If Mark McGuire is any indication— Bonds, Clemens and any other players associated with PEDs will not make the cut and, if they do get into the Hall of Fame, Mr. October won't be there to welcome them.
"If any of those guys get in, no Hall of Famer will attend," Jackson told Sports Illustrated.
That list of players with their names tainted by PEDs and headed towards a Hall of Fame ballot will probably one day include Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez— who passed Jackson on the all-time home run list.
"Al's a very good friend, but I think there are real questions about his numbers," Jackson said. "As much as I like him, what he admitted about his usage does cloud some of his records."
Rodriguez admitted in 2009 to using PEDs earlier in his career.
It's sounds like a complete 180-turn from what Jackson told USA Today last month. He said Clemens deserved to be in the Hall of Fame after he won his perjury case.
While Jackson— who still works for the Yankees organization as a special adviser— ripped A-Rod's numbers as not being legit, he said he might make an exception for Yankees pitcher Andy Pettitte— who also admitted using PEDs.
"The question is going to be a guy like Andy Pettitte, who admitted that he got involved for a while, but who is so universally respected in the game," said Jackson. "I think he'll get in, but there will be a lot of [members] who won't go."
Asked if Pettitte was inducted, would he attend?
"I've know Andy since he was 20," he said. "I'll leave it there."
The former A's, Angels and Yankees slugger didn't hold back when it came to a number of players recently inducted into Cooperstown who he feels are undeserving of the honor.
"I didn't see Kirby Puckett as a Hall of Famer," Jackson told Sports Illustrated. "I didn't see Gary Carter as a Hall of Famer. I didn't see Don Sutton as a Hall of Famer. I didn't see Phil Niekro as a Hall of Famer. As much as I like Jim Rice, I'm not sure he's a Hall of Famer.
Jackson once claimed he was the straw that stirred the drink when he was with the Yankees during the turbulent '70's. It looks like he's shaking things up these days.
what an old sour fart!!!!!
ReplyDeleteReggie is just jealous. He should keep riding into the sunset. He loves attention. Just enjoy your old age and move aside!
DeleteCome Reggie, you are correct abt all except Barry Bonds & A-Rod! But I have always been your fan my brother, do what you do, I cant say you dont have the right to say what you feel.
ReplyDeleteHe's right, A-Rod's numbers are suspect, and Carter, Rice, Sutton, Puckett, Niekro? not HOFers. Rice especially, the guy was terrible in the field, on the basepaths, in the clubhouse.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the mentioned HOF inductees as not deserving...or be fair and consistent: induct Munson and Mattingly.
ReplyDeleteA-Rod, maybe but NOT Clemens and Bonds. Roger and Barry already had HOF credentials way before messing up with PED..
Andy has borderline credentials with or without PED issues. I hope he gets in...or get Sutton and Niekro out of there.
Gotta tip my hat to Mr. October for such bold, if not brave statements.
Reggie is spot on if these are in fact his words. I thought Jim Rice was a great ballplayer, but not as good as Dale Murphy. Carter? Maybe they needed another catcher, Pucket? Great player, won a couple of titles, but not HOF level, it should be a little more difficult than they're making it nowadays to get in. It's as if they feel obligated to put guys in cause it's another year on the calendar.
ReplyDeleteJackson as "Mr. October" on the basis of one great game admist an otherwise lousy WS? As ridiculous as calling "Titanic" unsinkable! To we Yankee fans born before 1946, this is nothing less than absurd and disgusting. Why? For, in fact, we did see the REAL Mr. October in Yankee Pinstripes. I speak of the man who lead the Yankess to 12 AL pennants and 7 WS titles in his first 14 MLB seasons while setting all-time WS records for most HRs, RBIs, runs scored, total bases, extra base hits and walks: Mickey Mantle.
ReplyDeleteright on...
Deletewhoooops..here comes reggie after your a....
DeleteReggie would have been the first one in line if PEDs were available to him in his prime, and he thought he could get away with it..
ReplyDeleteI'm just wondering when you professional writers are going to figure out that Big Mac's name is spelled "McGwire"? With a "W"!
ReplyDeleteFunny how opinionated Jackson is about PEDs.... doesn't the rampant use of Benzedrine and Dexedrine during his era count? Lots of current HOF members fall under this cloud that is mentioned very infrequently.
ReplyDeleteMcGwire stopped using PEDs when they were banned. He used them to stay healthy. Turning him into a monster was a welcome side effect for him. Bonds used them to break records, period. Big difference.
ReplyDeleteIf Bonds, McGwire, Clemmons A-Rod get into the HoF then you have to consider SLAMMIN SAMMY SOSA. All these guys are a joke. Maybe we could start a Hall of Roids??? Reggie is correct in saying you have to wonder about A-Rod maybe he too should have an astrick after his name..
ReplyDeleteWho are the real judges for the Hall of Fame? Players, fans, managers, owners, who cares? Doesn't matter, somebody is going to complain. Just let the stats decide, all of you cry babies. Just stop whining. Try to find positive things to say, once in a while. Instead of bashing all the time.
ReplyDeletea-roid maybe? ha never you use you lose , yes he cheated does it matter how much?kind of like saying yes i killed 1 guy but i didnt kill 5...cheatin is cheatin
ReplyDeleteHe said Kirby Puckett, Gary Carter where not Hall Of Famers? LOL he is a funny man I guess hitting a career .250 and striking out 200 times a year is Hall Of Fame worthy? I don't see him as HOF worthy YES hit for power but one of if not the most overrated players in history..... Hell even Billy Martin couldn't stand him and didn't want him.
ReplyDeletebilly billy billy
ReplyDeleteCouldn't agree with Reggie more. And I hate Reggie, I'm a Dodger Fan
ReplyDelete