Here's to the Goose

Photo Credit John Leyba, Denver Post

Going to the home state newspaper for this one.

Gossage in Hall of Fame

Goose bumps replaced disappointment.

Rich "Goose" Gossage, Colorado's greatest baseball player, finally earned entrance into baseball's Hall of Fame today after an eight-year wait. The Baseball Writer's Association of America said he had received the required votes.

What do you think, Rich?

"Oh my God, I've been elected," said Gossage, as he took the call at 11:43 a.m. this morning. "I can't believe this. It finally happened."

That it has taken to this point is even harder to understand. To listen to voters and critics, Gossage's career was diminished by his longevity. He hung on for 22 seasons, the final 12 after his days as a dominating closer were over. To some modern voters, he is remembered as a pedestrian setup man who bounced from team to team.

"It's long overdue, Goose you deserve to be there," commissioner Bud Selig told Gossage. The former pitcher choked back tears in his Colorado Springs living room.

"My heart was pounding waiting to hear if you got in. It's better late than never," Selig added.

What caused one of the most intimidating relief pitchers ever to fight back emotions.

Gossage had long had urgency to get in while his mother was still alive. She passed away 15 months ago. And Gossage's father didn't live long enough to see his son pitch in the big leagues.

Thinking of his parents, Gosssage fought back tears today.

"Without their support, none of this would have been possible. I know they're looking down and they're proud."

An interesting conversation on the stage at Cooperstown next year will be the one between Gossage and George Brett about this game.