Baseball Hall Of Fame.. So.. Who Gets Elected In The Near Future?

[Mitchell]

The whole "Steroid Era" scandal, will probably make the Baseball Hall Of Fame inductions rather empty over the next few years. As baseball fans know, Barry Larkin will be the only inductee this year. In 2014, Tom Glavine and Greg Maddux will get in on their first tries, no doubt. I read an article today that said John Smoltz may not make it on his first try, but he should get in. The only guy in history with 200 wins, and 150 saves, and he's not first ballot HOF'er? I have to wonder about that.

So many names from the Steroid Era who would be first balloters otherwise, may well be shut out completely. Think of guys like McGwire, Sosa, Arod. Bonds, Clemens. Each of the hitters I mentioned has 583 homers or more, and Clemens has more than 350 wins, and yet..

I'm by no means saying that I think that anyone who was found to have taken steroids should get in. They shouldnt. Hank Aaron hit 755 homers, all of them honestly. Willie Mays hit 660 homers, all of them honestly.

The whole Steroid situation just makes me think: Going forward.. who gets into the Hall in the next few years. Chipper Jones has a good shot, I think. I dont think he'll get to 500 homers, but he should retire with more than 450 homers, and a 300 plus batting average.

Thoughts on this topic?

Mitch

 

[Skinfan87]

I still think this whole steroid era thing about excluding others is nonsense. How can it be cheating if there were no rules on the books on Steroid use until 2006?

 

[CitY of MicA]

I still think this whole steroid era thing about excluding others is nonsense. How can it be cheating if there were no rules on the books on Steroid use until 2006?

Just because players weren't being penalized doesn't mean it's not cheating. Here is a 1991 memo from the commisioner (Fay Vincent) saying that all illegal drugs and controlled substances are strictly prohibited (anabolic steriods were listed as a controlled substance by this time):

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/format/memos20051109?memo=1991&num=1