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Tony Oliva Snubbed In Hall Of Fame Vote

By Ted Schwerzler

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Few players resonate with Twins greatness more than that of Tony Oliva. He continues to be someone seen around Target Field, and in his playing days, was one of the greatest to ever step on the field. Unfortunately for both Olivia and Twins fans, his day of induction into the Hall of Fame is going to have to continue to wait.

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Today, the Veteran’s Committee for the Baseball Hall of Fame voted on a list of nine players and one executive from the Golden Era (1947-72) for induction into the hall. The 16 member committee needed to hand someone at least 12 votes for them to gain entrance. It was announced at the Winter Meetings today that no one was selected.

The list of candidates included: Dick Allen, Ken Boyer, Gil Hodges, Jim Kaat, Minnie Minoso, Tony Oliva, Billy Pierce, Luis Tiant and Maury Wills — and a lone executive, Bob Howsam.

Of those up for election, Dick Allen and Tony Oliva both garnered 11 votes, falling just one vote short. Ron Santo was the only inductee from the Golden Era the last time the collection was up for voting.

For the members of the Golden Era, this is a sad situation. With no one being elected, and the Veterans Committee voting each year on a rotating schedule, they will not be up for re-election until 2017.

Minnesotans campaigned for Tony Oliva to be inducted, and it looks like their efforts have fallen just short. Twins president, among others, took to Twitter to voice their sadness for the long time Twins great falling just short.

It was also reported that former Twin Jim Kaat fell just two votes short. Here’s to hoping for better luck in 2017.

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