The HOF selection committee has chosen Mike Kane and Lex Herrlett for induction into the CDMSBL HOF's class of 2020. These two inductees join the existing 33 members in the highest distinction the league bestows. Please join me in congratulating them on this achievement.
Mike and Lex will be formally inducted at an event later this year. Stay tuned for details.
I am so happy for my brother Lex. Lex is the ultimate competitor who absolutely loves the game of baseball. Under-rated as an athlete, the guy can do anything on the field. The guy has a rubber arm who never seems to tire on the mound. I feel fortunate to have been a longtime teammate who has watched his success on the field. Glad to have played a small role in his 45+ championship teams. I look forward to his induction.
Mike Kane - Every time he takes the mound, I tell myself I am going 3-3 today. Game ends and I am 0-3 with a strikeout. I love the on field battles he and his teams have had with ours. Ultimate professional on and off the field. I am so glad to see his contributions to our league recognized.
As an umpire. you sometimes walk on the field, and know your not going to enjoy some players - not these two guys. Always cordial to the umpires. I don't think Mike has ever questioned a call or even a pitch. As a Manager, Lex's job is to "get the next call", but does it the right way....as a competitor, managing and playing against both in 30s, 45s and 55s, no better competitors than Lex and Mike, and you know you will always get their best!
I had the honor of playing with Mike for over ten years on the 35 Pirates. He is not only a great pitcher, but no one can field that position any better than Mike. He is also excellent in multiple infield positions, and equally good in the outfield. Offensively he's just plain dangerous, hitting for average and power. Then there is his speed on the bases, and knowing when to take another base, and when to not risk it.
All this that I have said here does not indicate his most valuable asset, that is his character. He is the ultimate teammate. Mike is a guy who makes everyone better by example, of selflessness, such as volunteering to sit for an inning in the field to let another player get some time out there, or encourage a guy whose having a bad game. These things don't show up in the scorebook. I remember these things from my days playing and managing the Pirates. It certainly made my job easier as a manager along with his sage advice.
