Ryne Sandberg Steroid Opinion; Users Don't Belong In Baseball Hall Of Fame For Tainted Numbers

Ryne Sandberg's steroid opinion is so poor that he doesn't think players using the drug have a place in the Baseball Hall Of Fame.  Sandberg, Philadelphia Phillies third base coach and former Cubs star, spoke to MLB.com about the Hall Of Fall voting process and steroid use.

Sandberg's 2005 speech when he was inducted into the Hall of Fame emphasized "playing the game the right way." When asked what he meant by it he said:

 "Well, first of all, the voting is in the hands of the sportswriters who follow the game, and I think that the writers once again sent a strong message to baseball that illegal drugs and all that is not and should not be a part of baseball." Sandberg replied. "I think it was very loud and clear. I think that's a strong stance, and it's good for the future of the game."

Sandberg then vocalized that steroid users should not be inducted into the Baseball Hall Of Fame. Numerous big names who allegedly took steroids during their careers include Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens and former Cub Sammy Sosa.  All the alleged cheats have not made Hall Of Famer status.

"So to deal with that, baseball is based on numbers, and I believe that any tainted numbers do not belong in the Hall of Fame," he said.

Indeed, Sandberg believes the Hall should be clean of all alleged cheaters, not just steroid users. This includes corking bats, using spitballs, or taking amphetamines.

Sandberg told MLB.com that, so far, the Baseball Hall of Fame has stayed away from players with "suspicions." There are no known steroid users in Cooperstown, but there are a few players that used amphetamines.

"I can say that in the history of the Hall of Fame, there are no suspicions about guys who are in the Hall of Fame," he continued. "It's an elite group. And once you're in the Hall, you're in the Hall. Up until now, I think the voting system has handled things very well. And like I said before, there are no suspicions in the Hall of Fame."

Players who cheat and take the dignity right out of the game should not be able to make it to the Hall and should be kicked out the game entirely. Players with no suspicions, like Ken Griffey Jr., Derek Jeter and Pedro Martinez, should not be on the same playing field as those trying to get an upper hand. Do you agree?