LAS VEGAS — Finally. Finally New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians great Joe Gordon, one of the finest second basemen of his era, was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. His selection was just announced here in the Bellagio Ballroom, as he received 83.3 percent of the vote from a committee of veteran baseball writers and Hall of Famers.

Joe Strauss is all over the news of the announcements in the Hot Stove League.

But as many readers here know Gordon has come up often as the best player eligible for the Hall of Fame and yet not in the Hall of Fame.

Claire Smith, of ESPN and a member of the committee, said it was comments from Larry Doby that helped shape her vote. Doby spoke of Gordon’s leadership, which only augmented the player who was one of the most best offensive players at his position and also, according to reports from the time, a gifted defensive player. There was also always the speculation that he was overshadowed by his Yankee teammates.

Of course, this is a case that has been stated in here before:

• From August, 2008: “Vern Stephens among finalists”
• From December, 2007: “Before Bulk: Put this 9 in the Hall first”

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