[reds1]

Originally Posted by Izz

In fact, the Commissioner laboured the point so much in his speech prior to inviting Lee to the stage that the typically unflappable 10-time All Star felt compelled to say in response, “I’d like to think I got here solely because of what I achieved as a player, not just because I had a twenty-year career in the bigs but was born in another land.”

Sadly, the debate as to whether Lee belongs in the Hall on his own merits still rages today among some fans when it should never have been an issue in the first place.

1 Jan: In front of a crowd of less than 35000 the NZ & Overseas All Stars thumped the Australian All Stars 11-4. Australian All Star Axel Nankervis said after the game, “Look, the concept needs to change, for sure. And that’s without even considering any race-based aspect - and I hope the fans remember that this wasn’t anything to do with the players; it was solely an administration issue.”

It was reported after the match that several players from both teams had considered a boycott but after a joint consideration decided to ‘play on for the love of the game and for the fans who’d travelled to watch.’

Intrigue in the AUNZBL!