I'm not done with Barry, the case for Sosa and why A-Rod matters most!
The Homerun and The Record
For the real tried and true sports fan the one thing that stands out there and is revered more than anything in sports is undeniably Baseball's Homerun record. It is by no means the most unattainable mark in sports, but it is the point for which all-time greatness is measured.
The task itself is associated with the game more than any other act in sports. The impact of a homerun is designed to change almost everything in a game, that is what makes it in and of itself so important, so defining.
The fact that we are almost forced to wait entire lifetime to see that all-time number change is proof in and of itself how powerful that record is. For instance when Babe left the game and 714 was the magic number my Grandfather was alive, my Dad was not and thus obviously I was not even relevant in the debate. In 1974 when Hammerin' Hank Aaron ended the suspense and passed Babe Ruth my Grandpa was alive and my Dad was about my age. Now as we all begrudgingly watch what, except if for the grace of God or Bud Selig's meddling, will be done by Barry Bonds my Grandfather has since departed and my Dad is his age now, how time goes by in baseball.
You know Hammerin' Hank or the Bambino, or Slammin' Sammy are names we have cast upon our baseball heroes, especially those that have used the long ball. Ironic really that Bonds has no such nickname as he seems to be called things I can not say in print, and thus are not very fan friendly. That could be Barry's problem as well, the fact that he has no fan appeal anywhere other than San Francisco.
So from now on I am going to call ol' Barry, something like "Bashin'". Yeah, that is fitting for anyone to call him as you can either bash him, or complain about him being bashed!
" Bashin' " Barry
Last week I only briefly touched on this subject and the feelings I have towards Barry and the great possibility he has ahead of him in breaking the record, well I just feel like I missed that whole thing entirely. Now I am more inclined to just plum say it, I do not like the guy a bit and I am sick of him acting like he can not understand where all of this hype of steroids around him has come from.
The guy has never been friendly and he has gone on record as acknowledging he unknowingly used the "cream". I am sorry folks but I am not rubbing on ointment or taking a pill without at least reading the bottle, or asking someone what it is.
Bonds, my problem with you is that I am not stupid and I do not like to be insulted in such a way. You did the 'roids and you have more focus on you than anyone, I mean McGwire and Sosa have had rumors and may have even done something, but they do not have mountain of evidence piled up around them.
You did wrong there will always be a blemish associated with you and that is the way it is!
Slammin' Sammy
Holy Cow, he is good again and most likely for Texas Rangers fans the only real excitement there has been to this point in the season as the boys in Arlington are currently involved in a 6 game slump.
Sosa as most can last remember had completely disappeared from baseball after joining the Orioles for his most dismal season ever two years back. Well with a little rest and refocusing the career of Sosa has resurfaced as he also looks to notch a big number in the all-time homerun leaders category.
Now with 598 homeruns, the most recent off of young star Johan Santana , Sosa will soon join a list so short he will earn himself in the argument for life.
In the number 5 position of all-time in homer's and two shy of 600 Sammy will just sit 60 round tripper's back of Willie Mays, and then only 55 to reach the Babe. It is likely that he may never catch Babe, Hank or even Bonds, but what if he had played those last two seasons like we had all grown accustomed to seeing. Sammy might be hanging around 700 right now and not 600, imagine the fun of having a likable Sammy and despised Bonds going at it.
A-Rod
Final point of the debate, I am so glad I will not have to wait a lifetime to see this Bonds record disappear, just look to A-Rod. In a much, much shorter career he is only 17 homer's from the 500 Club and with a hot bat this season he has shown no signs of slowing up. Oh come on A-Rod!!!
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