I think that's right, though I think Biggio certainly should get in soon. Bonds and Clemens went a long way towards tainting the game by their behavior both on and off the field. I'm glad neither one came close to getting in.
I think we'll see more of these "no nomination" years as we move through the players who were active during the steroid era. It's a shame, but I think Biggio is being tarred with the same brush as Bonds and McGwire, even though--as far as I can recall--he was never suspected of using steroids.
I think the only reasons Biggio didn't get in this year were named Bonds and Clemens. They soured the writers in general and he got caught in the undertow.
My husband was astonished when I told him Biggio didn't get in. We have always both thought that, like the PGA, there should be certain statistics (3000 career hits, 300 wins for a pitcher, being the player who broke/held a particularly important baseball record, etc.) that automatically confers Hall of Fame membership. Of course, that would mean people like Pete Rose, Barry Bonds, and Roger Clemens would be in the HoF, but at least it means totally deserving players like Biggio get shut out on a whim.
I agree, Deb. Biggio has the numbers to be in the HoF. Next year, Maddux and Glavine are eligible. Are they going to be shunned because they played during the steroid era? To me, they're unquestionably first ballot guys.
No, they won't be shunned, and neither will Biggio. But there are plenty of less than deserving people in the Hall (Ford Frick's old cronies, for example) and others (Jim Kaat, Joe Torre) who are as deserving as many who are in.
8 comments:
I think that's right, though I think Biggio certainly should get in soon. Bonds and Clemens went a long way towards tainting the game by their behavior both on and off the field. I'm glad neither one came close to getting in.
Jeff
I think Biggio was a first-rounder. Too bad the BBWA didn't agree.
I think we'll see more of these "no nomination" years as we move through the players who were active during the steroid era. It's a shame, but I think Biggio is being tarred with the same brush as Bonds and McGwire, even though--as far as I can recall--he was never suspected of using steroids.
I think the only reasons Biggio didn't get in this year were named Bonds and Clemens. They soured the writers in general and he got caught in the undertow.
Jeff
My husband was astonished when I told him Biggio didn't get in. We have always both thought that, like the PGA, there should be certain statistics (3000 career hits, 300 wins for a pitcher, being the player who broke/held a particularly important baseball record, etc.) that automatically confers Hall of Fame membership. Of course, that would mean people like Pete Rose, Barry Bonds, and Roger Clemens would be in the HoF, but at least it means totally deserving players like Biggio get shut out on a whim.
Won't get shut out on a whim
I agree, Deb. Biggio has the numbers to be in the HoF. Next year, Maddux and Glavine are eligible. Are they going to be shunned because they played during the steroid era? To me, they're unquestionably first ballot guys.
No, they won't be shunned, and neither will Biggio. But there are plenty of less than deserving people in the Hall (Ford Frick's old cronies, for example) and others (Jim Kaat, Joe Torre) who are as deserving as many who are in.
Jeff
Post a Comment