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NormBonds Two Hits Shy Of Record, But Not Everyone Is Happy
July 25th 2007 14:50
In the American sports arena, where all the major codes have been thrown into disarray in the last few weeks with various scandals and allegations (dog fighting and assault charges in the NFL, bribing and illegal betting in NBA), the Major League Baseball has at least a record that everyone can look forward to.
At the moment, Barry Bonds is just two home runs shy of breaking the all time home run records, which is currently held by 60’s legend ‘Hank’ Aaron. This record has definitely been the shining beacon in the major league, and for some years be the constant talking point about who would be the one that would finally break Aaron’s record of 755 home runs.
And now Bonds, who is literally two swings away from being set in the record books, looks like to be the man who will take away the highest coverted prize. However the fact that Bonds will be breaking the record has many fans, supporters and even the MLB commissioner not jumping in delight.
The fact of Bonds is that whilst he has been a massive power hitter in the league, and been chasing this record ever since 2001 when he set the 7th highest all-time home run record, he has also been a man on controversy. Accused of taking performance enhancing drugs in 2003 when trainer, Greg Anderson, was indicted by a federal grand jury and changed with supplying athletes anabolic steroids, Bonds has always had questions marks on his performance constantly over his head. Has his ability to smash the ball over the fence been all natural talent, or unlike the Aaron’s record has it been assisted along the way?
The fact that Bonds has constantly been questioned and embroiled in the biggest steroids saga that the sport has seen has definitely taken some shine off the home run chase. Fans of the game have taken a liking to booing Bonds whenever he steps up to the plate, and even the commissioner of the MBL has commented that ‘nothing special’ is being planned for when Bonds breaks the records sometime in the coming days (or with Bonds current slump, only eight HR’s in the past ten games, could be stretched out for weeks). There is no doubt that many people thinking that Bonds breaking the record could tarnish one of the shining jewels in the MLB crown.
Regardless of how people perceive Bonds, it is a shame that they are not considering how the celebrate the event. What is ironic is that many fans and supporters would have been a huge fan of Hank Aaron breaking the record, held at that time by absolute legend Babe Ruth, because Aaron was African-American.
Now I am by no means drawing a connection being racial prejudice and performance enhancing drugs, but you have to look further down the track. Nowdays Aaron is considered one of the best hitters of the league, like Bonds will be in future generations. Regardless of his checkered past (which is still not determined), the fact that he is breaking one of the longest held records in the game means that he will be remembered for his power hits rather than his accusations.
Many players have been accused of taking performance enhancing drugs, but none of them have been so close to grasping the all time home run record like Bonds. With only two hits required to tie the record, and one after that to create the new score, it is a big opportunity for MLB to celebrate what makes baseball great, rather than highlight the flaws of the sport. With so many sports being in the press for bad publicity, you would have to consider why wouldn’t you take the chance to promote what makes the game deserve the title “America’s pastime”?
Until next time, sports minds.
Final Thought: To quickly swing back home to the AFL, it was announced today that Kevin Sheedy will not be renewed a contract with the Essendon Bombers for next season, and brings the tally up to four new coaching positions available at the end of this season. Whilst Thompson for Geelong and Laidley for Kangaroos still have not signed for any future terms, it seems that ’07 will see the end of the some of the tactical greats, and the beginnings of the new wave of coaches.
At the moment, Barry Bonds is just two home runs shy of breaking the all time home run records, which is currently held by 60’s legend ‘Hank’ Aaron. This record has definitely been the shining beacon in the major league, and for some years be the constant talking point about who would be the one that would finally break Aaron’s record of 755 home runs.
And now Bonds, who is literally two swings away from being set in the record books, looks like to be the man who will take away the highest coverted prize. However the fact that Bonds will be breaking the record has many fans, supporters and even the MLB commissioner not jumping in delight.
The fact of Bonds is that whilst he has been a massive power hitter in the league, and been chasing this record ever since 2001 when he set the 7th highest all-time home run record, he has also been a man on controversy. Accused of taking performance enhancing drugs in 2003 when trainer, Greg Anderson, was indicted by a federal grand jury and changed with supplying athletes anabolic steroids, Bonds has always had questions marks on his performance constantly over his head. Has his ability to smash the ball over the fence been all natural talent, or unlike the Aaron’s record has it been assisted along the way?
The fact that Bonds has constantly been questioned and embroiled in the biggest steroids saga that the sport has seen has definitely taken some shine off the home run chase. Fans of the game have taken a liking to booing Bonds whenever he steps up to the plate, and even the commissioner of the MBL has commented that ‘nothing special’ is being planned for when Bonds breaks the records sometime in the coming days (or with Bonds current slump, only eight HR’s in the past ten games, could be stretched out for weeks). There is no doubt that many people thinking that Bonds breaking the record could tarnish one of the shining jewels in the MLB crown.
Regardless of how people perceive Bonds, it is a shame that they are not considering how the celebrate the event. What is ironic is that many fans and supporters would have been a huge fan of Hank Aaron breaking the record, held at that time by absolute legend Babe Ruth, because Aaron was African-American.
Now I am by no means drawing a connection being racial prejudice and performance enhancing drugs, but you have to look further down the track. Nowdays Aaron is considered one of the best hitters of the league, like Bonds will be in future generations. Regardless of his checkered past (which is still not determined), the fact that he is breaking one of the longest held records in the game means that he will be remembered for his power hits rather than his accusations.
Many players have been accused of taking performance enhancing drugs, but none of them have been so close to grasping the all time home run record like Bonds. With only two hits required to tie the record, and one after that to create the new score, it is a big opportunity for MLB to celebrate what makes baseball great, rather than highlight the flaws of the sport. With so many sports being in the press for bad publicity, you would have to consider why wouldn’t you take the chance to promote what makes the game deserve the title “America’s pastime”?
Until next time, sports minds.
Final Thought: To quickly swing back home to the AFL, it was announced today that Kevin Sheedy will not be renewed a contract with the Essendon Bombers for next season, and brings the tally up to four new coaching positions available at the end of this season. Whilst Thompson for Geelong and Laidley for Kangaroos still have not signed for any future terms, it seems that ’07 will see the end of the some of the tactical greats, and the beginnings of the new wave of coaches.
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