Chafets’ examination of the history of the institution that is supposed to represent the best of the American pastime, comes at an intriguing juncture when the sport is really at a crossroads especially regarding performance-enhanced drugs and their affect on long-standing records and of course the game itself. What role does character play? Do Mark McGwire, Roger Clemens and Barry Bonds deserve an asterisk, should they get voted into the Hall of Fame?




