Marichal endorses McGwire for Hall

JUAN DOLIO, Dominican Republic -- Add former Dominican baseball star Juan Marichal to the list of Mark McGwire's backers.

Marichal said Saturday the embattled slugger deserves to join him in the Hall of Fame, days after McGwire failed to net enough votes to enter on the first ballot.

"McGwire belongs in the Hall of Fame. All those home runs that he hit make him worthy, as do Sammy Sosa's," Marichal said.

Dogged by rumors of steroid use, McGwire was picked on only 23.5 percent of ballots in his first year of Cooperstown eligibility, far below the 75 percent needed.

Marichal, the only Dominican in the Hall of Fame, spoke during a celebrity golf tournament in Juan Dolio, a Caribbean beach resort east of Santo Domingo.

Barry Bonds, who backed McGwire for the Hall in comments made Wednesday, also played in the tournament but did not speak to reporters.

Marichal is a member of the veterans' committee.

"Big Mac will be chosen for the Hall of Fame," he said.

-- AP