Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman will use his presence on the newly expanded 90-member Baseball Hall of Fame Veterans Committee to do what he can to get former St. Louis Cardinals and Reds general manager Bob Howsam, and former Cubs third baseman Ron Santo, into the Hall of Fame.

        In St. Louis, Howsam made the key moves (traded the popular but aging infield of Bill White, Dick Groat and Ken Boyer, acquired Orlando Cepeda, Roger Maris, moved Mike Shannon from outfield to third base and inserted Dal Maxvill at shortstop) that led to National League pennants in 1967 and 1968. Howsam's emphasis on marketing led the Cardinals to set the then all-time attendance mark of 1.7 million in 1967, and to reach the franchise's first 2-million attendance season in 1967.

        Howsam was the architect of the Big Red Machine that won World Series championships in 1975 and 1976.

        “And who do you think scouted and signed those players who made up the world championship team of 1990?” Brennaman asked. “Barry Larkin, Eric Davis, Joe Oliver, Paul O'Neill ... Those guys all were signed by the scouts and the system that Howsam had put in place here.”

        Brennaman termed it “ridiculous” that Howsam isn't in the Hall.

Reds 11, Giants 9 Bonds Watch: No homers SULLIVAN: Bonds' patience, performance unrivaled Reds honor Davis tonight Rijo's return closer No comeback for Soto Winchester takes Brower's start Brennaman backs Howsam for Hall Reds box, runs

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