Murray, Carter take spots in Hall today

COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. -- Outwardly, they couldn't have been more different: Eddie Murray, the silent slugger, and Gary Carter, the nonstop-talking and smiling "Kid."

Yet their lives have been almost mirror images: Both were born in the Los Angeles area, just two years apart; both were drafted in the third round; both played for the New York Mets and Los Angeles Dodgers; and both played on one world champion.

And today, both will enter the Baseball Hall of Fame.

"This is pretty awesome," said Murray, only the 38th player elected in his first year of eligibility. "This is the main place to be. I can't wait."

Joining them in Cooperstown will be Milwaukee Brewers announcer Bob Uecker and Ohio sports writer Hal McCoy of the Dayton Daily News.

Murray played in three World Series in his 21 seasons, winning the title in 1983 as the first baseman and cleanup hitter for the Orioles. Carter, meanwhile, became the Expos' full-time catcher in 1977 and developed into one of the game's best defensive backstops.

As excited as both men are to enter the Hall, today's induction promises to be a trying time for both.

"The loss of my father will make it a sad time trying to get through that," Carter said.

"It's mentally draining," added Murray. "There are times you look forward to it and times you wish it was over."