As the ballots for the new Baseball Hall of Fame (HOF) 2025 induction were announced, three big names made MLB — and every baseball fan — rethink their standards of honor: the No. 1 Home Run Hitter in History, the Legendary Pitcher with Thousands of Strikeouts, and the “Hit King” with the Most Hits of All Time — Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Pete Rose. But under the spotlight of Cooperstown, glory seems to be in the shadow of controversy.
Bonds holds the record for 762 home runs — the most in MLB history. Clemens has won seven Cy Young Awards and 4,672 strikeouts — the top all-time. Rose, with 4,256 hits, 3,562 games played, and 17 All-Star appearances at five different positions, remains the undefeated “Hit King” in the hearts of many fans.
But those huge numbers—which once made them admired—have now become a burden: all three have been linked to major scandals, from allegations of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) used by Bonds & Clemens, to betting on games while playing and managing Rose.
The 2022 season will see Bonds and Clemens appear on the traditional ballot for the last time; both fell short of the required 75% threshold—Bonds at about 66%, Clemens at 65.2%.
It was thought that after the deadline, they would be reconsidered by special committees—but so far, all chances remain very slim.
As for Rose — who was banned for life in 1989 for gambling on his own games — even though the ban will officially be lifted in 2025 after his death, his chance to enter the HOF remains a dream full of doubts. According to analysts, few believe that journalists or committees have the courage to award glory to players who bet on their teams.
What Cooperstown residents — and many fans — care about is no longer just homeruns, strikeouts, or hits. They look at the core: “Integrity of the Game.” Using PEDs or betting — behaviors that the media and former players call illegal, eroding faith in fairness. And although no one disputes their skill on the field — many voted “No” for Bonds, Clemens, Rose: because they believe the HOF should not be a place to honor tainted legacies.
A veteran commentator emphasized:
“Baseball is a sport of fairness, honor, and responsibility — if you lose that, you don’t deserve to hang your name with the legends.”
Now, all eyes are on the Contemporary Baseball Era 2025 committee’s vote, which will be announced in early December. Will Bonds and Clemens get their last chance? Will Rose — after being re-legalized — earn a place for the “Hit King”? Or will MLB history continue to close a chapter of scandal, despite undeniable statistics?
One thing is clear: this time, the HOF is not just a place to honor skill — it’s a test of conscience. One small vote could decide who lives forever in legend… and who is labeled “forever controversial.”
Leave a Reply