Those Chicago Cubs fans helped make this year's ceremony the third largest in history, trailing only the 1999 and 1995 Induction ceremonies in terms of attendance. In 1999, when Nolan Ryan, George Brett and Robin Yount were elected, a record 50,000 fans attended, while close to 40,000 saw the '95 induction of Mike Schmidt and Richie Ashburn.

Hall spokesman Brad Horn said an estimated crowd of 28,000 was in attendance this year.

But with the 2007 Induction Ceremony looming - which could include Cal Ripken, Tony Gwynn and Mark McGwire - a new record will likely be set soon.

"Certainly, the potential is there for a record breaking day (in 2007) but with Hall of Fame voting you can never take anything for granted," Horn said. "The village handled the volume of people really well, so we are optimistic we can deal with the large crowds that are possible."

The 2007 Induction will also be the first when steroids become a major issue for the Hall of Fame, as McGwire, who hit a then record 70 home runs in 1998 and over 500 in his career, has been linked to steroid use and refused to answer questions before Congress earlier this year.

Sandberg used part of his Induction speech Sunday to chastise those in the game who have used steroids and other modern players that don't have respect for the way the game should be played.

On Monday morning, at a special legends Series event at the Clark Sports Center, both Sandberg and Boggs said they felt the use of steroids was cheating and should be dealt with harshly by baseball.

"There has to be a level playing field," Boggs said.

Later Monday, it was announced that Baltimore Orioles first baseman Rafael Palmeiro, who recently collected his 3,000th hit to go along with 500 plus home runs, tested positive for steroid use.

The Hall of Fame has scheduled a trip to Baltimore later this month to collect 3,000 hit items from Palmeiro for the museum to put on display. Horn said Tuesday the trip will still be made.

"Our job is to preserve baseball history," Horn said. "3,000 hits is one of the greatest career achievements a player can have. It's up to the fans and visitors here to make their own judgments."

Next year, relief ace Bruce Sutter, former Boston slugger Jim Rice and pitcher Bert Blyleven figure to garner most of the Hall of Fame votes from baseball writers.

Sandberg pointed to former teammate Andre Dawson, nicknamed "The Hawk" as his pick for election in 2006.

"He was the best I ever played with, and he did it the natural way," Sandberg said, taking another shot at steroid users. "He's one of only a handful to have 400 home runs and 400 stolen bases, and he could do it all. He should be in here."