Minoso on Hall's Negro Leagues ballot

11/21/2005
CHICAGO -- Minnie Minoso not only was a tremendously talented and versatile baseball player, but he was a tremendously talented and versatile baseball player who crossed all race and nationality barriers.
Now, Minoso has the chance to be a tremendously talented and versatile baseball player with a place in the Hall of Fame.
Minoso, who is still eligible for Hall of Fame selection via the Veteran's Committee, is one of 39 players and executives from the Negro Leagues and pre-Negro Leagues era chosen for possible induction to the Hall of Fame, as announced Monday by officials from the Hall of Fame. The ballot will be submitted to a panel of 12, with nine votes from that particular panel (or 75 percent) needed for induction.
There are no limitations as to how many players or executives can be voted for, as each candidate will be considered on an individual basis. This process will be the final election for players associated with the Negro Leagues, following a research program funded by Major League Baseball produced these additional worthy candidates.
Known as the first black player to suit up for the Chicago White Sox in 1951, Minoso also made history by playing in five separate decades. He had two at-bats for the 1980 White Sox and actually finished 1-for-8 during his short stint with the 1976 White Sox. Minoso also suited up on the South Side from 1951-1957, from 1960-1961 and in 1964.
For his career, Minoso hit .298 over 14 seasons and finished with 186 home runs and 205 stolen bases. He batted .300 eight times and was The Sporting News Rookie of the Year in 1951. Minoso led the American League in stolen bases during his first three full seasons in the Majors.
Minoso led off for the 1947 New York Cubans, a team that won the Negro League title, and was the starting third baseman for the East squad in both the 1947 and 1948 East-West All-Star Games. Minoso, who played in the Cuban and Mexican Leagues from 1965-1973, was a seven-time Major League All-Star and captured three Gold Gloves in the outfield. He also led the American League in being hit by a pitch during 10 separate seasons.
His No. 9 jersey was retired by the White Sox in 1983, one of nine numbers retired by the franchise, including Jackie Robinson.

Source: http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/