Charlie Hustle belongs in The Hall of Fame.
No question.
While we're at it, let's give Lance Armstrong back his Tour de France trophies.
Damn right.
Two quick anecdotes:
In 1979 or so, I can remember being a kid of about 14 or 15 years old down in Pompano Beach, Florida, back when the Texas Rangers had their Spring Training right down the street from my home.
One day, the Rangers played the Yankees, and Reggie Jackson was there. Of course there was a mob of kids who wanted autographs. Reggie pushed them all behind a fence, closed the gate, and made every kid hand his item through the fence so it could be autographed. To this young man, Jackson came across as aloof, arrogant, and downright rude.
Now when Pete Rose and the Phillies came to play the Rangers, Rose was mobbed just outside the clubhouse by a similar group of (mostly) kids. Pete stood there, closely pressed by the crowd, and patiently signed every single autograph until nobody was left. He mingled with the crowd, smiled, was friendly and approachable, and acted like a consummate gentleman.
I'll always remember the contrast between those two players and their attitude towards fame and fans. Reggie Jackson treated us like a nuisance, and Pete Rose treated us like a friend.
At least Rose didn't do steroids. I refuse to even consider visiting the Baseball Hall of Fame until Pete Rose is in it. For them to keep him out of it this long, for merely gambling on baseball, is petty, and beyond a travesty...
Yep, but will be inducted posthumously.