So, I just noticed that the IBHOF changed their definition of "old timer" a few years ago to anyone who retired thru 1988. Yoko Gushikin got in in '15 as an old timer. He retired in 1981. Are there other borderline cases who may benefit from this change, that you can think of? Marvin Johnson? maybe. To be honest, I think Gushikin should have gotten in years before he did via regular induction.
I think the reason this change was implemented was mainly to benefit guys like Gushiken, lesser known lower weight class fighters who deserve induction, but the odds of them actually getting voted in are slim.
An old timer is anyone who fought up to 1988? I must be old then! Not a fan of this move. It will only water down the talent level of the hall.
I think their new category definitions are all messed up! For example: Jack (kid) Berg was active from 1924 to 1945, and is in the "Modern" group. Gushikin fought from 1974 to 1981 and is now an "Old-timer"! How does this make any sense?