Singular accomplishment

Sporting News, The, July 29, 2002 by Stan McNeal

If you're visiting Cooperstown for the Hall of Fame inductions July 28, don't worry about a lot of acceptance speeches. There's just one player going in this year: Ozzie Smith, who made it on his first try. There could be another small class in 2003, judging by the top players eligible for the first time.

Eddie Murray. One of three players--Willie Mays and Hank Aaron are the others--with more than 500 homers and 3,000 hits. Chances: He's a lock.

Ryne Sandberg. The best second baseman of his era, but he lacks huge career numbers, other than nine Gold Gloves. Chances: Too close to call.

Lee Smith. He's the career saves leader (478), but if Bruce Sutter and Goose Gossage aren't in, how can Smith make it on the first ballot? Chances: Better luck next time.

Fernando Valenzuela. His career got off to a storybook start, but he faded fast. His numbers (173-153, 3.54 ERA) fall well below Hall of Fame standards. Chances: A little better than Pete Rose's.