Published: March 27, 2008 09:53 am         

More bad news for Hall

The news Tuesday that Dale Petroekey has resigned as president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame under pressure is another blow to both the institution and a game that have suffered more than their share of bad press in recent months.

The steroids scandal that has rocked major league baseball has already had an effect on the museum, as slugger Mark McGwire failed to gain election after falling under suspicion of using steroids during his playing career. There is serious doubt if all-time home run leader Barry Bonds and 350-game winner Roger Clemens will ever gain admittance to the Hall either.

The elimination of the Hall of Fame Game in January, a nearly 70-year tradition in Cooperstown, has angered many baseball fans as well.

While the steroid era and major league baseball’s decision to end the Hall of Fame Game were largely out of the museum’s control, Petroskey’s resignation, amid accusations of poor business decisions, hits closer to home. Petroskey, along with Hall of Fame Chairman Jane Forbes Clark, has been the public face of the Hall of Fame since coming to Cooperstown in 1999. By all outward appearances, Petroskey’s tenure was a successful one. Attendance at the museum consistently broke the 300,000 mark; and Petroskey instituted a popular membership program and Hall of Fame Fantasy Camp. He appeared to truly love the game of baseball and promoted it well to a national fan base. But his sudden resignation is another black eye for the museum.

Hopefully, Petroskey’s successor can right the ship and give the Hall back its good name.