1991 Hall of Fame

 There was a controversy brewing for the Hall of Fame beginning in 1991. In 1989, Pete Rose was banned from baseball based on violations of the gambling policy. Now that ban applied to Major League Baseball and events under their purview, so Rose could not longer be a Manager or even enter any ballpark unless under special permission. The Hall of Fame does not fall under MLB's authority and theoretically could do whatever they want. They have, however, always recognized when a player had been banned and people like Shoeless Joe Jackson were excluded from being enshrined. Starting in 1992, Pete Rose would become eligible and there was a good chance that the Hits King would (if not right away, then eventually) get the 75% support from the BBWAA voters because while Pete Rose was implicated for gambling, it was while he was Manager of the Cincinnati Reds, not as a player, and Pete Rose the *player* is who they would be voting for on the future ballots. To get ahead of this, the Hall of Fame voted to officially recognize the baseball ineligible list and make it a rule to never let any names on that list be featured on a BBWAA ballot. This wouldn't prevent all controversy, but it would stop an awkward situation where Rose gets voted in despite being banned for life.

Also inducted:

Bill Veek - Owner of various baseball franchised from 1940-1980, Veek was responsible for various innovations and publicity stunts, some more successful than others. With the Cleveland Indians, he became the 1st AL franchise to integrate black athletes. His most famous stunt, the one day signing of Eddie Gaedel, happened with the St. Louis Browns. He owned the White Sox until health reasons saw him sell his stock, only for him to later return to ownership to prevent the team from relocating under a different owner.