What will be the inscription on Bonds' HOF plaque?

While watching the touching and inspirational speech that Vicki Santo gave on Sunday in honor of her husband and newest Hall of Fame inductee Ron Santo, something struck me. This was not a speech about statistics or league leaders or even early baseball influences. This was a speech about a man, a very special man who did special things while enduring extraordinary challenges. This was a speech about Ron's character, his charitable nature and his fight to make things better. It was one of the most moving things I've ever heard.

It is worth noting, too, that Santo's HOF plaque inscription also mentions his incredible fight against diabetes and the way he positively inspired others. That brings up an interesting question: what will the HOF do when known steroid users like Barry Bonds are eventually inducted? Bonds is eligible for the first time next year. Though it's unlikely he'll make it in on the first ballot, most people think he'll eventually get in, if only because he already had put up Hall-worthy numbers by the time he juiced. I've often wondered how the HOF would handle the controversial slugger, though. Will the inscription on his plaque mention the steroid controversy? Will some mention be made of the questionable legitimacy of his numbers? I've often thought that a subtle way the Hall could make a statement would be to put him in a Pirates cap on his plaque. In other words, say that the clean, skinny Bonds that was a two-time MVP with the Pirates is the player being honored, not the hulking, Bay-area Bonds. Truthfully, I doubt folks in Pittsburgh would appreciate that.

I also doubt the Hall of Fame would do anything intentionally embarrassing or insulting. After all, they're inviting this player into their hallowed Hall. I do think, however, it's something that's too big to ignore. I can't imagine Bonds being inducted without some nod to the cloud of suspicion that hung over his later years in San Francisco. Here's one idea of how his plaque might read:

Though he has come to be identified with the "Steroid Era" of baseball, Bonds was considered by many who saw him play to be the greatest hitter of all time. He retired as the all-time leader in walks and home runs, despite considerable controversy over the legitimacy of the latter. Throughout his playing days, he earned an unprecedented seven MVP awards, was a 14-time All-Star and eight-time Gold Glove Award winner. During his time in Pittsburgh, he helped the Pirates to three consecutive Division Championships and later led his San Francisco Giants to four playoff appearances, including the 2002 World Series.

Buckle up, baseball fans. Over the next few years, we're in for a bumpy ride!