Last Updated: August 14th, 2026 by Michael Schatz
There's probably no bigger argument in the game of baseball than the one surrounding steroid-era stars. It has been a point of contention as names like Mark McGwire and Barry Bonds have appeared on Hall of Fame ballots.
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Should known steroid users with enough credentials be enshrined in Cooperstown? I want to go over 10 of the reasons in favor of these former players. You can form your own opinion as you read and let us know what you think.
10. The Hall Already Honors Players from Baseball’s Segregation Era
I've always liked to say that baseball has been a reflection of the culture in the United States. That culture has gone through its ups and downs. I know that as we sit here in the modern day, segregation seems so far away. Yet it is still a big part of our history.
And there are many Hall of Famers who played when the major leagues were only for Caucasian players. The common argument for that is, "well, it was a different time." Yeah, the steroid era was "a different time" too.
9. Amphetamines Were Baseball’s Original Performance Enhancer for Decades
"Greenies" were common in clubhouses after World War II. Amphetamine use became so rampant that we have no idea who benefited from it. There could be any number of Hall of Famers who had at least tried it at one point.
8. The Steroid Era Saved Baseball After the 1994 Strike
I am an enjoyer of the ESPN series called "30 for 30". One of their documentaries, "Long Gone Summer," is about how the 1998 McGuire-Sosa home run chase helped save baseball. It made me remember that I was probably one of those fans caught up in that chase and got excited about this sport. It helped me find my love of baseball.
7. Statistical Achievements Still Required Incredible Skill and Talent
This is one of the stronger, louder arguments that I hear in favor of these players going into the Hall of Fame. Barry Bonds was a multi-time All-Star before his steroid use really ticked up. Mark McGwire was always a prodigious slugging talent. Those are just two examples of how skill was still required to reach the heights that they reached.
6. MLB Owners and Officials Turned a Blind Eye When Profits Soared
I think this argument is one that I think of most when I'm asked about my opinion on this topic. We don't know how many players used steroids during that era because owners and executives looked the opposite direction. We are punishing players while celebrating these owners, executives, and front-office people, as they can still get their recognition in Cooperstown in their own fashion.
5. Pre-Steroid Era Players Used Every Available Advantage Too
There are more than a handful of examples of players trying to illegally gain an advantage and getting caught. Imagine how many players excelled by cheating and never got caught at all. Probably the most notable Hall of Famer to admit to cheating is Gaylord Perry, writing a whole book about how he threw the banned spitballs during his illustrious career.
4. The Hall Honors Cheaters from Other Eras Without Question
Gaylord Perry was just one example. Who knows how many Hall of Famers cheated during their careers? By the way, Perry casually admitted it; I'm almost certain there are a good number of them who haven't been as honest.
3. Steroid Use Was a Cultural Phenomenon, Not Individual Moral Failing
Remember what I said earlier? Baseball has reflected American culture. It was not the only sport famous for steroid use. Performance enhancement has been a thing for as long as I can remember. From the Olympics to Hollywood, many stars who have gained a physical edge in a way that they shouldn't have. Many businessmen have gained their fortunes in ways they shouldn't have.
2. These Players Defined an Entire Generation of Baseball Fans
There is a lot of the steroid-era style of play that Marvels fans enjoy in today's game. Launch angle was a given back then; it is a focus now. The way we enjoy baseball currently and in years to come still has the steroid era to thank. Like it or not, there are parents now who grew up falling in love with baseball thanks to guys like McGwire, Sosa, and Bonds.
1. The Numbers Speak Louder Than the Controversy
At the end of the day, baseball junkies like me just like to go back to the numbers and ask, "did this player outperform his peers?" All I can say is that there are a great number of players who reach that threshold and have been denied entry into Cooperstown. It's ultimately not up to me to decide, but I have said my piece.
