There weren't any surprises Dec. 4, when the Today's Game Era Committee (once known as the Veteran's Committee) announced the two newest members of baseball's Hall of Fame, but that doesn't mean there won't be any continuing controversy.
Baltimorean John Schuerholz, who broke in with the Baltimore Orioles in 1966 and later helped build dynasties with the Kansas City Royals and Atlanta Braves, was a unanimous choice of the 16-member committee, and even the harshest of critics wouldn't question his candidacy. Former commissioner Bud Selig, however, is destined to always be a lightning rod of controversy, despite baseball's unparalleled growth during his tenure.
Once Pat Gillick opened the Hall's doors in 2011, paving the way for candidates who started at grassroots level to build strong and consistent winning franchises, Schuerholz was considered a shoo-in by his peers. Given the path he's taken to Cooperstown, N.Y., it's not surprising he began his career in an old-fashioned manner -- by writing a letter, something that would be unheard of today.
