When the Hall Comes Calling Players are Happy to Give

Bonds notwithstanding, most players are excited, if not surprised, the Hall would want something from them.

"When you approach a player," said Jeff Idelson, the Hall's vice president for communications and education, "they are stunned you are showing up at their locker."

"I can't figure out what the terminology is," he continued. "We are like the antithesis to the Grim Reaper."

In the Times Union piece both Lowe and Eckstein are highlighted.

(He) approached Boston Red Sox pitcher Derek Lowe during the 2004 World Series celebration at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, after Lowe became the first pitcher ever to win three series-clinching games in a single post- season.

"The Hall of Fame would like to have your jersey," Horn told him in the visitor's dugout tunnel.

"Oh, man, absolutely," Lowe replied. He started taking off his jersey, then stopped. "Wait," he said.

Lowe returned moments later with a man and woman.

"These are my parents," he said. "Tell them exactly what you told me."

Eckstein was just as shocked, if not more than Lowe.

"Really?" Eckstein repeated. "You want it from me?"

He finally flipped off his spikes, bent down, and presented them to Petroskey on the spot. "These are yours," he said.

Story Link: TimesUnion.com:
Hat Tip: SCD: