Barry Bonds – eighth year on ballot (59.1% in 2019)
It is past time for Barry Bonds to be a part of the MLB Hall of Fame.
Yes, we all know the arguments against – he is one of the poster boys for the PED Era, after all. While he never tested positive for steroids, his involvement with the BALCO Scandal, and subsequent trial on perjury charges, have tainted his reputation. Add in the way that his body changed during his career, and it is easy to draw conclusions.
Nonetheless, Bonds holds a unique place in the history of the game. One of the eight players in MLB history to hit 300 homers and steal 300 bases in their career, Bonds is also the only member of the 400-400 and 500-500 club. A 14 time All Star, he won seven MVP awards, eight Gold Gloves, and two batting titles. Bonds produced a lifetime .298/.444/.607 batting line, hitting 762 homers and stealing 514 bases. He is the all time leader in home runs and walks, and holds the single season record with 73 homers.
Of course, there are those who will say that those numbers are tainted by PED usage. The problem is that during the time when Bonds was putting those numbers up, PED use was rampant in the game. The MLB Hall of Fame has honored players who were known to cheat by scuffing the ball or using the spitter. And, they have a known PED user that has been inducted as well in Pud Galvin.
It is time to give Barry Bonds his due, although that is not likely to happen this year.