Probably not first ballot, just as punishment, but he almost has to go in. I'd put him and Clemens in together.

Another posthumous entry just like Mr. Rose at the rate things are going...

Chances are that writers will steer away from voting him in after his pending conviction. His surliness with the press over the years can't aid his cause either. Moreover, fans loathe him. No first ballot...maybe not even in his lifetime. Just look at Pete.

I interviewed him once, or tried to. He's the surliest prick I've met in sports and would be a top contender for the least pleasant interviewee of my career.

That being said, and even counting the likelihood of steroids, the guy will be elected to the Hall.

And much as it pains me to say it, he deserves to be.

If he makes it his entry will read:

Barry Bonds*


*Suspected of using performance enhancing substances.

I strongly disagree with all the people who rated this player a 5-star. He should not belong in the hall of fame ever. All people who think Barry Bonds' homeruns are complete morons. All of his records and awards all need to be stripped.

In my opinion, if nothing is proven on his steroid usage, he deserves to be a definite 1st ballot. That said, I'm sure he did use steroids. He is also a Class A jerk. Pre-steroids, Bonds was the best player in the 90s. He was also one of the premiere players of the late 80s. Had he retired in 1999, he would have been a first ballot. To me, he's like Pete Rose: either he's definitely in or he's out.

he is a cheater!

Yes he may have taken as Palmeiro would say "b12" and yes he may be an @ss, but his on the field contributions are second to none.

My yes! If he is denied for unproven allegations, the entire system would be destroyed.

I say no, but gutless sportswriters who quake at the thought of actually challenging cheating ballplayers might think otherwise. . .

He's cheated and it's obvious. He should be barred but given the whims of the fans and the current unwillingness of many Americans to distinguish "right" from "wrong" and make people accountable for their actions, he won't be.

Of course he will go in. He has so far managed to avoid being a proven steroid user, and if he continues to do so, there is no possible bar to his election. I believe some voters will punish him for the perception of steroids, and his notorious attitude, but he will go in, probably on the first ballot.

I don't care for Barry Bonds because of the attitude and steroid controversy, but the guy could still play ball. I think his numbers should be scrutinized when looking at others from the past, but he still is one of baseball's all time greats.