Tippett to Hall, Rice should be next

You know you are getting old when all of your childhood sports heroes are not only retired but now entering the Halls of Fame. Tomorrow my favorite football player, Andre Tippett, will be inducted into the Football Hall of Fame, joining the exclusive company of two of my other favorite Boston legends, Ray Bourque and Larry Bird.

Andre Tippett played 10 seasons for the New England Patriots, including the 1986 Super Bowl team. At the time of his retirement, his 100 career sacks, 18.5 sacks in a season, and 17 opponent fumbles recovered were team bests. He was also chosen to the NFL's all-decade team on the 1980s.

Now left is my final favorite Boston athlete who should be inducted into Cooperstown - Jim Ed Rice. 2009 will be the final year in which the former Red Sox left fielder will appear on the ballot for the Baseball Hall of Fame. And for many reasons, he is most deserving of this honor, including the following facts:

• One of league's most dominating hitters for 12 years, from 1975-1986, averaging .304, 29 HR, 106 RBI during this period.

• 4 - 200 hit seasons, 11 - 20 HR seasons, 8 - 100 RBI seasons

• Only player in history to get 200 hits / 35 HRs 3 consecutive years

• 6 times Top 5 in MVP voting

• 8 time all-star

• 8 time Top 10 slugging, including 5 times in Top 2

• 4 times league leader in Total Bases

• Only AL player since 1937 to have 400+ bases in one season

• Career Totals: 2,452 Hits, 382 HR, 1,451 RBI, 79 Triples

• Steroid-free.