"Should be two Hall of Famers" - MLB fans react to Derek Jeter, Barry Bonds being named captains for celebrity softball game at Rickwood Field

Derek Jeter and Barry Bonds will be the captains for the celebrity softball game ahead of the MLB's Rickwood Field game. The league is hosting a celebratory game in one of the Negro League's most important classic venues, and they're pulling out all the stops to ensure it's a fantastic couple of days for the sport.

That includes hosting a celebrity softball game at the renovated field. This will bring more eyes to the game and to the field and allow for much more festivity than one MLB regular season game can ordinarily bring.

The fact that Derek Jeter, a near-unanimous Hall of Famer, and Barry Bonds are the two captains has fans talking online. The former New York Yankees shortstop is beloved by many, but Bonds is controversial due to his steroid use.

Nevertheless, many fans are clamoring for his entry to the Hall of Fame now. If the MLB is going to use him in games like this, then the former San Francisco Giants outfielder should be enshrined for his impressive on-field feats.

"Just a step closer that they’re going to let Bonds in the [Hall of Fame]," one fan added.

"Put Barry in the hall and stop using him for other things," one pleaded.

"I speak for literally all of us when I say Bonds is more deserving of the hall than Jeter," another added.

"[They] will use Barry Bonds name for everything BUT the Hall of Fame," another noted.

Ironically, Bonds' former team is one of the teams playing the Rickwood Field game this year. The Giants, thanks to Willie Mays and his connection to Rickwood, will play against the St. Louis Cardinals.

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Willie Mays won't make it to Rickwood Field game this year

Willie Mays will be honored as part of the festivities, which includes the celebrity softball game, at the Rickwood Field game. The legendary baseball player said in a statement via ESPN that he wouldn't be able to travel, so he's not eschewing the game.

Willie Mays won't be at Rickwood Field

He added that he'd watch it from his home in the Bay:

"My heart will be with all of you who are honoring the Negro League ballplayers, who should always be remembered, including all my teammates on the Black Barons. I wanted to thank Major League Baseball, the Giants, the Cardinals and all the fans who'll be at Rickwood or watching the game."

He said the Rickwood Field game will be special and he hopes all kids watching at home are inspired by what they see.