Jan 17 2009
Henderson and Rice: Proud to Be “Roids-Free” Classmates on Hall of Fame
U.S. Baseball Hall of Famer Jim Rice is quiet over talks on whether Roger Clemens, Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds should belong in the elite league of athletes as well.
According to Rice, “I’m not in the situation to vote for the guys and I’m not going to put myself in the situation where I have to answer that question because I think you as the media, you’ve got to judge that.”
Rice further added, “You should know players that are on steroids that have been on steroids — and two players that have NEVER been on steroids.” And after that, the slugger from Boston Red Sox leaned over and wrapped his arms around Rickey Henderson as both of them broke in to laughter. The two Hall of Famers were together for a news conference at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel a day after being elected to the Hall.
Rice also proudly claimed that, “I think you’re looking at two players that probably could’ve played at any time.”
Henderson was a member of nine teams in his 25-year career. This time he will go in with an Oakland Athletics cap on his plaque. This MLB’s career leader in runs scored and stolen bases; had four separate stints with the A’s, while playing for his hometown club in 14 seasons.
On the other hand, Rice was with the Red Sox during in entire career. He is literally following the left-field footsteps of Hall of Famers Ted Williams and Carl Yastrzemski.
Henderson got into the Hall on his first attempt while Rice in his 15th and final year of eligibility with the Baseball Writers Association of American ballot.
Mark McGwire, on the other hand was not that lucky.
Due to accusations on his use of performance-enhancing drugs, McGwire received only 118 votes or 21.9 percent on his 3rd year of eligibility for the Hall of Fame. This is way down the 75 percent needed for induction. The power hitting first baseman already got 128 votes each on his first two attempts.
Henderson supported his former team mate from Oakland, McGwire, and did not criticize Roger Clemens or Barry Bonds as well.
A federal grand jury will determine whether Clemens has lied under oath last 2003, when he claimed in Congress that he did not use illicit performance-enhancing drugs. Moreover, Bonds is also set for a March trial regarding charges that he has lied to a federal grand jury when he knowingly denied allegations of steroids use.
Henderson was quoted by newspaper reports as saying: “I played with Mark McGwire, played against Barry Bonds, batted against Roger Clemens, and to me they all (were) great ballplayers.” He further added that, “Steroids came in, I had no clue about steroids; didn’t even know that guys were using steroids.”
Clemens and Bonds are assessed to appear on the Hall for the first time in 2013. This is a landmark year for first-timers Craig Biggio, Mike Piazza and Sammy Sosa will also be included.
Henderson and Rice will be initiated into the Hall on 26th of July in Cooperstown.
Former NY Yankees and Cleveland Indian’s second baseman Joe Gordon will be joining them as he was posthumously elected by the Veterans Committee last month. Gordon will wear a Yankee cap on his plaque since he played seven of his 11 seasons in New York. He then won four out of five World Series championships and the 1942 American League MVP award.
[...] were reluctant in talking about it—could highly improve his chances of being included in the Hall of Fame. Should this happen, he will most likely go to the Hall of Fame as a Giant instead of a Dodger. [...]
[...] being eligible for election to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, Mark McGuire, the eighth overall in the home run career total has not been blessed [...]
Keep working ,great job!
[...] returns an unfavorable results. Baseball fans believed that he should not be considered in the Hall Of Fame. His admission was viewed negatively by more than 4 in 10 baseball fans. Almost 50 percent of the [...]
[...] With these reports on Alex Rodriguez, do we still have to put him on the list of baseball stars or to the Hall of Fame? [...]
[...] 2005. With this controversy, other critics believe that Palmeiro’s chances to be elected in a Hall of Fame is very [...]
[...] 40, Sheffield is one mark shy to a 500 homer mark which is considered as a passport to the Hall of Fame. His stat of 499 career homer may end if no other team would get his service next season. Under the [...]
[...] method where you can decide to “shoot” for the record books. The ultimate goal is to reach the Hall of Fame so winning a season is not the be-all and end-all. You have to strategize and think in the [...]