
via Getty
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – AUGUST 11: Former San Francisco Giants player Barry Bonds looks on during a ceremony to retire his #25 jersey at AT&T Park on August 11, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)

via Getty
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – AUGUST 11: Former San Francisco Giants player Barry Bonds looks on during a ceremony to retire his #25 jersey at AT&T Park on August 11, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
The recent Hall of Fame inductions have had us all either furious or vitiated. While on one side there must be recognition for statistically the greatest hitter in Barry Bonds and greatest pitcher in Roger Clemens, there remain some questions around their career. However, former MLB pitcher Casey Fien recently contributed to the conversation to give us his two cents on the topic. The former pitcher took to Twitter to speak about his take on the subject.
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Casey Fien was a pitcher drafted by the Detroit Tigers in 2009. He continued to compete at the top level until 2017; at which point he was released by his then team, the Philadelphia Phillies. The pitcher mainly took the mound in the 2010s for a litany of MLB franchises including Minnesota Twins, the LA Dodgers, and the Seattle Mariners. His career, however, wound down while contracted to the Phillies in 2017.
Casey Fien speaks about Hall of Fame exclusions
Fien chose to take the moral high ground as he spoke about the issue. Taking the stance that the exclusions were correct in how they have been conducted, Fien spoke about how he believed that, “PEDs are a choice and with that choice to cheat, come consequences.”

USA Today via Reuters
Sep 3, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Casey Fien (50) throws in the eighth inning of the game against the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Quoting a tweet from the Athletic, Fien spoke about Dustin Pedroia and how he should be an example to all out there. He wrote, “Being an example of how to do things the right way is this man right here.”
Being an example of how do things the right way is this man right here. PEDs are a choice, and with that choice to cheat comes consequences. These guys made hundreds of millions playing, and chose the money over HOF by using PEDs. Stats = $ https://t.co/Iz7YdY6gJM
— Casey Fien (@CaseyFien) January 26, 2022
In the video snippet, Dustin Pedroia speaks about how he never tried to take something and prolong his career. Possibly speaking about PEDs, he said, “I value the game and try to play the game the right and set the example for my kids.”

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Fien too added that some players may have made a large amount by choosing performance over legacy. Adding that they may choose to secure the bag instead of induction into the Hall of Fame. And while maybe a bit harsh, this seems to be his point of view on the subject. “These guys chose money over HOF,” added Fien.
Read More: Shaquille O’Neal Actively Backs MLB Legend Barry Bonds After Baseball Hall of Fame Snub
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While unlikely that the subject will subside anytime soon, Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens are both undoubtedly great talents for the game. Bonds has 7 MVP trophies; no other player has more than 3. Roger Clemens has 7 Cy Young Awards while no other pitcher has more than that. And their records stand tall in the majors.
The case of Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens is undoubtedly complex, but the nature of their induction into the Hall of Fame and the consequent vote is something we wish we can redo. The two deserve a place in Cooperstown for the sheer numbers, if not anything else.
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