The specter of Trump's influence cast a shadow over baseball's Hall of Fame this week. However, the vote by the Classic Era committee ultimately proved that the power of populism can be just as potent as the power of money and celebrity.
Despite the pressure from Trump, who championed Pete Rose's candidacy for induction into the Hall of Fame, voters still refused to give Bonds and Clemens a second chance. The fact that they were denied was not necessarily due to their on-field achievements or the controversy surrounding their use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
The real reason for the rejection lies in the way the game's integrity is perceived by its stakeholders. For many, the idea of allowing Bonds and Clemens into the Hall of Fame would be a tacit acceptance of the PED scandal that has hung over baseball for decades.
In reality, the vote was not just about two players but also about the values of the sport. It was a statement on the importance of accountability and the need to uphold the standards set by the game's past greats.
Manfred's decision to return Rose to the ballot and even consider reinstating Joe Jackson, a notorious figure from the Black Sox scandal, highlights the commissioner's willingness to adapt to changing times. However, this move also risks undermining the very fabric of the game by diluting its integrity.
Ultimately, the refusal to elect Bonds and Clemens is not just about their past mistakes but also about preserving the legacy of baseball as a sport that values fair play and sportsmanship above all else. The Hall of Fame's decision serves as a reminder that history matters, and the achievements of players like Kent, who was elected this week, are often overshadowed by the controversy surrounding other candidates.
While it may not be a triumphant victory for Bonds or Clemens, their exclusion is still a significant blow to the PED scandal that has plagued baseball for so long. It's a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the importance of accountability in maintaining the integrity of the game.
Despite the pressure from Trump, who championed Pete Rose's candidacy for induction into the Hall of Fame, voters still refused to give Bonds and Clemens a second chance. The fact that they were denied was not necessarily due to their on-field achievements or the controversy surrounding their use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
The real reason for the rejection lies in the way the game's integrity is perceived by its stakeholders. For many, the idea of allowing Bonds and Clemens into the Hall of Fame would be a tacit acceptance of the PED scandal that has hung over baseball for decades.
In reality, the vote was not just about two players but also about the values of the sport. It was a statement on the importance of accountability and the need to uphold the standards set by the game's past greats.
Manfred's decision to return Rose to the ballot and even consider reinstating Joe Jackson, a notorious figure from the Black Sox scandal, highlights the commissioner's willingness to adapt to changing times. However, this move also risks undermining the very fabric of the game by diluting its integrity.
Ultimately, the refusal to elect Bonds and Clemens is not just about their past mistakes but also about preserving the legacy of baseball as a sport that values fair play and sportsmanship above all else. The Hall of Fame's decision serves as a reminder that history matters, and the achievements of players like Kent, who was elected this week, are often overshadowed by the controversy surrounding other candidates.
While it may not be a triumphant victory for Bonds or Clemens, their exclusion is still a significant blow to the PED scandal that has plagued baseball for so long. It's a testament to the enduring power of tradition and the importance of accountability in maintaining the integrity of the game.
...it shows us that baseball values fair play and sportsmanship above all else 
. its not just about the players' past mistakes, but also about preserving the legacy of the game 
. i mean, kent gets elected and people are like "yeah, finally!" 
...but let's be real, it's a big deal that bonds & clemens didn't get in 
. baseball needs to keep pushing for accountability and integrity 
.
The fact that their exclusion is seen as a statement on integrity and accountability makes me wonder if it's not time for the game to move forward, rather than constantly dwelling on the scandals of old 
. It feels like baseball's trying to hold onto its history and tradition, which is pretty admirable, tbh 
. I'm glad they stuck to their guns and prioritized integrity over controversy 
. Guess you could say he's still got a lot to learn about the game 
.
. But I guess that's why they didn't get in - it's not just about their talent on the field, it's about how they represented the game back then. And I think that's kinda refreshing actually 
And can we talk about how Manfred is being a good commissioner by adapting to changing times? Like, returning Rose and Joe Jackson to the ballot shows he's not afraid to take risks. But at the same time, you gotta wonder if that's gonna water down the whole integrity thing... 
. The Hall of Fame is all about achievements and greatness, not about what players did off the field... its kinda unfair to the guys who actually played clean 
️
I think Manfred is trying to make a point by giving Rose another shot and all, but at the same time, you can't just rewrite history, you know? It's like, Kent gets elected this week and everyone's all happy, but let's not forget that Bonds and Clemens were even in the running. I'm kinda stoked that they didn't get in though... it's like, baseball has standards, you feel me? 
. But at the same time, aren't we kinda doing the opposite by putting so much emphasis on their personal lives? Shouldn't we just be focusing on what they did on the field?
.
.
... i think that's what makes this whole thing so complex... it's not just about the players or the PEDs, it's about the values of the game as a whole 
The real question is why MLB's integrity can't just be about winning? 
.
. I guess it's all about maintaining the integrity of the game, but it's also kinda cool that they're still holding out for players who are clean 
. But seriously, I can see why the HOF committee voted down Bonds & Clemens - its not just about them, its about the values of the game. As a parent, I want my kids to learn about hard work, fair play & sportsmanship. If we allow players who have used PEDs into the HOF, whats next? Are we gonna give 'em a trophy for showing up?
. And I think the voters did the right thing.
! I'm totally on team "no PEDs" here, tbh 
. It's all about preserving that classic baseball vibe you know? Like, sure Bonds and Clemens are legends and all, but their involvement in thePED scandal kinda taints everything they did on the field 
. Returning Pete Rose to the ballot was like a nod to the past, you feel? But it also brings up some interesting questions about, like, what does "integrity" even mean in baseball anymore? 
. We want that fair play and sportsmanship stuff to shine through on those induction ballots 
.
. It's saying, "Hey, we value tradition and accountability over all else!" 
!
...like it wasn't already a joke when they let Rose come back on, no one really cares about that 
.