Much of the focus about accolades involving the “Steroid Era” has been on whether or not known users should be admitted into the Hall of Fame. Less attention has been paid to the players who lost out on recognition because their playing careers overlapped with sluggers on steroids.
Because the Steroid Era roughly coincided with a period of Pirates success, struggle, and resurgence (roughly 1988 to 2013 - José Canseco’s MVP year to the Biogenesis scandal), a number of Bucs were overlooked.
In terms of the Silver Slugger Award, that means a panel of managers and coaches were tantalized by massive, eye-popping numbers, which swayed their votes in a manner they may regret today, if pressed.