Cincinnati Reds great Joe Morgan names himself gatekeeper

Former Cincinnati Reds second baseman issues a wake up call

The best second baseman in the history of the Cincinnati Reds added to an already busy news week for MLB. From Giancarlo Stanton trade winds to the signing of Japanese star Shohei Ohtani. Also, the Braves had to let go of 13 international prospects because of their scandal. There is a lot to put on your Thanksgiving plate.

Furthermore, will the big-ticket free agents get their money? Including the likes of J.D. Martinez, Eric Hosmer, and closers Greg Holland and Wade Davis. Now, the news is buzzing about the Hall of Fame.

Reds legend Joe Morgan voiced his opinion about steroid users in the Hall of Fame. Morgan sent an email to voters, and one was sent to C. Trent Rosecrans, a Reds beat reporter.

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The Sanctity of the Hall from the Cincinnati Reds great

Furthermore, the great slugger speaks of how the Hall is a “sanctity” and is the “hardest Hall of Fame to enter, of any sport in America.” Baseball is extremely difficult and intertwining yourself with the immense history is even harder.

There haven’t been many former players that have spoken out about this. Also, Morgan advocates for many HoF guys as well as himself. “We hope the day never comes when known steroid users are voted into the Hall of Fame. They cheated. Steroid users don’t belong here.”

Morgan sends a clear message that players who juiced shouldn’t be voted in. One player to look at is Barry Bonds, who bulked up after leaving the Pittsburgh Pirates. Furthermore, there has been much controversy over whether or not he did steroids. Another player to keep an eye on is Mark McGwire. He hit 70 home runs in 1998, I mean come on.

Also, Alex Rodriguez and Ryan Braun are two big players in a steroid scandal. They both were good players in their prime, but was that really them or the PEDs? It’s your opinion.

Morgan speaks from the heart

More from Reds History

“Now, I recognize there are players identified as users on the Mitchell Report who deny they were users. That’s why this is a tricky issue. Not everything is black and white – there are shades of gray here. It’s why your job as a voter is and has always been a difficult and important job. I have faith in your judgment and know that ultimately, this is your call.”

Morgan knows that it’s ultimately the writer’s decision and that there is always two sides to the story.

But, “Players who failed drug tests, admitted using steroids, or were identified as users in Major League Baseball’s investigation into steroid abuse, known as the Mitchell Report, should not get in. Those are the three criteria that many of the players and I think are right.”

This week, Morgan has shown that he is an advocate for justice for the Hall of Fame. The legend is saying what we’re all thinking and is speaking on a national level. Furthermore, this should persuade any voter who is on the fence about steroids.

The Cincinnati Reds legend also says PED users didn’t just cheat themselves, but fans as well. “But it still occurs to me that anyone who took body-altering chemicals in a deliberate effort to cheat the game we love, not to mention they cheated current and former players, and fans too, doesn’t belong in the Hall of Fame.”

The Referendum

Joe Morgan is on the ballot this year. He has spoken for many former players who are anxious to share their opinion. He has unified many of those guys and is cementing himself as an advocate for awareness. I think that this is a reality check for many. Not just for those who did steroids, but to those who are thinking about it.

You won’t get any respect for cheating. If there wasn’t already a reason to not use them, there is now. Anyone who is pursuing their dream as a professional athlete, stay clean. Especially in baseball. Do the right thing and take the high road.

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Morgan’s Warning

Morgan also echoes this: “It’s gotten to the point where Hall of Famers are saying that if steroid users get in, they’ll no longer come to Cooperstown for Induction Ceremonies or other events. Some feel they can’t share a stage with players who did steroids. The cheating that tainted an era now risks tainting the Hall of Fame too. The Hall of Fame means too much to us to ever see that happen. If steroid users get in, it will divide and diminish the Hall, something we couldn’t bear.”

That statement is huge. How bad would that look if legends didn’t show up for the inductions? The Hall’s reputation won’t be great. Their reputation will become damaged. So, does baseball deserve that? I don’t think so.