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Photos: Controversial names dotted HOF ballot

“Slammin” Sammy Sosa hit over 60 home runs in three different seasons with the Chicago Cubs. And who could forget the ’98 home run chase between Sosa, Mark McGwire and Ken Griffey, Jr. that many credit with resurrecting fan interest in baseball following an ugly strike and cancellation of the 1994 World Series? Still, a 2003 corked bat incident and allegations of PED usage have mired what would otherwise be a first-ballot career.   (Phil Velasquez / Chicago Tribune)

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Their stats say they’re Hall of Famers but the baseball writers disagreed. Check out some of the names with big numbers who aren’t getting baseball’s biggest recognition.

Roger Clemens won 354 games and carried an ERA of 3.12 while striking out over 4,600 batters. He also had to defend himself against perjury charges that alleged he had lied to Congress about his use of performance enhancers. "The Rocket" was found not guilty on all charges but serious doubts linger about whether Clemens was clean while he put together one of the most dominant pitching careers in the history of the game.

Roger Clemens won 354 games and carried an ERA of 3.12 while striking out over 4,600 batters. He also had to defend himself against perjury charges that alleged he had lied to Congress about his use of performance enhancers. “The Rocket” was found not guilty on all charges but serious doubts linger about whether Clemens was clean while he put together one of the most dominant pitching careers in the history of the game.  (Jim Bourg / Reuters)

You had to point, didn't you? Shortly after testifying before Congress and stridently denying that he had never used steroids or performance enhancing drugs, Rafael Palmeiro tested positive. Pictured during his first game back from a 10-day suspension for his positive test, Palmeiro won both Gold Gloves and Silver Slugger awards during a career that also included four trips to the All-Star Game and over 3,000 hits.

You had to point, didn’t you? Shortly after testifying before Congress and stridently denying that he had never used steroids or performance enhancing drugs, Rafael Palmeiro tested positive. Pictured during his first game back from a 10-day suspension for his positive test, Palmeiro won both Gold Gloves and Silver Slugger awards during a career that also included four trips to the All-Star Game and over 3,000 hits.  (Win McNamee / Getty Images)

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