Send your thoughts about Wade Boggs' election to the Baseball Hall of Fame, or recount your favorite Boggs memory as the Tampa product prepares for his induction this summer in Cooperstown. Select comments will appear below, and may be used by The Tampa Tribune and News Channel 8.
My favorite memory of Wade Boggs is how nice and cool he is. Before Tropicana Field ever had a baseball game played there my son and his classmates from Rivera Middle School had the opportunity to put all the souvenir cushions in the seats and I was a chaperone. I asked Mr. Boggs to autograph a ball for my son and he did it with a smile. That was the most memorable moment that I remember about him with the exception of him being one of the greatest baseball players around. -- Linda Richardson, Brandon
It was great to see someone that you know make the Hall of Fame. You probably don't remember that I coached on a team at Palma Ceia that you played on. CONGRATULATIONS ON SUCH A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT. -- C.L. Thomas, Tampa
There are a few major miracles in Tampa Bay sports history. The Buccanneers win a Super Bowl. I was there in San Diego to see our team win! I was in Calgary when Martin St. Louis stuns his former team that let him go and SCORES THE WINNING GOAL IN OVERTIME in Game 6 on the road in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Two days later the Cup came back to Tampa Bay and I saw the Lightning win the Stanley Cup in Game 7. The Lightning have held it ever since. Then, there is Wade Boggs! A Tampa native since his family moved here from Omaha, Neb., when Wade was a freshman at Plant High School. I was at the game at Tropicana Field on Aug. 7, 1999, when Boggs became the only player in MLB history to record his 3000th hit on a home run. That was also his last MLB home run, No. 118! What are the odds of that? I will never forget that moment. That accomplishment appears like that will never happen again! Remember The Miracle on Ice when our USA Hockey Team beat the Russians? You hear Al Michaels say ''Do you believe in Miracles!'' Wade's 3000th hit was a miracle as well. Thank you Wade for the memories you have given the Tampa Bay community, on and off the field!-- Mike Buckingham, Wesley Chapel
I will never forget the day the Devil Rays came to St. Pete. My son's school band had the pleasure of placing all the cushions in the seats, with some of the parents' help, of course. He really wanted an autograph from Wade Boggs and Fred McGriff and these two gentlemen were so nice and understanding a kid's dream and realized what role models they were. My son was able to get a baseball with both of his heroes' signatures and we still have that ball in a safe place. Mr. Boggs, I am so very happy for you, you are the most deserving baseball player that I have ever read about, heard of and I wish you the best in life. -- Linda Richardson, Brandon
Wade, congrats on your induction into the Hall of Fame. I am from the Boston area and watched your career from the start. I met you through a mutual friend [Bill Moloney] and you were someone who regular people could relate with. You worked your ass off and you would take the time to talk to friends of Billy and have a beer with us. Of course we would buy. Congrats. -- Scott Braxten, Salisbury, Mass.
Mr. Boggs is a man of the people. Once, while attending a Bucs game in the old Tampa Stadium, I learned that Mr. Boggs was also sitting in the same section. Were we on the 50-yard line? In a luxury box? No, we were on the goal line and Mr. Boggs, who had just won a World Series, was talking to anybody who dropped by and gladly signed autographs for anyone who asked. Congratulations to a truly wonderful person. -- Bob Bayley, Longwood
Wade Boggs is known for all the superstitions, however he was a throwback - when the craze of the longball often overshadowed the hit for average, move the run along. Wade was consistent. It would have been more fitting to have a base hit or double to right become No. 3000 rather than the longball that made its mark. He is with out a doubt the best hitter from our area, ever. More Rod Carew or Rogers Hornsby than Reggie Jackson or Mickey Mantle. Fitting for this humble man of Tampa. -- Rocky DeVoe, Tampa
I have many memories of Wade. Wade stopped by our house the day he signed his big-eague contract. I was probably 11 or 12 years old, but I can still remember him taking me for a ride in his black Porsche 911. Years later I played ball at PHS (Wade Boggs Field). He was a great inspiration for us all. Congrats Wade! -- Matt Snyder, Tampa
Thanks for leaving a lasting impression on my childhood, Wade. Being a skinny kid growing up through Little League, I was not awestruck by power hitters in the bigs who would hit .240 and strike out their weight. I respected more the true hitters. Thus, as a baseball card enthusiast, I began collecting your cards (last count was 526 in 1994.) The tallies I marked denoting another Boggs card to my collection almost accrued as fast as hits you effortlessly slapped off the green monster. Your uncanny ability to do the same thing to any pitcher made me believe that all you have to do is play your game, regardless of the opposition. Your methodical approach to the game demonstrated the work ethic required to succeed in life. So when you walk into the Hall, I will feel a part of me walks in with you. For that I thank you. -- Rafy, San Diego
Wade has been a huge inspiration in my life. I started out playing baseball when i was around 7 and that's when I was introduced to Wade. Just like him I played third base, and of course wore No. 26. From then on I followed his career till the day he retired. He made me love the game of baseball and inspired me to be the best I can. I am now 25 and to this day he is still my favorite and I am so happy for him and wish him the best with whatever his life brings. I am going to the Hall of Fame induction in July and I just can't wait. To see him get this honor makes me proud to be his No. 1 fan. Congratulations! -- Pam G., Foxboro, Mass.
I was lucky enough to get to see Boggs when he was in Triple A. From the first time I saw this man, I knew he was going all the way to Cooperstown. Wished he was on third this year for the Red Sox. Congratulations, Wade. You deserve it. -- Charlie Lopes, North Dighton, Mass.
My best memory is when he played for the Yankees. He used to hunt in my hometown of Warwick, N.Y., and I got to meet him a couple of times. I think that it's great that he's in the Hall and I'll never forget watching him on the back of that horse. -- Brian McSweeney, Georgetown, Del.
What an exciting time for Wade Boggs and the Tampa Bay area to have a talent from Tampa elected to the Hall of Fame. He is an inspiration to youth of all ages who dream of one day stepping onto a professional baseball field. The timing of his inauguration is in perfect timing with a local AAU team's visit to the Cooperstown All-Star village. The Tampa Terror, a 12-and-under AAU baseball team, will be at Cooperstown the same weekend Wade is inducted to the Hall of Fame. An already exciting experience will now take on new meaning as these kids see Wade Boggs inducted into the Hall of Fame. -- Emily Comstock, Tampa
Wade Boggs' generosity and being a mentor for his young baseball fans dates back to a Special Olympics event in the 1980s, in Providence. Because of the bad weather, not many celebrities showed up for the kids, but he did, signing baseballs, batting with the kids with disabilities. Wade carries with him to the Hall of Fame the history of a young boy who loved baseball and achieved his dream, and helping to continue the dream of every young baseball player with or without disabilities. That's what heroes are made of. -- Fran Loszynski, Providence, R.I.
I was very pleased that Wade Boggs was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. He refined every part of his game to a level of excellence by hard work and determination. I read his comments and was touched by his reference to his dad and his appreciation of his father's guidance. He said, ''there are a lot of as he called them 'daddies' out there.'' I guess he was telling dads not to pressure their kids to perform at a level they are not at and that will cause ''burn-out'' and can drive the kid away. I can only hope that his comments reach the daddies that need to realize they cannot live their dreams through their kids. They should only wish that the sons or daughters play at the best of their ability. Wade Boggs accomplished his dream by utilizing his God-given talents and working very hard to become as successful as he could be. He also listened to his dad at just the right times for the right advice. -- Rick Doty, Tampa
I wish I was a Hall of Famer. Congrats, Wade. Hard work and preparation will always be rewarded. You are truly an inspiration to all of us. God bless you and your family. Go Panthers. Class of '76. - Johnnie Jones, Tampa
Wade Boggs was one of the best pure hitters the game has ever seen. Way to go, Wade! You deserve it! - Stephen Ritger, Riverview
To one of the greatest third baseman ever! Congratulations Wade. You earned it and you deserve it! Enjoy! - Mark Mitchell, Zephyrhills
Congratulations to Wade Boggs and his family! What a wonderful role model he is for our young people! - Laura Bemis, Tampa
I was two years behind you at Plant High and I vividly remember that hitless and hitting streak of yours in '76, unreal! What stands we did have back then were filled with scouts, plus an alum and former Plant High cheerleader, Salty Sol Fleischmann, Channel 13's sportscaster. I'm sure he is smiling down on you. Thanks so much for your kindness and generosity over the years to your alma mater. I'll never forget those afternoons neath the pines of Palma Ceia! It'll be great to see you in Cooperstown! - Kenneth Noland, Atlanta
We lived in Tampa for 11 years. As a member of the Tampa Palms Golf & Country Club, I remember Wade was always the regular guy. You could talk to him about just about anything, and if you were fortunate enough to golf with him, he was fun to play with. He was always just one of the guys in the men's league! Wade and Fred McGriff were both fun guys to be around. Superstars in their profession, but regular guys at the club! Nice guys do finish first once in a while. Congrats Wade. - Tom Boers, Phillips, Wis.
Congratulations, Wade on being a Hall of Famer. But I remember Little League! ... Good going. - Mitchel Banks, Tampa
Congratulations, Wade! Your selection for the Hall of Fame says a lot - not only about the great sport of baseball, but about your courage and commitment to your dream and the love and guidance of great parents. I was quite moved by your television interview when you spoke about your childhood - especially your mom and dad. It's obvious your family's dedication and encouragement contributed greatly to your dream come true. Thanks from all of us in the Tampa Bay area for being such a positive role model! - Betty Ankerberg, St. Petersburg
I do not know Wade personally but knew his wife Debbie before she became Mrs. Boggs. During their courtship, she and I worked together. That was many years ago and because of that, my husband and I have followed Wade's career and we are very happy and proud for Wade and Debbie and all their accomplishments. They made it and they did it together. Congratulations to you both.
Sincerely, Lollie and Bill Bellamy
Congratulations on a great career and being inducted into the hall. I have met Wade a number of times in Milwaukee, when he was with the Yankees. He is a real gentleman and deserving of this high honor. - Matthew Berkowitz, Milwaukee, Wis.
My son, Matthew, graduated from Wharton last year. I can tell you that Wade made a great impression on Matt as a baseball player and as a young man. The first time Matt pitched a complete game, I could hear Wade constantly encouraging him, telling him he could do it, "stay with it 'Bird Dog', "it's all about you Matt, you've got to want to finish it." My son is a tough pitcher in college and a strong young man and Wade played a big part of it. So in our family, he's a lot more than a Hall of Famer. He's a good man and a friend. - Mark S. Johnson, Tampa
I have been waiting for this day since I was a young girl and it has finally happened. When Tampa Bay got our baseball team, the first person that I thought of was you. I thought of you being on our team, playing for your hometown, and playing in front of all the people here that love you. It could not have happened to a better person then you. Congratulations Mr. Boggs. - Roberta Gillentine, Tampa
My memory is a more personal one. Wade's daughter, Meghan and my daughter Amanda, were best friends when they were young. I was Meghan's Brownie Scout Leader and many nights were spent with the girls together at my house or his. When we moved to Tampa, I admit I was not a baseball fan - much more into football. The day we were moving into our house (built for us), Amanda was invited to attend a birthday party for a school friend. I had heard her talk about this girl constantly for days and said she could attend the party at Chuckie Cheese's. When I arrived, I was introduced to Debbie and Wade. Not being a baseball fan, I did not know who Wade was. When I returned home, I mentioned to my husband how nice they were, and, mentioned the names Wade and Debbie Boggs. I thought the movers were going to drop my furniture! They informed me of who Wade was - he was a true hero and an icon to these guys. Over the years, I got to know them as simply Meghan's mom and dad. So, congratulations to Meghan's dad - it couldn't have happened to a nicer guy! - Pamela Holder, Brandon
Congrats, Wade! You make the Tampa Bay area proud! As a St. Pete native and baseball lover, maybe this will inspire our Rays. Thank you! - Margie Schulz, St. Petersburg.
Well. God bless him. Dear ol' Wade made the Hall of Fame, and he didn't do it with substances called ''the clear'' and ''the cream.'' He did it all on his own nickel. I am so proud of him, and proud of our city. Is he going in as a Devil Ray? I hope so. God knows we need a little incentive this coming year. I wanted to hear the news in person but, of course, having worked third shift, I was asleep when the news came in. Congratuations, Wade! You make us all proud. Now if the commissioner would relent in the case of Pete Rose. - Anita Pesola, Riverview
Congratulations, Mr. Boggs. I am 16 now, but nine years ago I was a shy 7-year-old when you gave me a bat broken in spring training in Dunedin and made me a fan of yours (and the Yankees!) for life. You even signed the bat later at a fundraiser for a Tampa Police officer who drowned, and my mom and I were there for your 3,000th hit. And my Dad says we'll be in Coopoerstown in July if we can afford to go ... so I hope to see you there, and thanks again for making me a real baseball fan. God Bless. - Jaymie Baal, Oldsmar
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