Sports Columnists

By Sam

January 13, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

Dale Murphy was one of the nicest players to wear a Braves uniform. Yes..I go back in the early 1950’s when the Braves were in Boston. I followed Braves baseball for many years and Dale is one of the nicest players to wear a Braves uniform or even all of baseball. We love you Dale.

By Sam

January 13, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this

Dale Murphy was one of the nicest players to wear a Braves uniform. Yes..I go back in the early 1950’s when the Braves were in Boston. I followed Braves baseball for many years and Dale is one of the nicest players to wear a Braves uniform or even all of baseball. We love you Dale.

By D-Cider

January 13, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

There is no way Murphy is going to the Hall. his production dropped precipitously his last few years in the league and he never reached 400 home runs. nice guy, yes. hall of famer, no. and Bonds holds the record for most Home Runs. period. BTW, JS you are still a jerk. amazing you can write an article without bashing someone, must be because it is Sunday and you went to church today. what a loser

By Charlie in Miami

January 13, 2008 9:33 PM | Link to this

Of course Murph deserves to be in the Hall.

And yes, of course his production dropped in his final years playing baseball. It’s only natural.

It makes us wonder what Barry, Big Mac and others were taking as their numbers skyrocketed towards the end of their careers.

By Jedi Falcon

January 13, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Dale Murphy was my hero growing up. Now he is turning into a clown with his mormon ethics. Get with the times - it’s the times we live in now. Things are different.

In 20 years will he be complaining about bio-synthetic enhancements? Humans evolve and we are all turning more and more into cyborgs. It’s the natural progression of life. Technology is our friend - not our enemy.

By Darren

January 13, 2008 9:54 PM | Link to this

Dale Murphy’s stats were just about the best in his era. And at the end of his career people started using steroids and he was still putting up better numbers. see 1987.

He should be a lock into the HOF. What a shame? He is awesome.

I recently compared his production stats based on AB’s against Cal Ripken. The Murph beats him. He should be in.

By Steven

January 13, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

Jedi….it only fits that your login name would be easily equated with you maturity level. Why the ill mood? Mom overcook your mini-pizzas again?

By AlabamaRamblinwreck

January 13, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

Barry Bonds is a useless waste of oxygen. He is weak and a cheater and should never enter the hall of fame. Ditto for Mark McGuire. I guess that Pete Rose was the example of how not to admit the truth, and then face a life of being left out of the HOF. These other guys learned well from Pete.

If Andy Pettite is telling the entire truth, he is one of the few players I admire that took performance enhancers. He admitted it without going through the denial process. Men admit their mistakes.

Dale Murphy is all class, and he will continue to be class whether he makes it to the Hall or not.

By murph for the hall

January 13, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Murph should definitely be in. 398 homers is still #45 all time in home runs (he was in the top 30 when he retired), 2-time MVP and one of the best and most recognized players of the 80’s along with guys like Schmidt, Dawson, Mattingly, and Sandberg. A lot of these 80’s guys are getting the shaft because numbers skyrocketed in the 90’s with the juicers and the new small parks. It’s also too bad that today’s voting writers equate stats with fame. IMO a guy can play forever and put up the numbers (Paul Molitor and Bruce Sutter come to mind…note that Murph also never resorted to becoming a DH) but does that mean you were one of the best and most famous of your era? Murph was one of the best of his time and deserves to be recognized as a Hall of Famer.

By Najeh Davenpoop

January 13, 2008 10:41 PM | Link to this

I believe Jeff Schultz is Jewish, so no, he probably didn’t go to church today.

By brent a.

January 13, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Dale Murphy was on track to be the player of the ‘80’s, and then, 1988 and 1989 happened.

But, here’s the thing about Murph. He could’ve easily put in another month with the Rockies and found 2 homeruns to get to 400. Then, that argument would be gone. But, that wasn’t what he was about. In fact, Murph probably wondered what he was ever even doing in a Rockies uniform.

I have the autograph of 2 professional athletes - Barry Sanders, and Dale Murphy.

Put Murphy in the Hall, and I bet he gives one of the best induction speeches ever.

When Dale Murphy talks, people should listen.

By TRW

January 13, 2008 11:03 PM | Link to this

Good article - Murphy is a great guy and speaks the truth. Clemens is an obvious liar and thinks that he is above the law. Only in Houston will he be beleived by his stupid defenders - ala Vick in Atlanta!

By former Braves fan

January 13, 2008 11:21 PM | Link to this

Maybe if Murphy had taken steroids like Bonds and McGwire and Sosa and Palmeiro, his numbers would be good enough to get into the hall. To me, Hall of Fame or not, Murphy has something the steroid users don’t have and what Larry Jones doesn’t have - class.

By damien DuPont

January 14, 2008 12:58 AM | Link to this

I’m still laughing at Jedi Falcon’s post. Its mormons who think steroids are bad!? And what are mormon ethics as opposed to mormon religious beliefs or just regular ethics? Mormonism is irrelevant to the topic.

I also enjoyed the ridiculous bald assertion that ‘the times’ have changed implying that most people are fine with steroids use! That explains the coverage and outrage, the numerous polls that consistently show people want Bonds, McGwire, Clemens etc kept out of the Hall.

But the funniest bit was definitely about the “natural progression” to man/machine hybrids! I’ll be laughing about that for days. Clearly this is evolution by natural selection! And obviously in the future everyone will be totally on board with them! What a fool future Murphy will be when the people of the future have all embraced this future technology just as todays people have embraced drug users!

Murphy is an all time great - check the stats as compared to his contemporaries - and someone who really cares about baseball and people. So his opinion is very important. Discussions about his religion are irrelevant.

By Christy Matthewson

January 14, 2008 1:43 AM | Link to this

Anybody who believes that mormon fairy stuff is a moron. Thus, murphy’s holy thoughts about Clemens are worthless. Mitchell’s report is a bunch of hearsay that wouldn’t even hold water before congress-hacks. I don’t know what Clemens did, and neither does diarrhea-mouth choirboy cretin Murphy.

By Eugene

January 14, 2008 3:00 AM | Link to this

Of Course, Dale Murphy should be honored by the Hall of Fame but more importantly Mr. Murphy should be honored by those of us who watched his play on the “Field of Dreams.” To Atlanta’s sports and Atlanta’s major league baseball in particular he should be viewed as being more than just a bunch of numbers. I hope many of the young baseball players on the Braves will give him honor in following his path.

By Edo River

January 14, 2008 5:38 AM | Link to this

We don’t have to worry about grandfathering out current decision. We do the best we can with the way things are when we find them. Therefore if I had a ballot I would not vote for Clemments or McGuire or anyone with the strong suspicions that exist now. As Dale says this is just my opinion. If they come clean, Then That would change things for me.

By Todd Green

January 14, 2008 6:06 AM | Link to this

Who really should care about the acceptance into the HOF, when most of the members were from a time when the best ball players were in the negro league. Steroids vs. segregation? Whether a guy hit 398 or 401, that’s a slim margin and not that big of a difference. The question should be ‘was a guy a great player’ regardless of position. Heck, how often does home run hitters get walked in situations where runners are in scoring position; this denies opportunities for stats to go up. I bet situations are not considered. Basing a person’s worth for the Hall totally on stats or not voting for them based on attitude, drugs, etc. is crazy. What about racial discrimination? Lets remove every player from the Hall who played when negroes were not allow to play. Hell, Babe Ruth when measured against Josh Gibson would not ever compare. Bonds, Rose, Murphy all Hall of Famer’s - Who needs the blessing of idiots like Joe Morgan. Ruth was a drunk; why should he be in?

By Honesty

January 14, 2008 6:52 AM | Link to this

Todd Green, you’re an idiot. You were doing fine (although you were getting wayyyyy out there), but then you said that Babe Ruth would not even compare against Josh Gibson. Uh, scuse me?

Ruth hit more homeruns in a season than several major leage teams. Nobody will even be able to compare against that.

Also, I’m tired of this crap about the Negro League players were better - you don’t know that. Josh Gibson got most of his hits/homers against guys I could hit off of. Get real.

By By Rock Easy

January 14, 2008 7:13 AM | Link to this

Dear Jedi…..this is star wars of a different kind..we pay for our mistakes while these super stars get paid millions for their mistakes..so you tell me is it money or just head games.

By Dave In Tampa

January 14, 2008 7:31 AM | Link to this

Dale Murphy is very much a class act. No question about it. However, he does not have the credentials to be a Hall of Famer. Sorry, not good enough. If there was a Hall of Fame for Classy ball players he would head up the list.

By Curtis Jones

January 14, 2008 7:33 AM | Link to this

I used to waste my breath arguing for Murphy to be elected to the HOF. After all, players like Ryne Sandberg, with similar numbers were elected easily.

But over the years, I noticed that the baseball writers just aren’t smart enough to elect Murph. This year, players like Robb Nen, Chuck Knoblauch, Shawon Dunston and Chuck Finley to name a few, actually got votes from these morons.

Murphy is above the Hall of Fame, in my opinion. He’s in a class by himself.

By Matt the Brave

January 14, 2008 7:41 AM | Link to this

Jedi Falcon…not living in the past? How about not using a name from BEFORE MURPH WAS IN THE MAJORS?!?

Did it ever strike your dim mind that maybe it’s not too bad to have Mormon values in baseball? You know, things like honesty, integrity, hard work? Man, those are just terrible things, aren’t they? I’m sure that kids playing Little Leauge right now would HATE to have to do that!?!

Make sure to use that little pea-sized brain that you have before you think next time.

By Carroll

January 14, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this

While Dale Murphy had above average stats, his problem was being stuck on a pitifully lousy team, ie the 80’s Braves. Did they ever even have a winning record, let alone a playoff appearance?

By Knocka homer

January 14, 2008 8:02 AM | Link to this

Even though the Braves in Murphy’s era were middle of the road at best, it was great to know we had respectable players. Not the dog killer that has destroyed the Falcons…….

By 82DAWG

January 14, 2008 8:09 AM | Link to this

Murphy is a prime example of why players do use performance-enhancing drugs. Players can point to his lack of hall of fame votes, early decline and say that won’t happen to me no matter what I have to do. Yes Murphy should get support for the Hall just to show the positive side of not cheeting. Now, all you can see is what can happen if you don’t.

By Mike

January 14, 2008 8:15 AM | Link to this

Yes Carroll, in 1982.

By Mike

January 14, 2008 8:16 AM | Link to this

Yes Carroll, in 1982. Murphy’s first MVP year.

By Zonky Kong

January 14, 2008 8:18 AM | Link to this

Most people assume Bonds was a Hall of Famer before he started using steroids. There is a new book about steroids (A Very Big League of Their Own) that shows Bonds career stats against Murphy’s. If Bonds was already a shoo-in, Murphy should definitely be in, and that’s what the book says. Shouldn’t class and contributions to the game count for at least a little something?

By luke

January 14, 2008 8:24 AM | Link to this

Jedi:

I bet your best friend is “Hand Solo.” May the force be with you in the bathroom with your radio cranked up so momma won’t hear you.

By Patrick

January 14, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

To answer Carroll yes they did 82 or 83 Braves opened season with a 14 game winning streak with Joe Torre as manager. Went to playoffs and were eliminated by the Cardinals

By Junkyarddawgs97

January 14, 2008 8:41 AM | Link to this

I actually think they should put Murph in the Hall under a humantarian wing for lifetime achievement in charity & good sportsmanship.

One the numbers alone, he’s on the fence. I would put him in for the numbers because I am completely biased when it comes to Dale and he’s my childhood idol, growing up in the 1980’s.

But since it doesnt’ look like they will put him in (especially if they keep players out like Jim Rice) then why not send a message to the youth of America obssessed with “looking like” Bonds, Clemens or McGwire, that here’s a guy who has a special section in the HOF who looked like a regular guy and was a class act his whole career.

That’s how Bud can finally get the Hall to mean something for once.

By **

January 14, 2008 8:44 AM | Link to this

Down low and outside = SO everytime.

By Big J

January 14, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

I wish the players of today had a a small portion of the class and integrity Dale Murphy has displayed during his playing career and the years since. Then I might want to actually take my 3 year old son to a ballgame like my parents did many times when I was a kid. I have an autographed picture of he & I together taken the year he was traded to Philly. It’s still my most prized possession 17 years later. Baseball is tainted because people like Dale Murphy are in short supply. It’s a travesty he’s not in the Hall of Fame.

By Mr Brown

January 14, 2008 8:48 AM | Link to this

Dale should have tried ‘the juice’.

By Nurse Ratchet

January 14, 2008 8:53 AM | Link to this

D-Cider & Jedi,

Any similarities in either of your ‘realities’ and most other folks is purely coincidental, I assure you…

Pass the Kool-Aid, please…

By PM

January 14, 2008 8:54 AM | Link to this

Anybody who wins two consecutive MVP’s and is in 7 all-star games should be in the HOF. Getting on the ballot should be harder (based on minimum statistics or awards). The voting level should be lower. Baseball is too strict on who gets in. People like Murphy should be in, no question.

By DD

January 14, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

So he didn’t hit 400 hrs. Big deal. Murphy was the best baseball player to step on a field for two straight seasons.

By So sad

January 14, 2008 9:02 AM | Link to this

I loved Dale Murphy as a kid, but his last few years were really sad. He was arguing with umps on strike calls, lunging at away pitches that were 3 feet off the plate, and digging wildly at pitches lower than ankle level.

It seems as if he declined almost overnight.

By LydiasDad

January 14, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

Looks like Jedi Falcon’s the new moron. He said:

“In 20 years will he be complaining about bio-synthetic enhancements? Humans evolve and we are all turning more and more into cyborgs. It’s the natural progression of life.”

So, let me get this straight. “Bio-SYNTHETIC” and CYBORGS are the NATURAL progression of life. I shudder to think what they’re not teaching kids these days.

By SWAMPJACKET

January 14, 2008 9:06 AM | Link to this

IF THE BAD CAN KEEP YOU OUT OF THE HALL, WHY CAN’T THE GOOD HELP YOU GET IN? OBVIOUSLY TO VOTERS, BAD CHARACTER IS A CONSIDERATION. WHY CAN’T GREAT CHARACTER BE A CONSIDERATION ALSO?

By ombudsman

January 14, 2008 9:07 AM | Link to this

This is a tough call. How can you determine how many off Bonds’s HRs or Clemens’s Ws were produced by performance enhancing drugs? When you determine the number, just apply it to Murphy’s drug-free numbers, and then he will be in the Hall of Fame.

Of course, the other side of the coin is; players like Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Gwynn, Ripken et al, (most likely) DID NOT take steroids, so how do you account for their “numbers”?

Should Murphy be in the Hall of Fame? Hard to say. He’s probably a “tweener” (like Mattingly). To his credit, he has not “campaigned” (which is how many modern era players get in). This mess is due to the greed of the Players’ Union and MLB management. Let them clean it up. Personally, this (steroid issue) is like the Federal Government’s War on Drugs. It give the “authority” to pick and label some drugs as “theraputic” while identifying others as “performance enhancing”. Show me ANY MLB-approved drug that is not “performance enhancing” (xylocaine, cortisone, Advil,).

By h32

January 14, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

When all is said and done, Great Character is Number One to the infinite.

Baseball Hall of Fame is Zero.

Anyone who doesn’t know this…well…there you go.

By A Certain Blindness

January 14, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

How many wives did Dale Murphy? How many championship has he won? So, he has more wives than championships, please keep his sorry a$$ out of the HOF. Out all the people that take performance enchancing drugs why are their only few that have shown abnormal signs.I truly beleive that one must still be able to hit the ball, but on the other hand a pitcher to me should be the most likely user because of recover time from throwing the ball so much, which would cause his arm to throwed out.

By Georgia 74

January 14, 2008 9:28 AM | Link to this

Dale Murphy is nothing but a self-rightous, pompous, jerk. I glad he’s not campaigning for the hall of fame because he certainly doesn’t deserve to be there and I hope no way i h—- he gets there.

By You are a Kned

January 14, 2008 9:29 AM | Link to this

Jeff - It’s not cool to respond to your own blog under an aka “Sam”.

By Real Honesty

January 14, 2008 9:30 AM | Link to this

Honesty, Negro players were just as good and in some cases better than white players. A lot of those comments came from the white establishment, Ted Williams being one example. Jackie Robinson was not even the best Negro ball player and he was one of the best ball players his first year in the majors. Dale Murphy is a class act but borderline HOF.

By Carroll

January 14, 2008 9:31 AM | Link to this

OMG you guys! You honestly couldn’t see the clear sarcasm in Jedi’s post above?

By GE

January 14, 2008 9:32 AM | Link to this

Dale Murphy’s character and holier -than-thou opinions of others in no way makes him eligible for the Hall of Fame. He is not close to being as good as Bonds or Jim Rice…. steroids or no-steroids. Why are so many people hung up on character when it really does not matter in professional sports as it may in grade school or high school? Baseball is a business and not an example for young people to develop values. That task belongs to parents.

By Ralph the Brain

January 14, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Dale is a man among men. He is hitting 1.000 with his opinions. People, use you brains. No one, after 100 years of history and huundreds of thousands of at -bats, can all of the sudden hit 73 homers in one season. Remember Roger Maris. His hair fell out from the pressure of trying to hit 61. There is no magic wand. Use your little yellow brain. Dale Murphy, you are one class act, and I wish you could still be in the limelight, as the people of this generation could sure use your influence. GO BRAVES

By SoGaBubba

January 14, 2008 9:36 AM | Link to this

Murph is right about Clements. This whole Attorney/Press Conf thing is wierd and not helping his cause one iota. Sometimes when you’re in a hole, you need to quit digging.

By timmythebrave

January 14, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

You people can say that the Mitchell report is all hearsay. Why are half the players admitting that they did steroids. It might be all hearsay but I know I liar when I see one. You can go ahead and stick your head in sands. Clemens not only are you a cheater but now you are a liar. I don’t know if Murphy belongs in the HOF or not, but he belongs there more than Clemens or Bonds do.

By Eleanor

January 14, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this

Not only is Dale Murphy a class act, his wife’s family is also. Many years ago I worked with and for the brother of his wife and became aware of and saw first hand what class acts they all were. Dale Murphy is a great example of what a husband and father should be; and irregardless of what some of you may think, he does belong in the Hall of Fame. And if baseball ever has a Family Hall of Fame, the first to be inducted should be the Murphy family. If a professional, whether baseball, football, or whatever, has such low self esteem and such low self respect as to feel the need to use steroids and performance enhancing drugs to get their “five minutes of fame”, I feel sorry for them. They aren’t setting a good example for their own kids much less someone else’s kids.

By J

January 14, 2008 10:00 AM | Link to this

I’m voting Dale Murphy for the HOF and for the ATL Mayor office and Govenors office and Finally Murph for President baby. We love you Murph your values good help alot of people in this town

By Mike

January 14, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Dale Murphy is a totally class act yet his “career” numbers do not warrent being in the HOF. Two MVP years are great yet the HOF should be based over a career’s worht of work and Dale career is not there. That said, I respect his opinions and am glad he is willing to make them. To Jedi falcon, forget the Mormon crap; you sound like an idiot.

By Noelle

January 14, 2008 10:08 AM | Link to this

I used to think Murphy was a class act and belonged in the Hall. Then he started spouting off with bitter and nasty remarks like these (what he said about Bonds was even worse).

Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty?

By DANC

January 14, 2008 10:11 AM | Link to this

DALE MURPHY IS ONE THE NICEST EVER TO WHERE A BASEBALL UNIFORM PERIOD. WHAT HAS TO SAY SHOULD BE LISTENED TOO. HE HAS SOME GOOD POINTS THAT NEED TO BE BROUGHT UP. HE’S THE ONLY TWO TIME MVP NOT IN THE HALL OF FAME. I WISH HIM WELL.

By rikki tikkitavi

January 14, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Dale who????

This entire Mitchell report is pointless, a big fat collection of hearsay and inuendo. Unproveable and by no means comprehensive.

Sorry guys, north of TN and west of AL, you won’t find any support for Dale Murphy, most wouldn’t even know the name. Weak catcher, weak 1st baseman and LF’er, high SO numbers combined with the misfortune of being from the National League ensure he his staying in the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame

By rikki tikkitavi

January 14, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

DANC—-

YOU FORGOT ROGER MARIS AS THE OTHER 2X MVP NOT IN HOF

By Headlines

January 14, 2008 10:30 AM | Link to this

Dale …. You are a moron. You were irrelevant when you played and you are irrelevant now. It is sad that this is how you have to get your time in the spotlight.

By Old Physics Teacher

January 14, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this

Let’s get some facts out here:

1st - Pitchers receive very little benefit from steriods. The act of pitching is destructive to the arm and shoulder socket. The pitchers who have performed well, in the past, have had radically different genetics. Nolan Ryan being the best example. Steroids will not make a weak pitcher better. If strength was the main consideration, pitchers would be built like NFL linemen. Technique is far more important. The “healing” factor of steroids is the only benefit a pitcher receives. It will, however, increase the length of a pitcher’s career. 2 - Barry Bond’s claim that steroids would not help him hit the ball is a smokescreen. Pitchers throw a pitch 2inches low and 2 inches outside to entice batters into swinging at a pitch that they will pop up to the outfield, or roll over to the shortstop for a double play. Steroids allowed Bonds, and others, to hit that pitch out of the park.

What Clemens did was bad - his career has been/will be longer than it should have been. I seriously doubt any of Nolan Ryan’s longevity records are in jeopardy. What McGuire, Sosa, and Bonds have done in affecting home run records that were achieved in the far distant past is far worse.

By Soryu

January 14, 2008 10:51 AM | Link to this

“Anybody who believes that mormon fairy stuff is a moron.”

Christy:

Couldn’t you say the same thing if the noun Mormon was replaced by Christian? You known the world being only 6,000 years old, the ark, and the list goes on and on.

By Scott

January 14, 2008 10:54 AM | Link to this

rikki tikkitavi is right. The Mitchell report was hearsay and inuendo with not a bit of proof. Plus McNamee was given immunity. Mitchell should not have released names without absolute proof of guilt. I’m not totally convinced Clemmons took anything.

By Brent

January 14, 2008 10:58 AM | Link to this

Anyone else remember the time Murphy pinch-hit a homerun with 9 stitches in his hand? He was supposed to miss 7 - 10 games after slicing his palm making a catch against the outfield wall, but was needed the next game, and drove out a round-tripper.

I also remember a pre-steroid Barry Bonds not being able to throw out the piano-on-his-back Sid Bream at the plate when the play-offs were on the line.

Who do I think should be in the HOF, between the two? That’s a no-brainer. Go Murph!

By Ryanhater

January 14, 2008 11:07 AM | Link to this

Hey Old Physics Teacher - stick to Physics. steroids definitely help pitchers, beyond recovering from injuries. “power pitchers” like Ryan (and Clemens) use their legs as much as their arms. And while Nolan Ryan’s longevity was impressive, his actual numbers were not. He was a just above .500 pitcher in the W-L department, and when you think about it, he is known for strikeouts and no-hitters. A pitcher can strike out all 27 batters and throw a no-hitter and still lose. Not likely, but Wins and Losses define a pitcher. How many rings does Nolan Ryan have (1 from the ‘69 Mets, and I don’t think he even pitched in that Series). He was a hard worker and a great athlete, but I’m not sure his career numbers warrant Cooperstown.

By Tami

January 14, 2008 11:23 AM | Link to this

I think if it came down to a ballot of Bonds or Murphy, it’s a no-brainer: Definitely Murph.

I think Murph will continue to create a different sort of legacy, which I agree with: Helping the kids of today not cheat and ruin their bodies. Sports doesn’t and shouldn’t be the “end-all, be-all” in anyone’s life. For those who are physically gifted, competitive sports should only be viewed as being just a SHORT moment of their lives, and they should be taught that the decisions made today WILL impact them in the future. The real-life examples are being played out before them right now for them to learn from BEFORE any opportunities are ever presented to them. Murphy is a fine example to follow for them as well.

By golfer78015

January 14, 2008 11:34 AM | Link to this

You sanctimoneous twit. You take the word of a couple of no-name baseball players,towel boys and so called trainers as gospel and not only marginalize but ignore the actual statistics of McGwire and others. Every story about Big Mac that has been written during the past couple of years has been filled with weasel words such as “suspicions of using…” & “allegedly…” so the writer wouldn’t be sued. How, pray tell, can McGwire or anybody else prove a negative? It can’t be done.

So what if these guys don’t talk to Congress? The last approval rating of congress that I saw had them at 11%. A member of a House oversight committee was recently quoted as saying that McGwire was right, it does no good to talk about the past, only a court of law can do that. The important thing is to do something about the future.

The only thing that should determine a player’s legacy is his record, not a bunch of members of the Baseball Writers Association of America who, at best are nothing more than wannabe players who couldn’t hit a slow curve much less a high hard one.

McGwire and Sosa arguably saved baseball after the strike. They brought people back into every ball park in the country — especially those where they played. Unfortunately, they also saved the jobs of a lot of baseball writers.

The players, coaches, managers and current members of the HOF should do the voting for HOF membership — not the sanctimoneous premadonnas who are doing it now.

By asswipe

January 14, 2008 11:40 AM | Link to this

Dale not get in the Hall. You got to be kiding. That would be a travesty. He was the “man” when he played, in more ways than one. He led by example! An all American Boy!

By GE

January 14, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

Old Physics Teacher,

Now we know why you retired. If streroids can help a hitter’s strength, then it can help a pitcher’s strength. I believe that leg strength and push off on the mound is just as important as the arm strength. As for Bonds, most of his homeruns have gone to center, right center and right field. He has one of the best eyes in baseball as witnessed by the walks he collects. His eye-hand coordination is better than anyone. If you notice, Bonds never goes for the pitches low and away. When he was younger, he often walked and stole second which is just as good as a double. How many players have gone 30 homers and 30 steals as many times as Bonds. He can make the hall of fame without the home run records.

And Brent, as for Bonds not being able to throw Bream out at the plate, you may want to review the films to see where Bonds had to go to retrieve Cabera’s shot to left center and make the throw. You know that there was no way that play could be as close with Bream running. Had that been Deion or Otis, they would have been in the the dugout conducting the celebration instead of at home plate.

By Steverino

January 14, 2008 11:42 AM | Link to this

Rikkitikitavi…baseball fans (which judging by your ill advised post, you are not), know Murphy very well. They are also aware that he spent very little of his ML career as a C or a 1B, and as far as I can remember, little or NONE as a LF. Murph was a CF with a rifle arm, great range and some Gold Gloves to his credit, IIRC.

By John Williams

January 14, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

Ryanhater

You are an idiot.

The no-hitters will put him in the best company. It speaks to the ability to work under pressure.

By Veda Babb

January 14, 2008 11:50 AM | Link to this

I took my son to many Braves games when Murphy was playing and he was the nicest man. My son has 4 autographs that Murphy gladly signed for a kid who just wanted to watch a good game. Should he in the HOF, YES! Players like Bonds, McGuire and others who used steroids, NO! It is time to clean up America’s greatest sport.

By Darrin "The Vent King"

January 14, 2008 11:52 AM | Link to this

WHO DIED AND MADE DALE MURPHY GOD? For someone who claims to be a very religious person, he sure seems to forget one very important old adage:

“JUDGE NOT, LEST THEE BE JUDGED…”

Put a sock in it Murph, we don’t need you going on a CRUSADE, we already know what these guys did was wrong. Just because YOU say it does not make it anymore important. I liked it better when you were just a quiet example of what class was about. It is not necessary for you to make it your lifelong mission to beat the drum against these guys using steroids, the Feds got that covered already…

By john

January 14, 2008 11:55 AM | Link to this

golfer78015,

Amen brother!

By Jonny

January 14, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this

I don’t know that I agree with Murph on his opinion of Clemens but I do know that if the Hall weighed character,class, and positive influence a player had on the game in addition to his stats, Murph would be in the Hall. Looking at some of the players, their lies and betrayals, the above three factors ought be added as factors to get into the Hall.

By John

January 14, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

The only way Dale Murphy should get into the Baseball Hall of Fame is if he buys a ticket to get in like the rest of us. He only comes out of hiding to bash other players. He’s right about it just being his opinion, maybe for once, he can keep it to himself.

By Matthew

January 14, 2008 12:29 PM | Link to this

There are plenty of cheaters in the HOF already. They might as well include Bonds/Big Mac with the rest of them.

By rich brave

January 14, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

Christy Mathewson:

While you’re swimming better blow all that vitriol downriver cause swallowing any of it will rot your guts. It case you wondered, I’m up river and I’m not swallowing any of it. Seriously dude. Were you abused as a child? See a shrink man.

By Rick Roberts

January 14, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Roger Clemens is a ‘clone’ of Barry Bonds and Marian Jones—steroids and HGH must do that to you!! Roger’s handling of this situation shows no class and I, for one, am very disappointed. Andy Pettite and Jason Giambi deserve kudos for stepping up and taking the medicine—fans appreciate the truth and will forgive. Roger and Barry won’t be forgiven. Marian deserves consideration although it took her awhile to step up. So, Roger doesn’t want or deserve the Hall of Fame. He will get the ‘Rat’s A*’ award, though.

By Paul

January 14, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Dale Murphy is a good man who i am sure could care less whether he is in the Hall of Fame. He knows he is a hall of fame PERSON.

PS-There are alot of pathetic people out there.

By John

January 14, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

I love to see people on this board talk about “stepping up”. How many people on this board has done something wrong and not stepped up, PLENTY. So many hypocrites…tsk…tsk…

By Court

January 14, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

Either Jeff or the headline writer needs to learn the definition of “come clean”. When someone comes clean, they have been accused of something, then lied about it or covered it up in some way - and THEN decided to confess the truth. Nothing in this has anything to do with Dale Murphy doing anything wrong.

Mr. Headline Writer - try not to embarrass yourself like this again - and DEFINITELY do not do something this dumb that might cause someone to question Murphy’s character or actions in the past.

By GE

January 14, 2008 1:12 PM | Link to this

Rick Roberts,

Seems to me that there is a perception problem here. Pettite and Giambi “stepped up” and they face no punishment. Bonds allegedly lied to the grand jury and is indicted for purjury. So, why was there not a grand jury for Giambi, Clemens, Pettit, McQuire, Grimsley, etal. Are we talking about double standards here? Is this your definition of class? Hypocrisy reigns!!!!

By Ryanhater

January 14, 2008 1:19 PM | Link to this

Mr. Williams,

I am not an idiot. I am a baseball fan. In 27 years Nolan Ryan’s winning percentage was a whopping .525. How does throwing a “no hitter” speak of a pitcher’s “ability to work under pressure”? Is there less “pressure” on a pitcher in the 5th inning? How about the 2nd inning? Baseball is about winning an losing. Nolan Ryan excelled in areas that ultimately do not determine wins and losses. He was a great pitcher and an impressive athlete. I just think he gets more credit than he deserves. He was not a “dominant” pitcher in wins and losses. Where are the “shut out” records? Burt Blyleven’s numbers are comparable (.534 percentage) and he’s passed over every year. Contrary to my “name” I don’t “hate” Ryan. It just sounded good. He was very good. I just don’t think he was one of the greats.

By Joe Mac

January 14, 2008 1:21 PM | Link to this

George Brett took roids. No, wait, George Brett had roids. My bad.

By Bee

January 14, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

I did Dale Murpheys make up several times,what a nice man,as was all the baseball players back then-just really nice and a wonderful asset to the sport of baseball. Wish there where more sports figures like him!!

By Bee

January 14, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

I did Dale Murpheys make up several times,what a nice man,as was all the baseball players back then-just really nice and a wonderful asset to the sport of baseball. Wish there where more sports figures like him!!

By TPM

January 14, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

I realize that the Braves fans have great admiration for Dale, but he is not a Hall of Fame Player. He is a Hall of Fame Person

By TPM

January 14, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this

I realize that the Braves fans have great admiration for Dale, but he is not a Hall of Fame Player. He is a Hall of Fame Person

By Does It Matter?

January 14, 2008 2:05 PM | Link to this

Dale Murphy was an OK player and I am sure alot of Atlantans care about what he says about steroids. At the end of the day, what he says doesn’t matter. Now here’s a baseball guy I wanna hear from regarding the steroids crisis: Gary Ignasiak of the 1973 Tigers, what a pitcher!; I am positive he could bring as much wisdom to it all as Dale Murphy.

By Mike

January 14, 2008 2:14 PM | Link to this

to: By Ryanhater

Nolan Ryan’s career won - lost record is not as good as many others simply because he won all those games playing for some very lousy teams. Put him on some good clubs and he wins way, way more than he loses. The same goes for Phil Miekro whose won - loss record was not that great yet he also played for some lousy Braves teams. To win as many as they did was really saying something.

By Michaqel

January 14, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Murphy is not a hall of famer. The numbers are not there.

Michael

By Michaqel

January 14, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

Murphy is not a hall of famer. The numbers are not there.

Michael

By Justin Rempe

January 14, 2008 2:41 PM | Link to this

To: Darrin “The Vent King”,

You have as little knowledge of the Bible as you do about baseball. You should try reading Matt 7: 1-5 instead of just verse 1. It’s called context, and without it any fool can and will twist the words to their own intentions. Fortunately there are people like me who actually read the Bible and endeavor to truly understand it rather than to twist it’s meaning into depraved rantings bent on the propping up of one’s own self.

As for Murphy and his comments on the current state of affairs in baseball…he has every right to say the things he’s saying as both a model of class (both in and out of the game itself) and a God fearing and law abiding citizen. I strongly want to stress the law abiding part of my statement (as no matter that HGH/steroids weren’t banned in baseball, but they were ILLEGAL in the United States). He should be commenting and pointing out the utter stupidity and obscenity to the game of players like Bonds and McGwire and any other who knowingly cheated the game to either acheive individual results/prolong their careers.

By GE

January 14, 2008 2:56 PM | Link to this

Justin Rempe,

Are you sure that steroids and HGH are illegal? I think you may be reading the bible a little too much.

By Ricky

January 14, 2008 2:57 PM | Link to this

Dale Murphy should be voted into the Hall of Fame. Dale played for some of the weakest Braves teams in Braves history. Dale carried the team year after year. Dale is a great role model for everyone that loves the game of Baseball.

By ryanhater

January 14, 2008 3:03 PM | Link to this

Mike,

your argument about Ryan playing for “lousy” teams is a weak one. A win is a win and a loss is a loss; period. And if a W-L percentage of .526 playing for “lousy” teams got him into Cooperstown on the first ballot, why hasn’t Blyleven been ellected? His stats are comparable to “Knucksie’s”. In fact, his stats are alos comparable (baseball-reference.com) to Don Sutton, Tom Seaver, Stever Carlton, Fergie Jenkins, and Gaylord Perry… all in the H o F. If longevity makes one worthy of Cooperstown, then Ryan deserves it (and make a space for Julio Franco), but I stand by my claim that Ryan excelled in areas that “impress” fans (strike outs, no-hitters, etc.). .526 is an impressive batting average, but it makes for a mediocre pitcher. BTW, Gaylord Perry openly acknowledged he cheated (spitball). He used performance enhancing substances on the ball. What gives?

By doodiebuddy

January 14, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

How about this: 2 sets of olympics or sports. one that allows steriods and whatever else they want and the other that doesn’t. that way we can see some super-human, basically gorillas, in uniform doing unbelievable things. That would be so entertaining! Sure they’ll die at 30-35 but boy would they be rich and famous and be superstars. Until the next batch of drugged up freaks with back acne, a face the size of a basketball and a pecker about as big as a pencil come around.

By doodiebuddy

January 14, 2008 3:07 PM | Link to this

How about this: 2 sets of olympics or sports. one that allows steriods and whatever else they want and the other that doesn’t. that way we can see some super-human, basically gorillas, in uniform doing unbelievable things. That would be so entertaining! Sure they’ll die at 30-35 but boy would they be rich and famous and be superstars. Until the next batch of drugged up freaks with back acne, a face the size of a basketball and a pecker about as big as a pencil come around.

By Ryan Tucker

January 14, 2008 3:12 PM | Link to this

Murphy has more than home runs, RBI’s or a place in the Hall. He played the game well, played hard, didn’t cheat, and retired with something McGwire, Bonds, and Clemens don’t have - his integrity!

By Jason

January 14, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

Much respect for a good man. How can people bash Murph for giving his opinion when he is asked? You don’t have opinion too? If you had any relevence and people wanted your opinions because you were qualified in any way to give them, then you would give your opinion too.

People who bring his religion into it are little and sad. the saddest thing is that they probably have no first hand knowledge of his religion. I don’t know much about his religion but the good book says you will know them by their fruits. Should we compare his fruits (fighting to keep kids off drugs) to Bonds and McGuire (juicing up to quell their insecurities and continue to be “loved” and “important”). I hope none of you who are bashing Murph have children looking for role models.

Thanks for being a man Murph!

By JuliusCesear

January 14, 2008 3:42 PM | Link to this

The only thing that I can see that Murph should be accused of is trying to overpopulate the world. Murphy should NEVER be put in the HOF. I know that he is very religious gentleman (Morman religious background) and quite a family man. He and his wife Nancy have about 9 children, and I dont think Murph did enough to warrant entry into the Hall. Murph is insanely jealous of Bonds and Clemens since their Bonds’ and Clemens careers are vastly superior than Murph’s. Murph was a tremendous family man, but if everyones family was as large as Murphs the world would be hugely overpopulated!

By Mike

January 14, 2008 3:51 PM | Link to this

TO: Ryanhater

Opinions are like heart beats - everyone has one until you die. I will stand by my belief that, yes a win is a win and a loss is a loss but it is a lot eaiser to win when you have a better offense, defense and relief pitching behind you. Case in point is the 70s Big red Machine where all the pitchers had to do was hold the other team to 5 or 6 runs and the Reds would outscore them. Ryan took the mound knowing he had to pitch close to a shutout to have a chance to win. To win as many games as he or Neikro did with the support they had was HOF material.

By H2

January 14, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

I think Murph is one of the greatest all-time Braves! He wore the uniform proudly, and without embarrasshment to the organization.

Meanwhile, today’s organization is one that I don’t particularly care for (having been a fan since thier arrival to the south). There is definitely a lack of diversity on the ball club (yes, I mean representation of those who live in the city of Atlanta). There are no Black players projected to either be in the starting line up or on the team. This is complete discouraging! Once again, the former GM (and now President of the club) shows his true colors. Oh, that’s what this is all about, right?

GOD Bless you Murph!

By Greg

January 14, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Dale should be in the HOF for the same reason Pete Rose is not………..Character!

By Justin Rempe

January 14, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

To: GE

Possession of steroids without a valid prescription has been illegal since 1991. It is illegal for doctors to prescribe growth hormone for uses not specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Performance enhancement is not an approved use.

Those are US Federal Laws, which completely superceed any stupid rules set forth by a game such as baseball!

And as to reading the Bible too much…that’s funny. I’m sure when I die I’ll find out that I have not read or prayed enough…

By Mike

January 14, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

To: RyanHater

One other thing. What does Gaylord Perry have to do with your argument? I thought we were talking about dale Murphy and Nolan Ryan. Lets stick to the topic.

By GoldenRichards

January 14, 2008 3:55 PM | Link to this

Please dont let that jerk Murphy into the HOF. Murph slammed Bonds extremely hard while Bonds was BREAKING the most difficult record in the history of the world to break. Instead of cheering on Bonds, Murph was insanely jealous of Bonds and accused him of doing steriods, just like he accused Clemens. Murphy accumulated HALF the home run that Bonds did, and this is why MURPHY WILL NEVER BE PUT IN THE HOF. Murphy hit about the same number of home runs as Dave Kingman, who couldnt make the hall because he struck out more times than anyone else. Murph should go back to his farm, hop on his tractor and never show his face again.

By Headlines

January 14, 2008 4:06 PM | Link to this

Dale …. Just come out of the closet. It will be good for your weak soul. The players have been doing ‘roids for years and you were no exception.

By Chas

January 14, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

Dale Murphy was a great baseball player, arguably the best of the 80’s. I just believe that someone that is one of the best players of an entire decade deserves to be in the Hall of Fame regardless of what their final numbers are. Whether Dale Murphy gets into the Hall of Fame or not I hope all this steroid talk will allow great ballplayers like Andre Dawson, Jim Rice, Bert Blyleven, and Dale Murphy to get into the Hall of Fame. Hopefully Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmeiro, and Roger Clemens will never make the Hall.

By Justin Rempe

January 14, 2008 4:21 PM | Link to this

How many times did Dave Kingman win the MVP? That’s what I thought…

Duke Snider, Orlando Cepeda, Al Kaline and Jim Rice all have relatively comparable stats to Murphy. Murphy and Rice are not in the HOF,

By MotherTeresa

January 14, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Dale Murphy reminds me of Jethro Bodine on the Beverly Hillbillies. He’s simply an illiterate jerk who doesnt know when to keep his fat mouth shut. Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds are the MOST accomplished pitcher and every day player, respectively, of their generation. Murphs numbers for the hall of fame came up short so Murph comes out of the closet to run his big fat mouth and is unable to back up his claims that his carrer was more accomplished than Bonds or Clemens. Since Murph cannot possibly get into the HOF, he is slandering Bonds and Clemens in attempt to try and keep them out of the Hall, similar to what Jose Canseco did, although Jose was smarter than Murphy about it since Canseco wrote his book juiced and was at least able to make money when Jose was going on about steriods. Murphy should at least write a book so that he can make money from his insidious accusations about Bonds and Clemens. Murphy is nothing more than a insanely jealous house rat and should be sprinkled with rat poison to make him disappear.

By Justin Rempe

January 14, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

All due respect, but Bonds has taken steroids. It’s a verifiable fact. He’s just never admitted to “knowingly” taking them, which might very well be the biggest bunch of bologna I’ve ever heard in my entire life! I suppose he’s also never knowingly drank a beer or eaten a steak. He knows (and knew) exactly what he was putting into his body, just like any other modern day athlete does.

He’s had the “cream” and the “clear” both applied to his body in some form or fashion, and he does not deny this. The fact that he thought it was “flaxseed oil” is irrelevant. They have both been proven via testimony and scientific results to be illegal steroids and a masking agent.

By Tim

January 14, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Why does the AJC seek input from Dale Murphy? He had a couple of nice years but had many more below average years than average. He is not nor will ever be a Hall of Famer.(Braves fan, think with your head not your heart) There must be other mediocre ex-Braves that the AJC could talk to. Murphy won’t politic for the Hall but he sure seems willing to always offer his two cents on those who performed at a higher level than him.

By Tim

January 14, 2008 4:48 PM | Link to this

Why does the AJC seek input from Dale Murphy? He had a couple of nice years but had many more below average years than average. He is not nor will ever be a Hall of Famer.(Braves fan, think with your head not your heart) There must be other mediocre ex-Braves that the AJC could talk to. Murphy won’t politic for the Hall but he sure seems willing to always offer his two cents on those who performed at a higher level than him.

By Old Physics Teacher

January 14, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

GE, Sorry. Leg strength and push off have nothing to do with the velocity of a baseball. That was settled about 20 years ago. Pitchers don’t “push off” the mound to increase their speed - they pull off. The conventional wisdom of that era also said that icing down a pitcher’s arm helped it recover faster, too. Pitchers of the old days believed they shouldn’t sleep under air conditioning as it would hurt their arms. There are a lot of old wives tales from the past. If not, why are current batters using lighter, smaller bats than the days of the “push-off” pitchers?

As I said, if strength was so important, we’d be seeing NFL linemen pitching, but we don’t - so it doesn’t. Your beliefs conflict with reality.

Pitching has to do with the hip turn (1st lever) and the arm slot (the second and most critical one). Steroids won’t improve that. They will, however, get the pitcher back into the rotation earlier and keep him in the league longer.

Steroids were being taken by pitchers and batters. Obviously steroids helped batters hit balls further. If steroids helped pitchers so much, why didn’t we have 100+ MPH pitchers? Why have the pitchers’ speeds not taken a major dive like the number of home runs hit since then?

And if you really believe BB never swings at low and away pitches, and that he can still hit low and in pitches out of the park… well I’ve got some prime real estate to sell you. It’s nothing down and interest payments only… and it’s on the lake!

By GE

January 14, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

Justin Rempe,

As I said, it is not illegal. A perscription is required to be legal since 1991. Right??? By the way, is it illegal to use cortisome when used to disguise pain at the risk of further injury?

God bless you and your bible.

By TheTruthHurts

January 14, 2008 6:14 PM | Link to this

Hillary Clinton hates Black People…Dont vote for her for president!

By Sachar, Louis

January 14, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Old Physics Teacher,

Your argument is interesting. Would you agree that leg strength comes into play whether “pushing” or “pulling”? I still feel that the referenced drugs would help a pitcher just as much as a hitter.

As for your real estate offer, sounds like you are now working for Countrywide and offering bad loans.

Have a good evening.

By Sachar, Louis

January 14, 2008 6:23 PM | Link to this

Old Physics Teacher,

Your argument is interesting. Would you agree that leg strength comes into play whether “pushing” or “pulling”? I still feel that the referenced drugs would help a pitcher just as much as a hitter.

As for your real estate offer, sounds like you are now working for Countrywide and offering bad loans.

Have a good evening.

By ryanhater

January 14, 2008 6:26 PM | Link to this

to Mike:

It was a bit of a tangent I know, but the original point of this article was steroids = cheating, and I simply wanted to point out that while Gaylord Perry is in the Hall of Fame; he was also an impenitent and self-described cheater (spitballs). You (or was it former Physics teacher) brought up Nolan Ryan, and I questioned Ryan’s qualifications and offered my opinion that he wasn’t a first ballot player, and if he was, where does that leave Burt Blyleven.

By Mike

January 14, 2008 7:04 PM | Link to this

TO: Ryanhater

Wasn’t me that brought up Nolan Ryan. My initial comment to you was in response to your comment about him. Don’t know who brought him up first and don’t really care.

By D-Cider

January 14, 2008 7:46 PM | Link to this

Najeh thanks.. JS’s article must have been a carry over from his trip to the synagogue on Saturday. nice to know his dose of religion lasted for two days.

By Alonzo

January 14, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

Dale is a hack. Couldn’t even hold his bat correctly.

Give me Bob Horner any day of the week.

Horner rules! Murphy drools.

By Elaine

January 15, 2008 12:13 AM | Link to this

Dale Murphy is in the “Played with Honor” Hall of Fame and to his loyal fans, Dale Murphy is deserving of all honors a professional athlete and gentleman can receive!