"Aaron Judge's records are held to a different standard than Barry Bonds" - MLB analyst identifies hurdle blocking 7x MVP's Hall of Fame entry

There has been a debate about whether or not Barry Bonds should be inducted to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. The slugging icon is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. However, everything changed when Bonds was entangled in baseball's infamous "Steroid Era."

In an episode of the titular "The Mayor's Office With Sean Casey," MLB analyst Rich Ciancimino, magnified on what could have been preventing Bonds in entering the prestigious Hall.

"If you look at it, Aaron Judge's home runs are held to a different standard by a lot of people than Barry Bonds's," said Ciancimino. (7:58 onwards)

Ciancimino, along with Reds great Sean Casey discussed in the episode, about the treatment of Bonds who has been charged with perjury and obstruction of justice during federal investigations about performance enchancing-drugs.

"For me, it's called the Hall of Fame. So is it character or fame? That's been the ongoing debate between people since the controversy began."

Ciancimino also added that baseball fans hold MLB players at a higher regard when it comes to PEDs than fans from other sports leagues. Casey proceded with how records are sacred in the game of baseball, so fans of the game took exception when the "Steroid Era" players knocked mutiple MLB records down during that period.

"Had Barry Bonds not broken Hank Aaron's record or had Roger Clemens not won seven Cy Youngs, I think people would have looked the other way," said Casey.

"But I think when they starter breaking records (as it is sacred in baseball), and you had to see Hank Aaron congratulate Barry Bonds who was under the suspicion, I think it was just yucky for baseball, and I think that's what's keeping those types of players out of the Hall of Fame."

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Barry Bonds's unbreakable records

Although he was one of the faces of an infamous period in baseball history, Barry Bonds set numerous records that have yet to be even touched.

The supreme slugger leads the all-time career home run charts, with 762. He also holds the single-season record for most home runs in a season, with 73. The closest anyone has gotten a sniff of this record this decade is Aaron Judge during the 2022 season, when he smashed 62 homers.

Bonds also leads the league in career walks (2,558), single season walks (232), single season on-base percentage (.609), and single-season slugging percentage (.863).

The Pirates and Giants Hall of Famer also holds the record for most MVP Awards won (seven) and is the only player in league history with at least 500 home runs and as many stolen bases.