I think the Baseball Hall of Fame is going to have to build another wing. Call it the Steroid Center or maybe the Astrisk Arena. Just saw a clip from ESPN talking about whether Barry Bonds will be voted into the Hall. I am a little bit mixed in my feelings. It is certainly no secret that Bonds, Mark McGuire, Roger Clemens, and so many others linked to the Steroids Era have immense talent, but would they have set all the records without steroids? It is hard to say, and I don't think anyone can prove whether they would have or not. The most prestigious record of course is Bonds home run record. How many of the bombs he hit might have fell short. Again that is hard to prove.
What I do know is the message sent to those T-ballers just now starting out will be negative if these players and others who have cheated baseball are allowed in the same hollowed building as greats that have done things the right way. If the Hall opens it's doors to these players, then we are telling our youth that it is okay to gain an advantage even if it means cheating. That being the best at all costs is accepted. I know as a father of two athletes, this is not the way I want them to think. If you want to be the best then accomplish it by hard work, self-discipline, and doing things the right way.
So if Baseball voters want to add these guys to the Hall, build a separate wing and post on the entrance "Caution! You are entering the Steroid Zone." Otherwise keep them out!!
What's your opinion?
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