Because of his embarrassing and seemingly tell-tale appearance at a Congressional hearing 14 months ago, McGwire lost his status as a certain first-ballot Hall of Famer.

A guy like Gary Sheffield , a first-ballot Hall of Famer, can't get a job.

"Dave Winfield was one of the standout players of his era, and a certain first-ballot Hall of Famer."

"Cris is a first-ballot Hall of Famer," Green said, "and he is a first-class person."

Dan Marino and Steve Young, both first-ballot Hall of Famers, retired and instantly changed the face of the league.

They were first-ballot Hall of Fame selections, but they have taken much different routes to Canton, Ohio.

Who, if anybody, will succeed Nolan Ryan and George Brett on their pedestals as future first-ballot Hall of Famers?

Curtis Martin, the Jets' running back and future first-ballot Hall of Famer, who, yard by yard, keeps climbing pro football's career rushing ladder with nowhere near enough appreciation.

In my mind, he's a first-ballot Hall of Famer.

Clemens is sure to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, but more than for any team he has pitched, he will be remembered for remarkable durability.