Let’s get something straight right now. If you look closely, you’ll see the word “blog” attached to this space. As such, and in particular about the Barry Bonds topic, there is zero requirement for objectivity.
Blogs are for commentary. In other words, editorializing, opinion, no holds barred.
Barry Bonds has his record 756 home runs. Clay Hensley is off the hook, and Mike Bacsik is on it. Hank Aaron showed up via video statesman-like, Bud Selig continued his role as Grinch, and Bonds was reasonably charming for a second time in less than a week. That’s an accomplishment in and of itself. Good for Barry Bonds.
Some in the media referred to the home run and the whole evening as “majestic.” Good for some in the media. They’re free to editorialize any way they choose, assuming of course, they label their words as such.
But sorry pals, they’ll be no “majestic” from this quarter. I’m saddened by the whole affair. I do believe Bonds cheated with performance enhancing drugs, I do think he has lied about it for years, and I do think he will continue to do so. I understand where guys like ex-Padres outfielder and manager Dave Roberts and Bruce Bochy, respectively, are coming from in their support of their current Giants mate; I just see it differently.
In the post-game press conference following homer number 755 in San Diego last weekend, and again after 756 Tuesday in San Francisco, Bonds spoke about the “fraternity” of baseball players he shares with “1200” individuals, and about how they must take care of each other, because no one else will.
It’s interesting that he doesn’t know the correct number, which is 750, but whatever. That’s Bonds’ way of asking his fellow professionals to hold their cards close to the vest, which they certainly are not all doing.
This issue will take its place right next to the Pete Rose Hall of Fame controversy, and will be debated with white heat intensity for quite some time. As with other longtime American cultural disputes, like abortion and gun control, people will stake their positions and stick by them, with very little possibility of coming to believe what the other side thinks.
Fine. Count me among those people. I freely admit my thinking, and I’ve put it in writing before you. Your comments are always encouraged.
— HOWARD COLE