On Madonna: To me, HOF membership has mostly to do with transcedent hits combined with a period of longevity. Exceptions to my generalized 'membership rules' exist, but for the most part that seems to be what drives the bus.

I could care less that she has sold more recs than Elvis or whoever (like the ever-expanding seasons in the NFL, there are many more people now to buy albums than there was 40 years ago, think China, etc., so that is a false stat (IMO)). What are her great hits? 'Poppa Don't Preach' is a great song & so is 'Material Girl'. I don't think 'Like a Virgin', 'Lucky Star', 'Vogue' are great songs. She has been relevant for a number of years, & that is a great testament to her ability to stay relevant (which is what gets her in the HOF).

As for Willie McGee, I think he was one of the absolute best centerfielders in the game for 7 or 8 years. He was a great defensive fielder (playing in a park that sucks for defense) and a fine RBI man. A clutch hitter, too (which counts for a lot in my book). I didn't say he was first or 2nd ballot HOFer, but he is worthy. If Peewee Reese can get in, then Willie McGee certainly belongs.

Teaparty420 mentioned about the RnRHOF: 'If you find yourself in Cleveland, you should go.'

During the course of several trips up to Browns games, I have visited. Very nice location down by water, near the stadium. Lots of cool exhibits & you'll find come out much more knowlegable about the performers & the history of rock.

Then you can head down to the Flats & do some partying.

I think Madonna does belong in HOF, just not in her 1st year of eligibility (I'd have been fine with her election during her 2nd or 3rd year of eligibility).

Just as the baseball HOF hasn't inducted several players I deem worthy, there are even more musical acts that I can't for the life of me understand why they haven't been inducted:

America

Jim Croce

ABBA

3 Dog Night

War

Styx

The Steve Miller Band

The Cars

The Guess Who

Everyone of the above artists has written/performed hits that anyone of us would have cut off our right nut to have done. I'm hoping they expand the number of artists they induct to get rid of the backlog. Really enjoyed this thread. Great commentary by all.

P.S. I saw some great performances on the Don Kirshner's Rock Concert shows back in mid 70s. For a young man in the wilds of Central Kentucky, it was a great chance to see bands that you had the music to, but had never seen them play.

Liked your post, all true!

Current Pres. would have wanted to be a Benedict Arnold, but he would have been so inept the Brits wouldn't have used him.

and every time you get out there on the roads that the cars & trucks drive on, you're taking your life in your hands.

All it takes is one good hit to end it all.

because there is a competetive '1st to the finish line' nature inherent in it (horse racing, too). In that way it is like track & field.

The level of fitness required isn't really germane to the discussion (IMO), ballet dancers are among the most fit of people, yet they do not perform/compete in a sport.

I don't think motor racing is a 'pure' sport though, because there can be a wide difference in the vehicles & a lesser driver with an overpowering machine can win (same with the horses, but the horse is the main athlete in that competition). Olympic yachting gets around this by having the sailors use identical boats (I think).