Alex Wood goes to bat for San Francisco Giants legend Barry Bonds
By David Hill
Barry Bonds may be one of the more controversial players on the Hall of Fame ballot. The San Francisco Giants slugger is in his final year of eligibility, facing a now or never moment with the writers. Even now, it is questionable as to whether or not Bonds will be inducted or if he will need to go through the Veteran’s Committee.
That does not mean that Bonds does not have his supporters. Giants pitcher Alex Wood feels that Bonds belongs in the Hall of Fame, PED use or not.
Why does it matter if you were tied to steroids officially or not? There’s certainly guys already in the HOF that took steroids it doesn’t take a genius to see that. Barry Bonds should be in the HOF and I really don’t think there’s an argument to keep him out imho.
— Alex Wood (@Awood45) December 6, 2021
Alex Wood supporting San Francisco Giants legend Barry Bonds for Hall of Fame
Statistically, there is an argument to be made that Bonds is the greatest player in MLB history. The single season and all time home run leader, Bonds produced a .298/.444/.607 batting line in his 12,606 plate appearances, hitting 762 homers and 601 doubles while stealing 514 bases. Not only is Bonds one of eight members of the 300-300 club, but he is the only player in both the 400-400 and 500-500 clubs.
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Bonds understandably has a resume to match his statistics. He was a 14 time All Star and a seven time MVP, cementing his place as one of the greatest players of his generation. He was also a true five tool talent in his prime, winning eight Gold Glove awards and is the all time leader in runs saved in left field.
Allegations of PED use have tainted his legacy. While his accomplishments indicate that he should have been inducted on the first ballot, he topped out at 61.8% of the vote last year. Considering how far he needs to go to reach that 75% mark, it is questionable as to whether or not he will be inducted this year.
As Wood said, that should not matter. There are PED users in the Hall of Fame already, even if one excludes Pud Galvin. Whether or not they admit to their usage is irrelevant. The Hall of Fame is a place for the greatest players that the game has seen and that includes a player such as Barry Bonds.
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Barry Bonds may not be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year. However, the San Francisco Giants legend has a supporter in Alex Wood.