[with special acknowledgements to Dylan Thomas
and every retired hitter in the HOF]
You’ll not go smoothly into that great Hall:
Play your heart out for your whole career.
Each year show greatness when you meet the ball.
Make each play one that people will recall:
Field your position with no sign of fear.
You’ll not go smoothly into that great Hall.
Hit for high average from the spring to fall.
Into outfield stands launch many a sphere.
Each year show greatness when you meet the ball.
Dive for those liners ‘fore they hit the wall;
Show such effort brown and green stains often appear.
You’ll not go smoothly into that great Hall.
Bring fans great joy when they see you maul
All those pitches thrown; earn each hometown cheer.
Each year show greatness when you meet the ball.
And when your career’s done, this above all
Will be what is uttered, what we all will hear:
“He’ll now go smoothly into that great Hall;
Each year his greatness had him bless the ball!”