Goose Gets Nod for Cooperstown

Legendary closer Goose Gossage will enter the Baseball Hall of Fame this year by himself, the Hall announced today, making the grade after nine previous appearances on the ballot. The impressively mustachioed Gossage, who toiled for the Yankees, Padres, and seven other franchises, is only the fifth relief pitcher to be voted into Cooperstown. He said getting the news felt "like an anvil just fell on my head."

Red Sox slugger Jim Rice was passed over for a 14th time, falling short by just 14 votes, and will get his last chance next year. Andre Dawson, another ex-Red Sox but better known as a Cub, missed by 50 votes. Gossage will enter with four Veterans Committee electees, including his San Diego manager. "There isn't anybody I'd rather go in with than Dick Williams," he said. (More Goose Gossage stories.)