We do not know if players who were involved or admitted to using steroids will ever make the Hall of Fame. One thing however is very clear these players will be involved in the game of baseball. The Miami Marlins named the All time Home Run King Barry Bonds the teams new hitting coach. Bonds is not the only former steroid era player to be involved in coaching as Mark McGwire is the bench coach for the Padres. It is McGwire's third job in baseball post playing career. Matt Williams who was another player who was involved was the Nationals manager and continues to coach in baseball. Manny Ramirez continues to work in the game with the Cubs.
Of course their are also some players who continue to play in the Majors and play well despite their past. David Ortiz who's name was linked to PEDs is retiring after the season and many will celebrate him. Ortiz has so much support in Boston many people forget he was involved or simply deflect his name with the issues. I have no issues with the PED stuff but it is interesting how some won't
acknowledge Ortiz's involvement. Never the less Ortiz is a marketable player for baseball and Boston.
Alex Rodriguez sat out all of 2015 due to a steroid suspension. After a messy year with baseball and the Yankees , Rodriguez was back in the good graces of baseball and the Yankees. Rodriguez had a great season hitting 33 home runs and helping the Yankees reach the playoffs. Rodriguez embraced being the DH position and embraced the under dog persona. Rodriguez won back many people including the majority of Yankee fans. Rodriguez did pre and post game work for Fox in the playoffs and was widely popular as a commentator. Rodriguez was very active in baseball and Yankee charities and was back being a big player in the press game in a positive way. It has to be good for baseball when one of its biggest stars can be used in marketing and other things after the issues. The Yankees even had a day at the stadium to honor Rodriguez.
Personally I think it is great for baseball that people in the game can move past the steroid issues. The era was the era and that can't be changed. Former players like McGwire and Bonds have plenty to offer as coaches. Alex Rodriguez has plenty to offer the young players on the Yankees and young players in the game. We saw the benefit of Jason Giambi on the Indians in developing young players. Could these moves be possible moves towards these players making the Hall of Fame ? It's very possible.
By Peter Vitella
@realpete13
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