Wednesday, Jan. 09, 2008

Gossage finally gets call to Hall

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Tears, champagne -- and goosebumps.

That's how Rich "Goose" Gossage celebrated Tuesday's election into the Baseball Hall of Fame. After eight long years on the ballot, Gossage jogged in from the bullpen to immortality.

"Oh my God. I have been elected," Gossage said from the brown recliner in his living room where he received the call at 11:43 a.m. "I can't even describe how I feel. I don't know what to say," he said, his voice beginning to crack.

Gossage captured 85.8 percent of the vote, easily eclipsing the 75 percent required from the 10-year members of the Baseball Writers Association of America. He will be formally inducted July 27 in Cooperstown, N.Y.

From the moment his phone rang, life at his Colorado Springs home became a blur of cheers, congratulatory calls and deep reflection.

Not long after Goose hung up with Jack O'Connell, the secretary-treasurer of the writers' association, baseball commissioner Bud Selig called. His first try went unanswered in the commotion. Gossage's wife, Corna, placed Selig on speakerphone as she tracked down glasses for the champagne.

"I have personal experience with you and what you did to my club. This is long overdue," Selig told Gossage. "Just the other day I was talking with (Hall of Famer) Robin Yount, who doesn't say much as you know, and he told me you were the one guy he hated to face. That's the highest compliment."

Gossage was known for his Fu Manchu moustache (which he still wears today), glower and emotion while on the mound. Soon after his election, he chatted with Dave Campbell, a good friend and ESPN broadcaster, and Hall of Fame manager Dick Williams.

"You better stay alive until July (for the ceremony)," Williams said with a laugh to his former San Diego Padres closer.

"You were the best."

To many, Gossage defined the closer's role. He provided his own game theatrics with a mean moustache and an ill-tempered heater.

"It wasn't just about stats with Goose," said Fred Whitaker, a former Triple-A Colorado Springs general manager who was among friends and family at the house. "When he came in the game was over."

Gossage couldn't understand why he was overlooked by the Hall and wondered if he would ever get the final stamp on his brilliant 22-year career.

Each miss left him disappointed, angry, and in some cases, outspoken.

Reggie Jackson advised him to remain patient, that recognition would ultimately come.

"I think having to wait makes it that much more special," said Gossage, who finished with 310 saves and hopes to go into the Hall of Fame wearing a New York Yankees cap.

Both of Gossage's parents have died, his mother just 15 months ago at age 92.

"When I think of them, I think of all the support they gave me. I wouldn't be here without them," said Gossage, tears dripping down his face.

"As a kid I played for fun. But I remember my dad telling me after I missed a practice that I should just quit if I wasn't going to commit to this. I know they are looking down and they are proud of me."

Gossage, who will serve as a guest instructor for the Yankees in spring training after being asked by new manager Joe Girardi, is the only member of this year's Hall of Fame class. He joins former closers Hoyt Wilhelm, Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley and Bruce Sutter in Cooperstown.

Slugger Jim Rice received 72.2 percent support on Tuesday, missing by 16 votes, followed by Andre Dawson (65.9 percent).

With Mark McGwire unwilling to talk about his past, his future doesn't look bright for the Hall of Fame after he received just 23 percent of the vote for the second consecutive year.