He is hated around the country. There is innuendo of impropriety floating around in books, in the newspaper and on talk radio. Many people dislike him for bringing shame to something they love and hurting our credibility. No, I'm not talking about President Bush and the misrepresentation of his 755 signing statements (real number around 160). I'm talking about Barry Bonds and the likelihood that he will break Hank Aaron's home run record of 755 career home runs.
With all the attention paid to Bonds recently because of the All-Star game in San Francisco and the impending record breaking event the media concentration is reaching high tide. I began to reflect upon how disappointed I am that Bonds will not only be the single season and career home run champ, but that he will have done so among many allegations of steroid use. Is he an illegitimate record breaker and holder? Is President Bush an illegitimate president? Of course not on both accounts!
When I look at the criticism and all around dislike I have for Barry Bonds, I can't help but see the same knee jerk hatred to President Bush that so many others have. While I would still argue that Bonds has brought an air of shame to baseball (and President Bush has served with dignity), I must lament that his achievements are record breaking worthy enough to warrant respect. The commissioner of MLB, Bud Selig, and Hank Aaron may stay away from the event because of this shame, but it will not change the fact that Barry Bonds' name will be cemented in MLB history as the all-time home run champ.
755 and 61 will also still be cemented in the minds and hearts of baseball lovers across the country as a true measurement for baseball greatness. Hammerin' Hank, Roger Maris and the Sultan of Swat will live on in history even if Bonds lives on in infamy.
What's making me feel better about it is that Alex Rodriguez will almost certainly surpass Bonds in a few years. He's at 494 at age 31. I expect him to reach 755 in four or five years. I know a lot of people don't like A-Rod, but I do, and there's never been rumors of steroids or legitimacy.
Posted by: epiph at July 12, 2007 11:44 PMWho's Barry Bonds?
Posted by: Mark Tucker at July 13, 2007 02:53 PMEpiph - Bet you'd love to see him in a Tigers uniform when that happens!
Mark - Exactly!
Posted by: Jeff Price at July 27, 2007 04:29 PM