Bern, Baby Bern!

Former Yankees CF Bernie Williams appears on the Hall of Fame ballot for the first time in 2012.

Williams at Old Timers' Day in 2011. He refuses to be called an "old timer."

As a longtime fan of the Yankees, and a sportswriter who is openly biased toward the Dynastic Yankees, I would love for no one to make the Hall of Fame in 2012 more than Bernie.

In 1996, Bernie was a young centerfielder on a team of rookies and young folk that defeated the defending World Champion Atlanta Braves in 6 games to capture its first World Championship since 1978. In 1996, the ALCS MVP hit .474 with 2 homers.

In 1998, Williams hit .339, capturing the AL Batting title and an AL Gold Glove in the outfield. He was the first player in history to win a gold glove, batting title, and World Series ring in the same year.

"Bern, Baby Bern!" (John Sterling)

He was an integral part of their World Series championship teams in 1996, 1998, 1999, and 2000. In my opinion, Williams and Andruw Jones were THE best centerfielders in baseball.

At his retirement, he was second all-time in doubles, fourth in walks, fifth in hits and extra base hits, and 6th in both homers and RBIs.

His career stats (2,076 games):

2,336 hits
449 doubles
287 homers
147 stolen bases

5-time All-Star (1997-2001)
4-time World Series Champion (1996, 1998, 1999, 2000)
4-time Gold Glove winner (1997-2000)
Silver Slugger Winner (2002)
1996 ALCS MVP

The Yankees threw their longtime centerfielder out the back door after the 2006 season despite his desire to remain on the team in a reserve role.

I absolutely LOVED Bernie when he played for the Yankees, he was (and still is) one of my favorite Yankees of all-time, and I was overjoyed when he made his long-overdue Old Timers' Day debut in 2011.

His career stats, postseason play, speed, and defense, show me that he is a Hall of Fame worthy player. In 2010, when the Yankees acquired CF Curtis Granderson, they finally had a player who could be the "new" Bernie Williams, (with apologies to Melky, Damon, and Bubba Crosby, all of whom I liked).

The complete ballot includes these other newcomers:
Ruben Sierra
Bill Mueller
Tim Salmon
Vinny Castilla
Terry Mulholland
Brad Radke
Jeromy Burnitz
Brian Jordan
Eric Young
Javy Lopez
Tony Womack
Phil Nevin

Now, after reading that list, is there anyone else first-ballot worthy besides Bernie?
Exactly.

That is why I feel Bernie Williams will be elected to the Hall of Fame in 2012.