Yankees: Jeter’s vote for the Hall of Fame dramatically enhances his aura and stature

BBWAA need to vote objectively

Given Jeter’s outstanding overall record, several perplexed analysts have tried to explain what may have motivated someone to oppose his induction into the HOF.

Before I began writing for Yanks Go Yard, I was a Dean of Social Sciences for 11 years at a University of California campus. Among other responsibilities, I spent a lot of my time evaluating hundreds of faculty (and staff) for promotion and tenure at the university.

My position required that I read all the evaluations of all the academic personnel in my unit, including negative feedback from all identified individuals. These evaluations were anonymous to everyone but me. Hence, a parallel to the HOF voting process. I signed my name after reviewing and assessing each file.

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In cases where the person’s record was overwhelming, yet one individual out of many opposed the promotion of the candidate, it nearly always was someone who was mediocre him/herself and who in many cases, had devoted a lot of time defending their own accomplishments and academic record.

In most instances, these individuals felt that they were not appreciated by their colleagues and that they were not receiving the recognition they deserved. Anger, envy, and jealousy were operating at a high level for them.

Along with perhaps an anti-Bombers sentiment, a feeling that The Ultimate Yankee was overrated, and possibly having a perceived slight from him at some point in the past, I am betting that the lone “no” voter is someone who has struggled to justify the value of their own work for a long time. Admittedly, I don’t know who the person is, but I am guessing that this is someone who is fighting for recognition in sports journalism but continues to fail in their own (or others’) mind.

I do believe that writers should have the option to vote for whomever they wish and not to be forced to identify themselves and reveal their vote. They should be encouraged to vote with their conscience. More importantly, however, writers must also evaluate present and past baseball players objectively and decide how to vote based on the overall accomplishments of candidates for the HOF.