There is, however, something that we have to admit when we judge his Hall of Fame credentials. He's statistically second only to Babe Ruth as the greatest baseball player to have ever lived.
Everybody knows about his career record 762 home runs and single-season mark of 73, but those achievements are just two on a list that is nearly without peers.
Seven MVPs, the most ever.
Two batting titles.
10 on-base percentage titles, overall career rank: sixth.
Seven slugging percentage titles, overall career rank: sixth.
Walks, intentional walks — career leader.
Career defensive wins above replacement, sixth — led league three times.
Nine Gold Gloves.
Nine OPS titles, overall career rank: fourth.
Career runs rank: third.
Career total bases: fourth.
Career stolen bases: 33rd.
Career extra base hits: second.
Career RBIs: fourth.
Career win probability added to team: first.
Career wins above replacement: second (over a full season above replacement at 171.8)
Clearly, we're looking at a player far more transcendent than Rafael Palmeiro, Mark McGwire, or even Roger Clemens or Alex Rodgriguez. There's just no arguing he isn't one of the 10 best baseball players to ever live — and that would have likely still been true had he never used steroids.
So, given all of that — and his likely PED use — would you vote for him?
Leave your thoughts below.
If you had a Hall of Fame vote, would you vote for Barry Bonds?online survey
