childhood watching Goose close it out for the Padres. That was back when you could sit in the cheap seats for $5. He made this little girl love what baseball is and appreciate it with her own children. Whenever he struck a batter out they had this pole that they put out from the press box and said Hang a star on that one. Way to go Goose!!!

Time showed just how great Goose was

Alex Walker, Leadville, CO — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:51:22 GMT

All is not right with the world, but The Goose is in The Hall. A cantankerous old coot, great guy, and one hell of a fisherman. Oh, did I mention he could throw the cowhide off of a baseball? He pitched in over 1,000 major league games. Hey, divide that by the number of games in a season! Goose rocks!

Time showed just how great Goose was

Stev Tellers — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 15:28:29 GMT

Hopefully, Jim Rice gets in next year. He has deserved it for a long time.

Time showed just how great Goose was

Robert Greene Pinellas Park, Fla — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:28:44 GMT

Greatest relief pitcher I have ever seen in my many years of watching them all. That includes 2007. None like him ever.

Time showed just how great Goose was

Mike Garner — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 17:35:37 GMT

Also take into consideration that, if he limited his appearances to the 9th inning, he might have been even MORE dominating with less fatigue. And might have even pitched a few more years.

Time showed just how great Goose was

Matt Smith, Warwick, RI — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:32:18 GMT

Using the same logic it is an outright shame that Jim Ed Rice did not gain election this year to the Hall of Fame...the dominant and most feared hitter of his era (1975-1986)...his stats certainly deserve another hard look in light of the inflated numbers put up in the "steroid era".

Time showed just how great Goose was

Margaret (Julian) Vialet, Boise, Idaho — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 19:59:51 GMT

Great article about a great player. I went to school
with Rick and his sister, Paula, and I remember playing ball in the vacant lot next to their house.
They were some of the most down to earth people you'd ever want to know. Congratulations Goose!

Time showed just how great Goose was

Richard Hamilton — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:52:44 GMT

How about Joe Page and Jim Konstanty?

Time showed just how great Goose was

Jack Palmer. Ft Hood, Tx — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 20:59:44 GMT

a team would face a fireballer like Gibson, he'd wear them out and maybe tire then you can feel it in the air" Oh, s*^%#, they're bringing in "The Goose!!", granted they didn't play on same team, but the Goose did that to opposing teams. It was a real treat to see the big guy on the mound, full fu-manchu just a blowin and get that leg high and just smokin em. we just don't grow them like that anymore(naturally. I'm extremely happy for him and for baseball that his worth has gotten him to the "Hall". And Mike C, thanks for always telling it right.

Time showed just how great Goose was

Steve, Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:23:46 GMT

While I respect your loyalty to your comrades, the voting process is flawed, or rather, the attitude of the voters is. How was it possible to make a cogent argument against enshrinement for Cal Ripken or Tony Gwynn? Easily two of the best all time, compared to any era, based on their careers and the impact they had on the game. Yet they were not unanimous picks! Who could not vote for Gwynn, in clear conscience? Spare me the "since so & so wasn't unanimous" excuse; that is just absurd. Even worse is when someones career looks better as time goes on, as you stated-because despite that possible coloring of opinion, if new, more morthy candidates spring up, a la Rickey Henderson, they then get pushed to the back burner again. I know Henderson will not be unanimous either; the all-time leader in runs, steals, almost unquestionably the best leadoff hitter ever, with records, All-stars, playoff and World Series triumphs, still leaves a few question marks in the minds of a voter or two.

Time showed just how great Goose was

David A. Fardy, Moncton NB. Canada — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 21:52:31 GMT

Thank you for this educational commentary.

Time showed just how great Goose was

Doug Vaughn — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:41:44 GMT

Dennis Eckersley went into the HOF in 2004

Time showed just how great Goose was

John Chellemi, Del Mar, CA — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 05:15:49 GMT

Hi Mike,

I am very happy for "The Goose". Do you have any idea which uniform he will choose? How about that great San Diego mustard and brown!!

Time showed just how great Goose was

JIM BOYER, FLOWER MOUND TEXAS — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 07:27:53 GMT

ARE YOU TRYING TO SAY THAT SINCE ALL OF THE VOTING SPORTSWRITER ARE GREAT, I MUST BE FANTASTIC SINCE I AM ONE OF THEM? HOW ABOUT SHOELESS JOE JACKSON, OR THE GREAT REPORTING THEY DIDN'T DO ON STEROIDS WHEN THEY WERE BEING USED. WHO KNEW? THEY KNEW BUT WOULDN'T SAY ANYTHING TO UPSET THERE COZY ACCESS TO THE CONSERVATIVE POWER STRUCTURE THAT IS MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL WHOSE COMMISSIONER IS A EX-USED CAR SALESMAN. FOR SHAME!