MLB Hall of Fame: Ron Santo Would Want Minnie Minoso to Get in First

Two Chicago legends have what could be a final shot at the Baseball Hall of Fame next month.

The White Sox Minnie Minoso and the Cubs Ron Santo (who did spend one ill-fated season on the South Side) are two of 10 names on the ballot for consideration by the Hall's Golden Era Committee. Twelve of the 16-member committee must vote for a player in order for them to merit induction next summer.

It would be great for the city of Chicago to see both long time favorites be inducted together. If only one player can get the required votes, I hope it is Minoso.

Why? Because Santo would have wanted it that way.

The White Sox have started the campaign for Minoso's induction via the team website. The argument for Santo has been around for decades. White Sox fans can see Minoso's retired No. 9 on the outfield wall along with other South Side greats, but few know his whole story.

An early pioneer in the integration of baseball, Orestes Minoso came from Cuba to the Negro League to the minors before breaking in with the Indians in 1949. He spent most of his 15-year major league career with the White Sox.

Minoso was a career .298 hitter, a seven-time all-star, and finished in the top five of the American League MVP balloting four times. In 1951, he finished second to Gil McDougal of the Yankees in the Rookie of the Year voting despite having better numbers in most areas.

Minoso, who Latin players cite as their Jackie Robinson, also earned three gold gloves for his work in the outfield at Comiskey Park.

The case for Santo is well-documented. He was the best defensive third baseman of his day. Five gold gloves and an equally impressive bat. A nine-time all-star who wasn't able to garner enough votes for induction.

Sure, it would be great for Santo's family and fans to finally be afforded this honor, but here's my reasoning for backing Minoso. The mistake baseball made with Santo shouldn't be repeated with another equally deserving player.

Minoso is now 85 (or 88 depending on who you believe) years old. Santo, who passed away last winter, knew the pain of waiting for enshrinement that unfortunately would never come in his lifetime. Knowing the type of man Santo was, he would have pushed for Minoso to be inducted while he was around to take it all in.

To me, that's exactly why both Santo and Minoso deserve inclusion. Let's hope that fans on both sides of town have cause to celebrate with the balloting is made next month.