Manny Ramirez – fourth year on ballot (22.8% in 2019)
If a player that has actually been suspended for PEDs ends up in the MLB Hall of Fame, it may be Manny Ramirez.
He was an adventure on the diamond, disappearing into the Green Monster to use the bathroom, and cutting off a throw from his fellow outfielder. Ramirez had a prickly personality, getting into a fight with a clubhouse attendant. But he was also a lovable figure, a goofy hitting savant that was fortunate that he had the ability to pulverize the baseball.
Ramirez was certainly a well regarded player. He was a 12 time All Star and a nine time Silver Slugger, finishing in the top ten of the MVP vote nine times. Overall, he posted a stellar .312/.411/.585 batting line, hitting 555 homers and 547 doubles. Based on his production, he belongs in the MLB Hall of Fame.
The problem is that Ramirez was suspended for PED usage twice. While one could claim that the initial failed test was an accident or the result of a tainted supplement, the stain was already there. His second failed test put his entire legacy in doubt, turning what once seemed to be a slam dunk Hall of Fame case into a major question mark. Unsurprisingly, he has not gained any traction towards induction, sitting between 22% and 24% in each of his previous three years on the ballot.
Chances are, 2020 will mark a fourth year where Manny Ramirez has a similar vote total. His legacy has been irrevocably tarnished by his PED usage.