Dodgers P Brandon McCarthy: PED users shouldn't be kept out of Hall
Writing for the Players' Tribune, the website created by retired New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Brandon McCarthy argues that known steroid/performance-enhancing drug users shouldn't be kept out of the Hall of Fame.
McCarthy says that baseball writers are currently trying to "have it both ways" by leaving PED-linked candidates out of the Hall but continually giving them more votes each year, and that writers are especially at fault when it comes to players merely linked to PED use.
The pitcher admits that he's struggled with what side of the issue he falls on, calling it a "mess," but writes that ultimately the Hall is better off creating a "comprehensive, all-encompassing look at the history of baseball," one that includes PED users if they deserve to be enshrined on the merits of their play.
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From a historical perspective, both the good and the bad of the sport should be acknowledged. The rich tapestry of ups and downs, heroes and villains, scandals and rebirths gives baseball a depth unlike any other sport we have in this country. Because of this, writers should leave Hall of Fame voting to on-the-field accomplishments and let their words shape the stories and reputations we pass down to the next generation.
McCarthy also gave his picks for who should've been inducted to this year's Hall of Fame class. In addition to those who were chosen (John Smoltz, Pedro Martinez, Randy Johnson and Craig Biggio), McCarthy says he would've voted for Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Mike Mussina, Curt Schilling, Tim Raines, Alan Trammell and Mike Piazza.
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Known for his humorous Twitter account, McCarthy has made headlines for his serious opinions in the past, including for saying he wouldn't wear a protective cap while pitching despite having been hit in the head by a batted ball and sustaining an epidural hemorrhage as a result.
McCarthy signed with the Dodgers last month after splitting last season between the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Yankees.
- Ben Estes
