Hall of Fame Pitches Another Shut Out...

...and one of these days they may just vote themselves right into hell. Ron Santo missed it again, this time by five votes. (Click here for the full story.) Santo played third base for the Cubs in the 60's & 70's, including several seasons while suffering from untreated diabetes. His career is highlighted by an impressive offensive output, superior fielding percentages, and great leadership on the field.

More than just a Chicago icon, Santo represents the old guard of baseball and he has has been the very picture of poise and determination in the face of tremendous adversity. There are several players with lesser numbers already in the Hall, and Ron is arguably the best third baseman not in. "To me it is clear and unequivocal that Santo is a Hall of Famer . . . Putting guys like George Kell, Freddy Lindstrom, and Tony Lazzeri in the Hall of Fame while you leave out Ron Santo is like putting Dalmatians, Palominos, and Siamese in the zoo while you let the lions roam the streets," said Bill James, Red Sox senior operations advisor and voting member of the Veterans Committee. It looks like this old Cub will just have to wait 'til next year. Again.

(Actually, it'll be two years before the committee votes again).