Congrats to newly elected Hall of Famer Jeff Bagwell.

SAlly V wrote:

I suspect he maybe did steroids but his stats are incredible. His WAR score is higher than any first baseman since WWII not named Albert Pujols. In history he has the fifth highest behind the likes of Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx and 2 others. His 1994 season he batted .368 with a .750 slugging percentage - which was the highest in NL since 1925. Think about that. The only player in MLB history to achieve six consecutive seasons (1996–2001) with each of 30 home runs, 100 RBI, 100 runs scored, and 100 walks, Bagwell is just the fifth to achieve 300 home runs, 1,000 RBI and 1,000 runs scored in his first ten seasons. There is one stat I can not remember but he is the only player ever to do so - like 30 stolen bases, 100 runs, 50 home runs and 150 RBIs. Again, I suspect he cheated but he did pretty well.

Great player, no doubt. I also think there's something to be said for not getting caught.

I definitely remember collecting his early-year cards back in the 1990s and he had some monster stats. He was also one of the best players on the N64 Ken Griffey, Jr. baseball game. Not sure what his status was with PEDs, but he had monster bone structure even when he was much more slender, so it wouldn't surprise me if he was actually clean.

The voting process is so subjective. Why does Bagwell and Pudge get in while Bonds, McGwire, Clemons, Etc get crucified and not get in? They all took steroids. Don't give me this proof BS either. Bonds and McGwire never tested positive anyways. Some of them get a way worse publicity rep and it's completely unfair. A cheater is a cheater. We shouldn't treat some cheaters horribly and others let off the hook cuz the fans like them regardless. So much BS, I personally think bonds McGwire Clemons should definitely get in, because the HOF already has some PED users, regardless of whether or not they were caught.

I always hated Bagwell.

Tiddliwinks hall of fame?

Why do people say "Congrats to (name)" on message boards. Like do you think Jeff Bagwell comes on letsrun or something and is going to see your message?

Old Man Runner wrote:

Why do people say "Congrats to (name)" on message boards. Like do you think Jeff Bagwell comes on letsrun or something and is going to see your message?

It is more an acknowledgement of his accomplishments. You are not congratulating him personally.

Bagwell was a solid player, but isn't there a bit of doubt of PED's.

Trevor Hoffman was the best relief pitcher of his era and the first player to 600 saves. He misses out?! Really! If Hoffman played for the Yankees or Red Sox, then he's a first ballot with pretty close to 100% voting.

Pads fan wrote:

Bagwell was a solid player, but isn't there a bit of doubt of PED's.

Trevor Hoffman was the best relief pitcher of his era and the first player to 600 saves. He misses out?! Really! If Hoffman played for the Yankees or Red Sox, then he's a first ballot with pretty close to 100% voting.

That is an accurate assessment. Craig Biggio and Derek Jeter have comparable stats and Jeter is a shoo-in while Biggio was not certain. Biggio would have been a first-ballot Hall-of-Famer too if he had stayed with the Red Sox. Hoffman is deserving but he played for a small market team like the Padres or Brewers.

Pads fan wrote:

Bagwell was a solid player, but isn't there a bit of doubt of PED's.

Plenty of doubt. Sure. More apparent MLB PED users are: McGwire, Sosa, Bonds, Clemens, and Palmeiro.

Mr. Mellotron wrote:

Pads fan wrote:

Bagwell was a solid player, but isn't there a bit of doubt of PED's.

Plenty of doubt. Sure. More apparent MLB PED users are: McGwire, Sosa, Bonds, Clemens, and Palmeiro.

I am an Astros' fan but am in a quandary with Bagwell. I enjoyed watching him play but look at him today and he is a much smaller man. I would say 90% that he was using 'Roids but so many in his era were using as well. I am not a big Jeff Bagwell fan just because of that - I hate cheaters. - I would never vote in Roger Clemens but Bagwell gets into the gray area.

Goowap wrote:

Why does Bagwell and Pudge get in while Bonds, McGwire, Clemons, Etc get crucified and not get in?

Bagwell got in on the 7th ballot. Bonds and Clemons are on their 5th and are trending upward. They will eventually get in.

People are starting to forgive the steroid era. I say ban them all for life.