by Tim Driver

Created on: June 14, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Despite being the most prolific homerun hitter in baseball history, when it comes to immortalizing Barry Bonds as one of baseball's elite by putting him in the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, there should be no consideration to do so. Athletics have lost their lustre due to a sharp decline in integrity, character, and loyalty. One of the reasons that baseball specifically has been labled the American game is due to these qualities that used to mirror the values our country was built on. This is no longer true. Here are some things to consider if you are trying to decide in your own mind if Barry Bonds deserves the Hall of Fame induction.

Past Failures-

Shoeless Joe Jackson and Pete Rose were both very deserving of Cooperstown induction based on physical ability, career accomplishments, and longevtiy. They have been excluded however based on lack of character. Gambling and game fixing have nothing to do with the actual playing of the game, yet baseball in its wisdom realized in both cases that there is more to athletics than physical skill or accomplishment. There is an element that goes beyond the field and keeps pure the game we all love. Respect for the game, for rules, and for opponents is tantamount to being a complete "athlete". In this day and age of showboating and personal attention seeking, not to mention money loyalty replacing team and fan loyalty, players have forgotten those who had respect for these things and allowed today's players the luxuries they have now. Violating that trust, those loyalties and the rules seriously flaws the value an athlete contributes to the game. Because of this, statistics are less meaningful, and Barry Bonds' home runs given the steroid issue are no different.

Future Precidents-

By allowing Barry Bonds into the Hall of Fame, the message sent to all fans and youngsters aspiring to make the professional ranks is that the end justifies the means. This opens the door at any level for substance abuse, illegal recruiting, cutting corners and violating rules, so long as one is performing well enough to be in the elite class at their level. By disciplining even the most physically talented, the opposite message is sent, and respect for the game is restored. NO one is above the game. No team, no owner, no individual. This is the only way to save the sport. Teams that overachieve get MUCH better ratings than individual stars. The public tires of constant hype of individual stars, and longs more for team success and pride in the city these teams represent. Barry Bonds' exclusion from the Hall of Fame will reinforce this message.

Restoring Faith-

Let's face it. In a time where NBA officials cheat, NFL players go to prison every other weekend, and numerous other sports are plagued with faulty character and integrity issues, baseball has a chance to reassert itself as a respectable sport. They should be the first to jump on this bandwagon so it doesn't appear to be "following the crowd" after other sports realize that their longevity depends on it. America needs atheletes with integrity, humility, pride in team, and coachability. They have had a glut of selfishness, arrogance, and overinflated hype.

By denying Barry Bonds there might be a glimmer of hope that professional athletes have come to their senses and that there may be hope for a brighter future. Lest anyone think there is any race issues involved, the same should happen to Mark McGwire, Rafael Palmero, and any green martian that violates the integrity of sport.

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