Of all the injustices the baseball Hall of Fame has perpetrated upon its fans, none stand more erroneous than arrogant East Coast writers refusing to recognize the accomplishments of stars from smaller markets, or more accurately, those markets not named New York, Boston or even Los Angeles. The very fact that the Detroit Tigers legendary double play combination of Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker ranks so low on the Hall of Fame scale is a crime — and don’t even get The Heckler started on Jack Morris. Grrrrr. That being said, as we wind our way through the early stages of MLB Spring Training en route to what should be a great year in Tigertown, I thought it only apt to take peek back at this dynamic duo, both of whom I would gladly take as my shortstop-second sacker to face any team, of any era. Injuries aside, both were that good — MLB Hall of Fame be damned. Just because neither one did backflips every week to get on This Week in Baseball doesn’t mean they weren’t ballplayers of the highest level, not to mention television stars! Check out this award-winning acting prowess!!

While we’re at it, I can’t forget to add this fantastic “Talkin’ Baseball” video, focusing on the Tigers. Ah, memories . . .

- The Heckler

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On this date in 1965, legendary Dodgers’ pitcher Sandy Koufax pitched his fourth no-hitter in consecutive years, this one a perfect game. “The Man with the Golden Arm” would pitch 12-years in the major leagues, his magnificent 165-87 win-loss, 2.76 ERA career cut-short due to traumatic arthritis, brought on after jamming his arm returning to second base on a pick-off throw during the 1964 season.

Koufax poses after recording his then-record fourth no-hitter, a perfect game in fact, on this date in 1965 

He would win the National League’s MVP award in 1963, along with Cy Young awards (when only one was awarded in all of baseball) in 1963, 1965 and 1966 by unanimous votes – winning the pitcher’s Triple Crowns in the process as well, meaning wins, strikeouts and earned run average. He was also the first major leaguer to throw more than three no-hitters; the first left-hander to toss a perfect game since 1880; the first major leaguer to have eight games or more with at least 15 strikeouts; the first major leaguer to average more than nine strikeouts per nine innings (9.28 to 9) and allow fewer than seven hits per nine innings at the same time (6.79 to 9).

Koufax demonstrates his fearsome Southpaw delivery

Also notable for being an outstanding Jewish athlete (Koufax’ refusal to play in a 1965 World Series game due to Yom Kippur rankled many) Koufax followed his playing career into the TV booth for NBC’s Game of the Week, where he would remain for seven seasons. He was elected to the Baseball  Hall of Fame during his first year of eligibility in 1972, mere weeks after his 36th birthday – the youngest member ever. In June of that year, his #32 was retired by the Dodgers along with greats Roy Campanella (39) and Jackie Robinson (42).

- The Heckler

Enjoy this rare treat, video of Koufax at work, the man The Heckler’s father — “The Quiet Man”, ironically — dubbed the best pitcher he has ever seen . . .

Photo used with permission of Early Era Baseball Photos.com

CLICK HERE to read Punch’s take on Bonds’ bashing

CLICK HERE as Punch puts things Bonds in historical perspective 

CLICK HERE to read The Hecklers’ take on MLB waffling on recognizing feat

Far be it from The Heckler to not admit when he was wrong. A while back (CLICK HERE to refresh your memory) I took Hall of Famer Hank Aaron to task for telling everyone that — in no uncertain terms — he had no plans to follow Barry Bonds around as the controversial Giants slugger attempted to break Major League Baseball’s all-time home run mark.

Even by tape, Aaron stood dignified as Bonds breaks mark

At the time, I felt it to be a gutless way out — and I said so. Say what you will about Barry Bonds (and believe me, there’s been plenty said here, see links at bottom of story) the fact remains that he is now wearing the crown as baseball’s all-time home run leader, regardless of how may he hit while allegedly under the influence of steroids of other performacne-enhancing drugs. The fact is that they weren’t illegal in baseball until a few years ago - case closed.

Any debate is of a moral or ethical nature, and is separate and distinct from the bottom line: Barry Bonds has now hit 756 home runs. Period. No matter what taste it leaves in anyone’s mouth, that fact will not change. He is the leader, and probably will stay that leader until, perhaps, Alex Rodriguez retires and breaks everyone’s records.

But for today? Bonds reigns supreme. BaseballBigMouth.com offers up its congratulations to him for doing so. We also heartily salute the outgoing king, Hank Aaron, classy in life and classy as he was bumped to number two, a videotaped tribute playing for all to see. Hank took the high road, and didn’t lower himself to put any doubt into Bonds’ achievement. Instead, he rose above it, and looked for the positive. We can all take a lesson from that. Way to go, Barry. And way to go, Hank.

Let us not forget those who came before us. Here is a nice tribute to baseball’s former home run king, Hammerin’ Hank Aaron!

Photos used with permission of Early Era Baseball Photos.com

CLICK HERE to read Punch’s take on Bonds’ bashing

CLICK HERE as Punch puts things in historical perspective 

CLICK HERE to read The Hecklers’ take on MLB waffling on recognizing feat)