By Sam Bush
It was a great day in Chicago after yesterday’s Hall of Fame voting.
Cubs closer Lee Smith and White Sox outfielder Harold Baines were elected to the baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday.
But Phillies World Series-winning manager Charlier Manuel didn’t make it.
Results of the 16-member Today’s Game Era Committee were announced at the winter meetings. It took 12 votes for election — Smith was unanimous, Baines got 12 and Piniella had 11.
Smith and Baines both debuted in Chicago during the 1980 season. Smith began with the Cubs and went on to post a then-record 478 saves while Baines started out with the White Sox and had 2,866 hits.
George Steinbrenner, Orel Hershiser, Albert Belle, Joe Carter, Will Clark, Davey Johnson and Charlie Manuel all received fewer than five votes.
The Hall board-appointed panel included longtime White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf, and Baines said he was grateful for his support. Hall members Greg Maddux, Roberto Alomar, Joe Morgan, Bert Blyleven, Pat Gillick, Tony La Russa, John Schuerholz, Ozzie Smith and Joe Torre also were on the panel.
Induction ceremonies are scheduled for July 21 at Cooperstown, New York.
