If you don't make the baseball hall of fame the first go-round, there is something nice that baseball does for retired older players. They give them a second chance in the form of the Veterans Committee.
This year THREE former Twins were nominated: Jim Kaat, Tony Oliva, and Luis Tiant ( though Tiant's greatest claim to fame in Minnesota was a short stint before making way for then rookie Bert Blyleven, but he was a fun pitcher to watch.)
Kitty Kaat was THE man for me growing up. I still imitate his loping delivery when I try to impress people with my pitching "prowess."
If Tony O hadn't went down with a knee injury, he would have been one of the greatest of all-time, bar none. He hit for power and average and had one of the greatest arms ever. He was as good as his contemporary Roberto Clemente, but back then knee surgery was in its infancy, and instead of getting quick micro-surgery on a cartilage tear like today, they removed ALL of the cartilage in his knee. He lost his speed, and within a few seasons could barely walk. His loss was the greatest the Twins ever received.
Kaat and Oliva belong in The Hall. Far worse players are already enshrined. Rod Carew is on the veterans committee so the chances of at least ONE making it is good.
I hate that everything is determined by politics, though. They deserve to be there. I hope both make it.
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