It shouldn't play a role, but some writers may hold some players to that standard. Remember it takes 75% of the voters listing a name on the ballot to get elected. There are usually 540 or so voters. Each writer sets his/her own standard. If around 135 or more voters decide that Biggio should not be in the HOF for whatever reason, he will not be elected.
Cal Ripken was a shoo-in but he still did not get 100% of the vote. For some reason, 8 voters of the 545 did not vote for him. I wonder why they didn't vote for him. Maybe it was the number he wore or the way he parted his hair (early years).
The bottom line is that each writer sets his/her own standard and they are not accountable to anyone for their vote.
Cal did not play with Palmeiro in the prime of his career, he was on the down side - where as Biggio and the "Killer B's" are linked at the hip and were marketed in such a manner....
Apples and oranges -
NFL - looks at on the field performance and was basically considered a "rouge sport" until the mid to late 70's with the emergence of the Steelers and the Cowboys - they played 2nd fiddle to MLB
MLB - has not so clearly defined "for the good of the game" loopholes in its unwritten rules which carry over to the HOF voting by the writers and scribes - basically they use a different set of criteria as compared to the NFL
If Rose was in the NFL and put up similar stats he would have been a first Ballot HOFer - even with his allegations in today's world
''Don't be a bad dagh..."
Yep, it is different for every sport. Just look at Tiger. If he plays any other major sport, outside of the gentlemen's game, he doesnt lose sponsors like he has. Of course, he wouldnt have the same sponsors, either. His episode makes it clear to see that there are different morals and ethics in each sport, and HoF voting will hold you to that standard when voting on you. Obviously, you will not meet a more fickle group than the group that votes on the baseball HoF, where ethics and likeability are almost as important as on the field performance.
I could see it, but I dont know if it will affect him that greatly. Biggio wasnt a juicer kind of guy. He had decent pop, but nothing ridiculous. He was a gamer and well-liked around the league. I think all of that (plus 3,000 hits) will get him in. Maybe they might punish him for association by not making him first ballot, but I believe he gets in.
If 74.9% of voters feel that same way, then he will still not get elected. I really don't know how this whole issue will play out in the minds of voters. I am very interested to find out.
One of my new baseball goals is to make it to Cooperstown for an induction ceremony for one of the Astros. I believe Biggio is my best chance although Bagwell will be eligible for election one year earlier.
Maybe Johnson will go in as an Astro . Seriously though, I went a few years ago, not on induction weekend, just as a day trip while traveling from Boston to Baltimore... I know a little out of the way. But it was indescribable. The place is a palace to the game and it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. I'll never forget going.
You captured my feelings about the HOF. It is truly a great experience that is hard to describe. I've made two visits to the HOF. The last time was in June 2008. It is a special place that every baseball fan needs to visit.
Hope to get back again this summer when I go to see games in the new Yankee Stadium and Citi Field (Mets). The Yankees play the Astros in Yankee Stadium on June 11-13. I may try to spend two days at the HOF as 6 to 8 hours just lets you skim the surface. Fortunately, my wife has been very understanding of my addiction to baseball memories. However, two days at the HOF may test her patience.
This guy thinks he is a creep and I agree with most of his thoughts.
http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=4828816