A Sun-Times article, dated July 31, 1995, stated that Mike Schmidt turned his Hall of Fame podium into a pulpit to promote Pete Rose by telling the crowd it was time to make a place for him in Cooperstown. In his promotion of Mr. rose he overlooked the one person who is long overdue, the most qualified, the most deserving person and it is time for him to have a place in Cooperstown:

A visit to the museum in Cooperstown will enable one to look upon a piece of concrete placed their because it was the corner stone of the once Ebbet's field in Brooklyn, N.Y..

Displayed, also, are the numerous other artifacts, such as, lockers, uniforms, bronzed gloves, shoes and bats and balls.

Since my visit there, I understand the museum has added a specie of bird whose demise was due to being hit by a batted ball.

The fan (The Heart of Baseball) should be entitled to his rightful place in Cooperstown, more so than a piece of concrete and a dead bird!

What would the fate of baseball have been if it was not for the enthusiasm, the love of the game, the loyalty and , of course, the financial support all given by the fans for a century or more. This is what has created and sustained the life of America's number one sport as we know it today!

Disenchanted and bitterly disillusioned from the recent strike by greedy players and greedy owners, the time has come for the fans to be recognized for all their past and present contributions.

The time has come for the players to approach a fan (cap in hand) and ask them for their autograph (no charge).

In addition to an appropriate plaque, an appropriate artifact would be a bronzed wallet, encased in glass, on a podium in the center of the Hall of Fame. This would enable those already enshrined to look down upon it and be reminded, "If it was not for you, I would not be here!"

To the Baseball Writers Association of America, it is time for you to govern yourself, accordingly. DO THE RIGHT THING!