On Wednesday morning, the Baseball Writers of America released their 2013 National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot --- and on it for the first time is San Carlos native, Serra High School alum, and all-time Major League Baseball home run leader Barry Bonds.
As reported on MLB.com, Bonds is one of seven new players up for consideration this year to be inducted into Cooperstown. Other players on the ballot include Roger Clemens, Sammy Sosa, Craig Biggio, Mike Piazza, Curt Schilling, and Jack Morris.
Bonds, who hit 762 home runs in his 22-season career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and San Francisco Giants, also holds the all-time record for homers in a career and a single season (73), plus walks (2,558) and intentional walks (688).
He won the National League MVP seven times.
Although they have posted Hall of Fame statistics, Bonds, Clemens and Sosa each have had their accomplishments clouded by accusations of performance enhancing drugs.
For years, Bay Area baseball fans, have debated on whether Bonds, or any player who supposedly juiced should make it to Cooperstown.
Shortly after today's ballot announcement, Bonds told MLB.com, ”I do really care. I may say I don’t, but I do really care. I’ve been through a lot in my life so not too many things bother me. Making the Hall of Fame, would it be something that’s gratifying because of what I’ve sacrificed? Sure. Baseball has been a big part of our lives. We’ve sacrificed our bodies. It’s the way we made our living.”
On wishing he’d done things differently: “But I can’t turn back the clock now. Time has passed. Wounds for me have healed.”
According to SFGate.com, the more than 600 long-time members of the Baseball Writers' Association of America will vote through next month. Candidates need 75 percent for induction, and the results will be announced Jan. 9.
What do you think? Should Barry Bonds be elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame? Tell us what you think in the comment section below.
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