by Long Island Attorney Paul A. Lauto, Esq.
The votes have been counted and the result is a resounding "No", as to all candidates on this year's ballot. This is only the second time in the last 40 years that every candidate has been denied entry to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Although none of the candidates received the requisite 75% of the vote in order to gain entry to the Baseball Hall of Fame, perhaps the real message is in how far short of the mark many players fell. Mike Piazza received only 57.8%, Curt Schilling received 38.8%, Roger Clemens received 37.6%, Barry Bonds received 36.2% and Sammy Sosa received an underwhelming 12.5%, just to name a few.
As detailed in our December 20, 2012 blog on this subject matter, it appears that suspected use of illegal steroids was enough to deny admission. That is not to say that the likes of Bonds and Clemens will never be admitted to the Baseball Hall of Fame, as they will be eligible again next year. However, the percentage of votes received, sends a clear message to all would be steroid users. Only time will tell, just how long this message will resonate.
