Jacob Rupert - Owner of the New York Yankees from 1915-1939. Rupert died in 1939.
Hank O'Day - Umpire in early 20th Century. Umpired his last game in 1927. Died in 1935.
James "Deacon" White - 19th century player. Played his last game in 1889, and died in 1939.
Really gets the blood flowing, doesn't it? I wonder if any of these guys have any grandchildren still alive who can accept the plaques on their behalf?
Having visited Cooperstown many times over the years, I know how much this weekend means to the small businesses and other organizations in the community, and I know that they cannot be real happy about such a lackluster Induction Class. I mean, I don't think that there are hordes of fans of the Cleveland Forest Citys, Buffalo Bisons, and Detroit Wolverines flocking Cooperstown this weekend to spend money and cheer for the induction of Deacon White.
I don't want to start up a Should They / Shouldn't They Debate over the Steroid Era players, and this is not to say that Rupert, O'Day, and White are undeserving, but, from a purely business standpoint, the HOF cannot be pleased to only be inducting guys who have been dead for three quarters of a century. I mean...
Perhaps this Class of 2013 will prove to be an anomaly. One can only hope.
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