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I believe this theme should be exhumed from the depths of 1901 retroactive election discussion. Beginning on the third of now four pages there is more on the quality of various electors including especially the BBWAA for Cooperstown and BBFever visitors for numerous projects including BBF HOF.
On page four jjpm explained what he means by a clear HOFer. That provides some context for the quotation but please don't dwell on it here. He closed with the interpretation that may be interesting or useful to discuss separately. Namely the BBWAA represents average fans and other Hall of Fame selection processes constitute the reliance on experts. I think he means that this fits the understanding and intention of the NBHOFM governors. They think the system works this way and maintain it to work this way.
(jjpm, please clarify if necessary)
In writing this preface the interpretation has changed a little in my own mind and it has become a little more appealing. But here is my reply before writing the preface.
jjpm,
The history of the NBHOFM casts a long shadow over this interpretation. I'm sure they gave the vote to the BBWAA because they considered the baseball writers to be experts rather than representatives of the average fan and I suppose they think it works that way now.
First that fits the precedent of the Hall of Fame for Great Americans --look to the best of us, not to the masses, to recognize the best of the best (a gross simplification).
Second, it Baseball's way of doing things. Eg, designating awards voted by the BBWAA as official ones. Eg, intermittently giving all-star selection to experts or limiting the fans to selection of the starting nine so that they don't determine who is an all-star.
Third, it fits NBHOFM tinkering with the process during my lifetime, continually setting up short-lived relationships with experts other than the BBWAA to help keep the gate or open the door.
Fourth, I think if fits the tenor of the press conferences where winners are announced. The NBHOFM recognizes that average fans think lots more players are Hall of Famers and values the BBWAA elections (and other selection processes) for maintaining a high standard. At least the current head, Jane Forbes Clark, voices the high standards, gatekeeping interpretation.
On page four jjpm explained what he means by a clear HOFer. That provides some context for the quotation but please don't dwell on it here. He closed with the interpretation that may be interesting or useful to discuss separately. Namely the BBWAA represents average fans and other Hall of Fame selection processes constitute the reliance on experts. I think he means that this fits the understanding and intention of the NBHOFM governors. They think the system works this way and maintain it to work this way.
(jjpm, please clarify if necessary)
In writing this preface the interpretation has changed a little in my own mind and it has become a little more appealing. But here is my reply before writing the preface.
Originally posted by jjpm74
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The history of the NBHOFM casts a long shadow over this interpretation. I'm sure they gave the vote to the BBWAA because they considered the baseball writers to be experts rather than representatives of the average fan and I suppose they think it works that way now.
First that fits the precedent of the Hall of Fame for Great Americans --look to the best of us, not to the masses, to recognize the best of the best (a gross simplification).
Second, it Baseball's way of doing things. Eg, designating awards voted by the BBWAA as official ones. Eg, intermittently giving all-star selection to experts or limiting the fans to selection of the starting nine so that they don't determine who is an all-star.
Third, it fits NBHOFM tinkering with the process during my lifetime, continually setting up short-lived relationships with experts other than the BBWAA to help keep the gate or open the door.
Fourth, I think if fits the tenor of the press conferences where winners are announced. The NBHOFM recognizes that average fans think lots more players are Hall of Famers and values the BBWAA elections (and other selection processes) for maintaining a high standard. At least the current head, Jane Forbes Clark, voices the high standards, gatekeeping interpretation.
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