The worthy Goose

Rich “Goose” Gossage, probably the most feared relief pitcher of the 1970s and 1980s, is going to the Hall of Fame.

On a ballot that lacked the luster of previous years with no sure-fire selections, it's almost fitting that no other player was elected by the baseball writers this season. No hitter ever wanted to face him with the game on the line.

Gossage racked up 310 saves in 1,002 games for seven teams spanning 22 seasons, most notably the Chicago White Sox (1972-76), New York Yankees (1978-83) and San Diego Padres (1984-87) in his career, compliling a 124-107 record. Unlike closers today, was often called upon to pitch longer than one inning. He is the 61st pitcher overall elected to the Hall and the fifth who was primarily a reliever, joining Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley and Bruce Sutter. Gossage finally earned election in his ninth attempt.

A couple of longtime players on the ballot received more support this year, but fell just short. Jim Rice, in his next-to-last year of eligibility, was just 14 votes short. He belongs in Cooperstown – maybe next year.

Others who enjoyed a surge were Andre Dawson, who finished third with 65.9 percent (a 49-vote gain) and Bert Blyleven (61.9 percent, a 78-vote gain). Tim Raines was the top first-timer on the ballot, getting 24.3 percent of the vote.

And Mark McGwire saw no more support than last season, finishing with only 23.6 percent, another sign that the baseball writers aren't sure what to do about the “steroids era” and those associated with performance-enhancing drugs, whether fairly or unfairly. McGwire received 23.5 percent last year. Players remain on the ballot for 15 years, but if they waived that, and at this rate, he'd be elected in the year 2522.

For full results, check out the Baseball Hall of Fame site. (And for the writer out there who voted for Todd Stottlemyre... what the heck?)

Gossage will be elected July 27 along with one of his former managers, Dick Williams, who was picked last month by the Veterans Committee. Former owners Walter O'Malley and Barney Dreyfuss, former commissioner Bowie Kuhn and former manager Billy Southworth will be enshrined posthumously.