Congratulations to Bruce Sutter. Bruce was just sworn into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. His appearance has changed, but he was still the smooth professional in his acceptance speech I used to watch pitch for the Cardinals back in the 80's.
A lasting image burnt into my memory was Sutter striking out Gorman Thomas of the Milwaukee Brewers to end the 1982 World Series. After the strikeout, the Cardinals poured onto the field and Sutter is pictured in numerous photographs jumping into the arms of late Cardinal catcher Darryl Porter.
Sutter had a wicked split finger fastball and helped to pioneer the pitch now utilized by many Major League pitchers. As late Cardinals broadcaster Jack Buck put it so elegantly whenever the Cardinals would win..."That's A Winner".
In addition to Sutter, the Hall of Fame inducted 17 players from the old Negro leagues. The move was long overdue and included the first woman inducted into the Hall of Fame Effa Manley.
Congratulations also to the new members inducted into the media wing of the National Baseball Hall of Fame.
Gene Elston was inducted into the Broadcaster's Wing and Tracy Ringolsby into the Writer's wing of the institution.
Congratulations to all of the members of the 2006 class of the Baseball Hall of Fame!!!
