MLB

Gillick’s Unforgettable Phone Call From Baseball Hall of Fame

In December 2010, former MLB general manager Pat Gillick was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame by the Expansion Era Committee.
Gillick’s Unforgettable Phone Call From Baseball Hall of Fame
Pat Gillick gives his speech at Clark Sports Center during the Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Cooperstown, New York on July 24, 2011. Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
Donald Laible
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Pat Gillick knows the thrill of being elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

There are phone calls that, particularly with today’s technologies, can be saved. Familiar voices and memorable events play to one’s emotions and accomplishments. Although he doesn’t have the recording of the call received on Dec. 10, 2010, from then-Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson, as he remembers that wintry day, Gillick, 87, summed up what was a brief conversation between the two. He says he was stunned.

Donald Laible
Donald Laible
Author
Don has covered pro baseball for several decades, beginning in the minor leagues as a radio broadcaster in the NY Mets organization. His Ice Chips & Diamond Dust blog ran from 2012-2020 at uticaod.com. His baseball passion surrounds anything concerning the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum and writing features on the players and staff of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Don currently resides in southwest Florida.