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It should have happened a long time ago, but the National Baseball Hall of Fame can right a wrong and induct Cito Gaston next summer.
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The iconic Blue Jays manager was announced on Thursday as one of eight managers, executives or umpires on the contemporary baseball era ballot. At stake is induction into Cooperstown on July 19.
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Gaston went from hitting coach to manager with the Jays in 1989 and led the club to consecutive World Series titles in 1992 and 1993, as well as playoff berths in 1989 and 1991.
Gaston was the first African-American manager in MLB history to win a World Series.
He managed the Jays from 1989-1997 and again from 2008-2010, compiling an 894-837 managerial record.
A committee of voters comprised of execs, Hall of Fame players and historians will vote. Fellow managers Jim Leyland, Lou Piniella and Davey Johnson are also on the ballot, along with umpires and former all-star Bill White, who also was National League president.
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Gaston also played 11 seasons in MLB. He is on the Toronto Blue Jays’ Level of Excellence and is a member of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame.
Gaston, 79, will need to gain 75% of votes for induction.
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