The joy of being selected to the Hall of Fame
From SABR member Larry Granillo at Baseball Prospectus on December 6, 2011:
A selection of quotes from newly elected members of the Baseball Hall of Fame detailing their thoughts and emotions after hearing the news. In nearly all instances, the quotes were taken the day of the election. If a Hall of Famer is omitted, it is because there were no relevant quotes to be found.
George Brett, 1999, elected in his first year of eligibility
“I start bawling, crying like a baby. Baseball was so hard for me, and to get that high of [a] vote total, it got to me. It was fantastic. But now my friends are hearing me cry, and they’re thinking, ‘Maybe he didn’t make it.'”<snip>
Paul Molitor, 2004, elected in his first year of eligibility
“There was a huge sigh of relief on my part. The room kind of erupted with some screaming and applause. It was pretty emotional. I don’t think it’s one of those moments you can really plan for.”<snip>
Goose Gossage, 2008, elected in his ninth year of eligibility
“It was like being hit with a brick. My head just went numb.”
Read the full article here: http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=15612
Originally published: December 6, 2011. Last Updated: December 6, 2011.