Giants CEO: Steroids-Tainted Players Will Be In Hall; Hints At Bonds Return To Team
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)—While many people wonder if Barry Bonds's alleged steroid use will keep him out of the Baseball Hall of Fame, San Francisco Giants President and CEO Larry Bear said it's likely that some players from the so-called "steroids era" of baseball will be inducted—including Bonds.
Baer also said Bonds, who has expressed a desire to return to the organization, may have a lot to contribute to team in some capacity.
Baer said it's ultimately up to the Baseball Writers Association of America but said that if steroids were so pervasive during that time, some players would have to be designated as the best from the so-called steroids era.
KCBS' Melissa Culross Reports:
"You really have to look at who the best players were of the era because you can't go through an entire era without Hall of Fame eligible, qualified players," he said.
When it comes to the question of Bond's eligibility, Baer won't give a definitive answer on his chances.
"I don't want to get into handicapping it, nor saying what should happen," he said. "Barry Bonds had an incredible Giants career. There was controversy, especially toward the end. Not at much at the beginning. He won seven MVPs in Major League Baseball."
Baer also said that Bonds, who has been involved with reunions after his retirement, has "signaled" he wants to be involved in the game similar to the way that Mark McGwire returned.
McGwire, who admitted to using steroids in 2010, is currently a hitting coach for the St. Louis Cardinals.
But Baer said that any decisions will have to wait on other factors.
"Our plan was two things: One, let him get passed his legal issues and two, get passed the Hall of Fame. After that, let's see what Barry wants to do," he said. "I think he does have a lot to contribute in terms of his knowledge of the game and imparting that knowledge to young players."
Ballots for the Baseball Hall of Fame were released on Wednesday and the winners will be announced in January 2013.
To hear more, SF Giants President and CEO Larry Bear will be a guest on KCBS In Depth which will air on Sunday, Nov. 2 at 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.on KCBS 740AM & 106.9FM.
(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
