The Jester’s Quart: Why McGwire Belongs in Cooperstown

[Greg_Wyshynski]

If I submitted a Baseball Hall of Fame ballot this year, it would look like this:

Tony Gwynn
Cal Ripken, Jr.
Mark McGwire *

At the bottom of the ballot would be an “*” with a note scribbled beside it:
"Dear sirs…I understand that, for many voters, keeping Mark McGwire out of the...
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[BaldBil]

Let me begin by saying that I am not a hypocrite and to bring Mike Lupica into it because he wrote a book is a little disengenous. The fact that the media was aware of the situation at the time does not indicate that the current furor over Mr. McGwire is phony or self-serving. When the time comes for Mr. Lupica to be enshrined as a baseball write(unlikely) then his culpability in this can be addressed.

What the NFL or any other sports organization has done or not done over the years has nothing to do with the baseball hall of fame. Baseball is still the only HOF with a morals clause. They have not always upheld the spirit of that clause. Cobb, Speaker, Comiskey and Gaylord Perry are proof of that fact. This does not mean the HOF committee should not take advantage of this opportunity to make a stand.

When Mr. McGwire stands up and defends himself I will listen. Until then all of the self-appointed apologist in the world will not sway me.

[Greg_Wyshynski]

Originally Posted by BaldBil

Let me begin by saying that I am not a hypocrite and to bring Mike Lupica into it because he wrote a book is a little disengenous. The fact that the media was aware of the situation at the time does not indicate that the current furor over Mr. McGwire is phony or self-serving.

How on Earth do you equate that? That's my point: here was the media happily writing about these players and happy to make coin from their exploits, all the while "aware of the situation at the time." How dare they pick and choose when to take the moral high ground.

What the NFL or any other sports organization has done or not done over the years has nothing to do with the baseball hall of fame. Baseball is still the only HOF with a morals clause. They have not always upheld the spirit of that clause. Cobb, Speaker, Comiskey and Gaylord Perry are proof of that fact. This does not mean the HOF committee should not take advantage of this opportunity to make a stand.

I addressed the baseball morality clause, and find it valid. You bring up Perry, and he and Niekro are interesting examples -- admitted cheaters who were caught altering MLB equipment on the playing field. But since vasaline and nailcare products are funnier than anabolic steroids, they get a pass.

Again, what stand are they making? That rumor and innuendo will rule the day for future candidates?

When Mr. McGwire stands up and defends himself I will listen. Until then all of the self-appointed apologist in the world will not sway me.

He doesn't owe you, me or Rick Morrissey anything. He never tested positive in an MLB test. It's on the league to prove he's guilty, and it never did. Take it up with Bud Selig, not Cooperstown.

[BtownJay]

Originally Posted by Greg_Wyshynski

He doesn't owe you, me or Rick Morrissey anything. He never tested positive in an MLB test. It's on the league to prove he's guilty, and it never did. Take it up with Bud Selig, not Cooperstown.

This is my exact arguement when talking about whether or not McGwire should be in or not. How in the world can you penalize a guy who has never been proven of breaking the law/rules?

[BaldBil]

You are correct the McGwire doesn't owe us anything.

The media writes what they want, they always have and always will. Just because they supported McGwire during his run does not mean he shopuld get a free pass. The media like a lot of fans overlooked what was obvious during that time. Being foolish eight years ago is no reason to be foolish now. You do not pick or choose the moral high ground. It is there and always will be. Recognizing that later is better than never recognizing it at all.

The stand they are making is this. It is no longer business as usual. Cheating with vaseline or nail files is wrong on one level. Perry as an admitted cheater, and Neikro as one who was caught perhaps should not have been inducted. Use of Anabolic steroids or Human Growth Hormone is cheating on another level. If I encourage a young athlete to alter a baseball or bat that is one thing. To encourage that same athlete to alter his body throught the use of illegal substances that is stepping it up at a tremendous level.

Mark McGwire may not have been caught red-handed so to speak, but until he stands up and speaks for himself he will not have my support, Baseball also gets no pass from me. I no longer attend their games and I no longer buy their secondary products. Bud Selig, John Henry, and Larry Lucchino have all recieved letters from me stating that and the reasons why. I may only be a small pebble being tossed into a massive ocean, but I am proud to be that pebble.

[Rusty27]

I think we all know baseball has it's faults.It's a huge business fueled by greed,self serving interests,and the almighty dollar.So whatever morals clauses there may be are just a facade for the evil that lies within.As far as i'm concerned,as long as it's OK for Barry Bonds to play, it's OK for McGwire to be in the hall of fame.Simple as that.

[BaldBil]

This could be and probably would be a never ending thread.n my mind McGwire did himself severe damage when he did not issue a firm denial at the congressional hearings. Palmiero tried that of course and it worked against him down the road. Did Big Mac do the right thing following his lawyers advice? I am not smart enough to know.

[dieselwk]

these same writers will put clemens in the hall even though the same allegations surround him. writers are hyprocrites they have double standards on everything, and they should not have the hall of fame vote. they hold grudges, and screw things up that are meant for fans. just because mcgwire looked bad at the congressional hearing does not mean he did roids.

[BaldBil]

This os one of those issues where you either come down on side or another. There seems to be little middle ground. I am as suspicious of Clemens and Randy Johnson as I am of Bonds, Sosa & McGwire.

The debate on Big Mac will set the tone.