Why are Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens not in the Hall of Fame?

Both players have been linked to PED controversies, preventing them from gaining enough votes for Hall of Fame induction.

What did John Rocker say about Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens?

John Rocker stated that Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens deserve to be in the Hall of Fame.

When was the contemporary era committee vote for the Hall of Fame?

The vote by the contemporary era committee occurred recently at the Winter Meetings in Orlando.

Home / Sports / Bonds, Clemens Hall of Fame Snub Continues

Bonds, Clemens Hall of Fame Snub Continues

9 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens were denied Hall of Fame induction.
A committee vote occurred recently at the Winter Meetings.
John Rocker publicly stated they belong in the Hall of Fame.

Bonds, Clemens Hall of Fame Snub Continues

Legends Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens have once again been excluded from the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Despite their remarkable careers, marked by 25 All-Star selections and eight MVP awards combined, both players failed to secure enough votes from the contemporary era committee at the recent Winter Meetings.

This committee, composed of Hall of Fame players, owners, general managers, and media members, met in Orlando to consider candidates who had exhausted their eligibility through the BBWAA ballot. For Bonds and Clemens to be inducted, they needed at least 75% of the committee's vote. However, each received fewer than five votes, extinguishing this final avenue to Cooperstown.

The ongoing debate surrounding PED-related controversies continues to impact their Hall of Fame candidacies. Recently, former player John Rocker publicly asserted that both Bonds and Clemens "belong" in the Hall of Fame, calling their absence a "stain on baseball history." Rocker himself has faced scrutiny for steroid use and controversial comments during his career.