Can Mark McGuire make his way into the Hall of Fame?

Thursday, November 29, 2007

Former Cardinals player and season home-run record holder Mark McGuire is up for a spot in the Hall of Fame again this year. His numbers, especially his 1998 season home run record of 70 (soon to be broken in 2001 by Barry Bonds), seem like they could advance McGuire into the Hall of Fame, but his alleged use of steroids may keep him back.

In the 2007 vote, McGuire received only 23% of the needed 75% to advance into the Hall. So most say it will be no different this year because his innocence has not been proved.

If anything, his case has worsened. When being questioned by the committee investigating the allegations, McGuire continuously said he didn’t want to discuss the past. WHAT?

First of all, this made him see guilty as can be.
Secondly, he appeared arrogant.
Thirdly, that is the whole point of the investigation Mr. McGuire, to discuss YOUR past.

The Hall of Fame voters were not pleased, along with Congress who had to listen to McGuire say “I don’t want to discuss the past.” I just think there is no way McGuire is going to be invited into the Hall of Fame. It’s a shame with his amazing numbers, but there is also a chance he made the biggest no-no: using steroids.

I don’t think McGuire should be accepted into the Hall of Fame right now, or even be on the ballot this year, with the possibility he cheated by using steroids. I know there is the innocent until proven guilty concept, but to me, his words at his trial give me the guilty vibe (upon several other things like admitting to using an over-the-counter muscle enhancement and suddenly disappearing from baseball a few years after breaking the record).

Honestly, even if his trial ends and he is declared innocent, I think baseball fans still won’t want to see him in the Hall of Fame.

What does everyone else think? Should he be on the ballot now? If he’s declared innocent, does that change?