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AnsonMcgwire and Bonds were guite capable of hitting home runs before steroids, no arguement there. However, eclipsing 70 is something that NOBODY has every done before. In fact, Maris, Ruth, and Mantle didn't come close. Until the alleged steroid cases, how many times did McGwire and Bonds eclispe 50 home runs?
Barry Bonds was a Hall of Fame talent before the roids. But, he blew it and now will live with the dark cloud forever. Mcgwire was a one-dimensional guy who really never had a true shot at the Hall until the roids. Hey, at least Dave Kingman hit his home runs fairly.
It's not fair to compare Heilmann to Bonds or Mcgwire in regards to being a late bloomer. Yes, it's true that steroids don't help you time a pitch or make contact with the ball. But, as previously mentioned, steroids increase strength and facilitate the recovery and healing process. Today's late bloomers wouldn't be blooming if it wern't for the steroids. At least not what we're seeing. To put it in perspective, Bonds is the only athlete in the history of ANY sport to elevate his play to the top of the heap AFTER reaching his late 30's. No other athlete can come close.....period. Do you think it was his ability to finally find his swing late in his career? C'mon