The headline may sound like I’m grousing, but I’m not. I don’t think that the Town of St. Michaels is planning to erect a statue in honor of its most famous son (at least so far as I know).
Anyways, the Chicago White Sox unveiled a statue of Harold Baines at U.S. Cellular Field yesterday before the Royals-White Sox game. The local newspaper had the story on the front page of yesterday’s edition, but only had the following picture in the paper today:
Harold with his statue (Photo Credit: AP)
Congratulations to Harold Baines and his family on what surely is a wonderful honor. Of course, once Harold’s number was retired (12 years before he finally actually retired), he was destined to get a statue. It speaks well of him that the owner of the White Sox, Jerry Reinsdorf, and the current manager of the White Sox, Ozzie Guillen, had nothing but kind words for Baines. Not just for his ability on the field, but for his attitude, professionalism and kindness off it. It was also reported that several of his former teammates were also on hand for the dedication. And Roland Hemond, who also once worked for the Orioles, was also there; he signed Harold to his first professional contract.
Knowing Harold, the hardest part had to be speaking a few words to the assembled throng. And thanks to DirecTV’s Sports Pack, I was able to see some of the ceremony on television right from home. I even DVR’d it for my mom so that she can see it. Nothing like pride in one of your hometown’s own.
Harold at the podium (Photo Credit: AP)
While Harold also did stints with the Orioles, A’s, Rangers, and Indians, it was with the White Sox where he came to fame and became a hero to their fans. And while he did well in his several stints with the O’s, there is virtually no chance that they would erect a statue in his honor, even though he is a Maryland product. That discussion probably begins and ends with Cal Ripken.
Here’s to Harold Baines, St. Michaels’ own Hall of Famer (even if he never goes to the real Hall in Cooperstown), he’ll be a hall on famer to us.
