Bonds, Clemens top Hall of Fame ballot

Outfielder Barry Bonds and pitcher Roger Clemens are among 24 first-time names on the 2013 Baseball Hall of Fame ballot, which was released Wednesday. Bonds, the all-time home run leader with 762 over a 22-year career, and Clemens, who won 354 games over 24 seasons, both have had their Hall of Fame credentials tainted by allegations of use of performance-enhancing substances. However, is it generally considered they had hall-worthy careers before the allegations surfaced. The same can't be said of Sammy Sosa, also a first-time entry on the hall ballot, and Mark McGwire, a previous ballot holdover. Eligible Baseball Writers Association of America members -- about 600 people -- have until Dec. 31 to return their ballots. Results of the voting are to be announced Jan. 9. A player must appear on 75 percent of returned ballots to win induction into the Hall of Fame. Other first-time names on the ballot are: outfielders Kenny Lofton, Shawn Green, Steve Finley, Reggie Sanders and Rondell White; pitchers Curt Schilling, David Wells, Aaron Sele and Woody Williams; relievers Roberto Hernandez, Jose Mesa and Mike Stanton; catchers Mike Piazza and Sandy Alomar Jr.; infielders Julio Franco, Royce Clayton, Todd Walker and Jeff Cirillo; outfielders/first baseman Jeff Conine and Ryan Klesko; and utilityman Craig Biggio. Returning to the ballot are: first basemen Don Mattingly, Fred McGriff, Rafael Palmiero and Jeff Bagwell; outfielders Dale Murphy, Tim Raines, Larry Walker and Bernie Williams; shortstop Alan Trammell; third baseman/designated hitter Edgar Martinez; and pitchers Jack Morris and Lee Smith.