Last night, the baseball universe was buzzing—Hall of Fame results were announced. But there was also an unhappy corner of Twitter, where fans with a passion for baseball that runs deep in their veins, like every year, call out the glaring absentees in the holy Hall of Fame. Year after year, like a broken record—Barry Bonds, Alex Rodriguez, Gary Sheffield; big names, big games, yet they’re still on the outside looking in at baseball’s sanctum. It’s the same old song, but it hits a nerve every time.

Bonds and A-Rod – legends in the corridors of baseball history. Yet, take a stroll through the Hall of Fame, and you’ll notice something missing. Where are their plaques?

Making a case for Alex Rodriguez and Barry Bonds but not through stats and numbers

Now, I’m not gonna dive into a sea of stats, awards, or accolades. If it were a numbers game, Bonds and A-Rod would be towering over a laundry list of Hall of Famers. But that’s not the heart of the matter. The Hall of Fame isn’t just a trophy room; it’s a testament to those who’ve left an indelible mark on baseball, who’ve woven their stories into the fabric of America’s pastime. Yet, here we are, with two of baseball’s greatest storytellers, and Cooperstown’s doors remain shut to them.

Their exclusion raises questions about the criteria for selection. Critics argue that the Hall of Fame which is meant to tell baseball’s complete story, cannot ignore players who were central to its most significant eras, even those marred by performance-enhancing drug scandals.

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The argument for inclusion is not just about acknowledging their statistical achievements, but also about preserving the integrity of baseball’s historical narrative.

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The induction of players like David Ortiz, despite similar controversies, only intensifies these debates. The contrasting treatment of these players underlines Hall’s inconsistent approach to the PED era.

Essentially Sports got the lowdown from ex-Mets GM Steve Phillips – Every era in baseball, he said, had its own flavor of performance enhancement. It’s not all about steroids. Look at Babe Ruth–the Sultan of Swat never faced a black pitcher because of the segregated leagues. And then there’s the war era. Some of the best players left to serve the country, changing the whole playing field.

I’m not trying to give steroids a free pass or slap a ‘no big deal’ sticker on them. But, when we talk about the Hall of Fame, we’re talking about documenting baseball history. The Hall of Fame needs to tell the whole story, steroids and all. Add context, and explain the era, as Phillips said so articulately.

Who is in the Hall of Fame Class of 2024?

The 2024 Hall of Fame inductees are Adrian Beltre, Todd Helton, Jim Leyland, and Joe Mauer. Adrián Beltré, a model of consistency and leadership, earned his place with a resounding 95.1% of the votes. His 21-year career was not just marked by 477 home runs and 3,166 hits, but also by how loved he was in every clubhouse he graced.

Joe Mauer, whose career was cut short by injuries, still managed to leave a mark. His three batting titles and MVP award highlight a career of peak performance, despite a relatively modest home run tally.

Todd Helton’s induction, after a steady climb in voting percentages, reflects a recognition of his consistent excellence, even though playing at Coors Field likely bolstered his statistics. His .316 batting average and .953 OPS is evidence to his status as one of the era’s best hitters.

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What are your thoughts on the HOF 2024 results? Let us know in the comments below!