Some of the biggest names in America’s favorite past time
are back in the news and bringing with them arguably the greatest major league
baseball controversy of their heyday. Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and Sammy Sosa,
first timers on the ballot for a spot in baseball’s Hall of Fame, also are all
linked to use of performance-enhancing steroids.
Because of their incredible numbers, they are eligible for entry
into the baseball shrine via a vote of about 500 sportswriters, however, should
they get in?
Bonds is MLB’s all-time
home run hitter. Clemens set a record as
a seven time Cy Young award winner. And, Sosa, number eight on the homer list,
helped revive interest in baseball with his legendary home run battles against
former major leaguer Mark McGwire. (McGwire,
who also is linked to using the banned substances, repeatedly has been denied entry
into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, since becoming eligible.)
This sparks a debate as big as whether all-time hit leader
Pete Rose should be kept out of Cooperstown because he allegedly, but now admits,
he bet on baseball…against the rules of the sport.
Their numbers are amazing, but sometimes it’s not just about
the numbers.
Based on stats alone, without a doubt, the three should make
it in. But, to get into baseball’s Hall
of Fame, sportswriters are to consider a player’s character, integrity and
sportsmanship….and therein lies the dilemma.
I grew up watching baseball and other sports with my Dad…in
the days when you could watch ALL the Atlanta Braves games for free on TV. I am a baseball purist. Don’t like the designated hitter rule, don’t
like artificial turf (called AstroTurf back in the day) and have capitulated to
baseball under the lights. (No domes,
though.) And, this doesn’t work for
me. It leaves a stench in my nostrils.
Bonds, Clemens and Sosa have, at the least, plausible
reasons or denial in disputing the rumors of steroid use associated with their
names. Bonds says he was duped by a
trainer into using banned substances, Clemens was recently found not guilty of
lying to Congress when he said he had not used steroids—though his former
teammates say he did. And Sosa, we now
know, failed a drug test—but maintains he never used.
Some argue to keep them out of the Hall of Fame would be a
travesty. Others argue the many of the sportswriters , who have publicly said
they’ll vote to keep them out, have no real proof.
They have evidence…and while evidence is not always proof, this
is not a court of law; it’s just baseball.
The three are among more than three dozen players being
considered for a spot among baseball’s immortals. But, the perceived scandal has overshadowed
the accomplishments of the other players.
Character, integrity and sportsmanship are part of the
criteria under consideration. They have
to count for something , too.
The fact that Bonds, Clemens and Sosa bring with them the
baggage of baseball’s steroid-tainted era is enough for me to bring doubts
about their integrity. If I had a vote, I’d say “no” to the home run king, the
pitching great and the ever-popular slugger.
The sportswriters , who have until later this month to cast
their ballots, also have a right to their doubts and suspicions. However, the
players have no “right” to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. It is, and should remain, an honor and a
privilege to be there.
Copyright 2012 Artis
Media Group All rights reserved.
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