Barry Bonds once expressed disappointment over repeated snubs from Baseball Hall of Fame
Former MLB star Barry Bonds once revealed his frustration over repeatedly missing out on being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
He fell short in his first eight years on the ballot despite holding an all-time record of 762 home runs. In an interview with The Athletic in 2020, Bonds revealed his anguish at yet another snub, saying:
"A death sentence. That's what they've given me. My heart, it's broken. Really broken.If they don't want me, just say you don't want me and be done with it. Just be done with it."
Barry Bonds in the 2002 World Series.
Unofficially the longest home run in MLB history. The estimated distance is 577 feet (pre-StatCast), as you can see Angels players in the video saying it is the longest home run they've ever seen. https://t.co/ePFpU2YvoQ
Bonds admitted to using PEDs during his MLB career after being closely investigated by the league.
He is a 14-time All-Star, eight-time Gold Glove winner and seven-time MVP. His 1.051 OPS is the fourth-best in MLB history behind Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, and Lou Gehrig.
He was later charged with a case of 'alleged perjury regarding use of anabolic steroids' and was convicted of one felony count for the same. This has resulted in many of his records being discredited, including hitting 73 homers in a single season in 2001.
Bonds has also fallen short of the 75% mark for the ballot qualification, earning 60.7% in 2020.
Barry Bonds admits dream of entering Baseball Hall of Fame is still not over
This year is Barry Bonds' last official year on the traditional voting ballot, which means the only possible route to achieve his dream would be via the Veteran's Committee in the future. He appeared on ESPN's broadcast earlier this month with Michael Kay and Alex Rodriguez to talk about his shot at becoming a Hall of Famer. He said:
"It is what it is. That is their vote. They are entitled to their vote. But that dream is still not over for me. It means a lot to us. 100%..We've earned it."
Barry Bonds says making the Hall of Fame means a lot to him
“We’ve earned it.” https://t.co/VIjBUZxAkJ
The 58-year-old had his San Francisco Giants jersey retired in 2018, becoming just the 10th Giant to receive such an honor. Bonds has had one of the most iconic careers in the sport, but also a legacy tainted by a mistake that could possibly see him never recognized as a Hall of Famer.
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