How Much Did Barry Bonds And Roger Clemens Score In The Baseball Hall Of Fame Voting? How Much More Did They Need?

The Baseball Writer’s Association recently declared their picks for the 2022 Hall of Fame. And the notable misses have made more news than the sole inductee, David Ortiz. In fact, Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds both missing out may have actually attributed more coverage than the inclusion of David Ortiz. And most fans have reacted to the news with a heavy heart. With both Bonds and Clemens featuring on the ballot for the last time; this could well mean that the Hall of Fame does not see the two inducted.

The conversation centered around the exclusion of two of the major leagues’ most prolific statistics holders from the coveted position. While Bonds’ record from home plat cannot be denied, Clemens had one of the league’s top performances from the mound. And while both are great int heir own right, it seems as though their only chance at the Hall of Fame will now come at the hands of the Era Committee which will come together this December to make their suggestions.

The vote for including Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds

The induction into the Hall of Fame is usually handled by the top brass in a vote. The inductions are decided on the basis of the amount of vote captured with the minimum mark being 75% to be included in consideration for the league’s top individual honors.

However, both Clemens and Bonds fell short in 2022. With Bonds claiming 66% of the vote and Roger Clemens tapping out at 65.2%, the Hall of Fame only saw the addition of David Ortiz in 2022 with a 77.2% vote share.

Both Clemens and Bonds would have been hoping for the final year bump in the vote share that most players have been able to receive considering they will have to drop from the ballot from next year.

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Last year on the ballot for the Hall of Fame

This year seemed to be the last opportunity for both Clemens and Bonds as they were running the end of their 10 year eligibility period on the ballot. The new rule for voting in the legends of the game was instituted in 2014.

Previously, players on the BBWAA ballot could feature on the ballot for 15 years provided they drew atleast 5% of the vote. Assuming obviously that they were able to consistently draw that level or never got voted into the Hall of Fame. However, after the decision to change the rule in 2014,  players could only feature on the ballot for a maximum of 10 years.

Making the case for the two legends however; Roger Clemens won seven Cy Youngs. No one else has more than five. Barry Bonds won seven MVPs. No one else has more than three.

The Hall of Fame is a museum to celebrate baseball greatness. And these two players are nothing if not markers of performance in the game and deserve their induction. Even if it to come at the hands of the Era Committee in December.