Thurman Munson, a beloved figure in baseball history, faced disappointment as he wasn't among the eight "Classic" era finalists for the Baseball Hall of Fame. The revised procedures had initially sparked optimism about his chances improving. Luis Tiant and Tommy John, who both had stops in Cleveland, remain under consideration for the Class of 2025.

Road to Future Consideration Clouded

Canton's Thurman Munson now has a less certain path to future Hall of Fame consideration. Supporters had hoped that amid the overhaul of the Seniors Committee, he would have his best chance in years. However, the new Classic Baseball Era Committee excluded him from the eight candidates up for a vote, with the results set to be announced on December 8th. Pitcher Luis Tiant, who began his career with the Cleveland Indians, is one of the eight finalists.For those unfamiliar, the Classic Era candidates are players or managers whose primary contributions were made before 1980. Munson was in his 11th year with the Yankees when he tragically died in a plane crash near Akron-Canton Airport on August 2, 1979. Canton's Steve Fettman, a local advocate for Munson's Hall of Fame qualifications, emphasized the importance of keeping Munson's memory alive."We promised the Munson family we're going to keep a scholarship in Thurman's honor going," said Fettman, who is part of a family that has operated Davies Pharmacy for many years. "Not being in the Hall of Fame doesn't take away from what Thurman means to us here in Canton or his fans across the country."Fettman and Tim Haverstock of the Babe Stearn Boys and Girls Club co-chair an annual dinner in Canton aimed at promoting Munson's Hall of Fame credentials and awarding scholarships to Stark County high school male and female catchers who exemplify Munson's leadership and love of community and family.Speakers at these events have included Munson's former teammates Goose Gossage in 2023 and Mike Torrez in 2024. Gossage is already in the Hall of Fame for his work as a relief pitcher. One of the Classic Era eight candidates up for consideration is Tommy John, who has attended and spoken at the dinner. Fettman mentioned that a Munson event is planned for 2025.The eight finalists will be evaluated by a voting panel of 16. Each voter can vote for no more than three candidates, and only those receiving at least 75% of the vote (12 or more) will be inducted into the Class of 2025. The Classic Era Committee won't meet again until 2027 to consider candidates for the Class of 2028.Munson was a three-sport standout at Canton Lehman High School before playing baseball at Kent State. He achieved numerous accolades, including being an American League Rookie of the Year in 1970, an AL MVP in 1976, and playing a key role in the Yankees' three consecutive trips to the World Series from 1976 to 1978. The Yankees won back-to-back World Series titles in 1977 and 1978.The eight Classic Baseball Era candidates were determined by a 10-person Historical Overview Committee, which the Hall of Fame identifies as historians: Adrian Burgos, Bob Elliott, Jim Henneman, Steve Hirdt, David O’Brien, Jack O’Connell, Jim Reeves, Glenn Schwarz, Susan Slusser, and Mark Whicker.The eight under consideration for enshrinement in Cooperstown, in alphabetical order:Dick Allen, an infielder/outfielder who played for the Phillies, Cardinals, Dodgers, White Sox, and Athletics from 1963 to 1977.Ken Boyer, a third baseman for the Cardinals, Mets, Cubs, and Dodgers from 1955 to 1969.John Donaldson, a pitcher and outfielder for the Kansas City Monarchs from 1920 to 1924.Steve Garvey, a first baseman for the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres from 1969 to 1987.Vic Harris, a manager of the Homestead Grays from 1936 to 1942 and 1945 to 1948, as well as an outfielder for the Grays and several other Negro League teams from 1922 to 1945.Tommy John, a pitcher for Cleveland and five other teams from 1963 to 1989, with a significant interruption due to "Tommy John surgery" in 1975.Dave Parker, an outfielder for the Pirates, Reds, Athletics, Brewers, Angels, and Blue Jays from 1973 to 1991.Luis Tiant, a pitcher for Cleveland, Boston, and four other teams from 1964 to 1982.