Home Run Derby

So during the opening pomp and circumstance before last night’s All-Star Game, the Living Hall of Famers at each position were in Yankee Stadium to greet the starting 2008 All-Stars as they were introduced to the crowd.

It was a great moment to see living legends from the Hall of Fame out there on the same field with the 2008 All-Stars. 

But there was one glaring omission. 
And it was at second base. 

As Chase Utley and Dustin Pedroia came out during the introductions, they got to meet Hall of Fame Second Basemen Rod Carew, Bill Mazeroski, and Ryne Sandberg. 

But not Joe Morgan. 

Did Morgan develop another flareup of the dreaded disese Ryne-itis (also known as Sandberg Syndrome) wherein those afflicted can’t be anywhere near the man who broke Morgan’s HR record for Second Basemen?  As you’ll recall, Joe Morgan was conspiculously absent at Sandberg’s Hall of Fame induction in 2005. 

It’s not like Joe didn’t know how to get to Yankee Stadium … he was in the building the night before when he announced the 2008 Home Run Derby. 

No, I think this is just another case of Joe Morgan not wanting to share ANY stage with Ryne Sandberg. 

It’s a shame when the Vice-Chairman of the Baseball Hall of Fame doesn’t show up for events like this if Sandberg is there. 

It perpetuates the belief that Morgan’s putting himself before the game for personal reasons … even if that’s not the reason.

Update:  We have learned Joe Morgan was a participant in the All-Star Parade before the Game, so it’s not as if he left New York after the Home Run Derby. 

Parade Hat Tip - the not awful Awful Announcing, who agrees with HRD that Joe Morgan is ducking Sandberg.