Sports Columnists

By Patrick

April 9, 2007 8:45 PM | Link to this

Barry needs Hank to add credibility to a questionable record. Hank just continues to show his integrity by not getting drawn into the debate. Hank was a greater player but he is an even greater human being. Good for him.

By Jim

April 9, 2007 8:46 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, Hank has always come up a little short in the charisma department. But class? He’s got more in his little finger, and always has, than Barry has in his whole chemically altered body.

This is a richly deserved snub.

By Larry

April 9, 2007 8:51 PM | Link to this

Is it at all possible to get a sports story from the AJC without a race comment?

Just one?

By Mike

April 9, 2007 9:03 PM | Link to this

Good for Hank. Being a relative young fan, Hank has always been about class. More than I can say about the “All-about-me” Barry Bonds.

By jp

April 9, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this

dude i don’t understand how this is a race story? they’re both black but one of them has class and the other doesn’t. Fortunantely Atlanta got the better part of the deal

By Jack

April 9, 2007 9:14 PM | Link to this

Barrrrrrrrrrrrrry is the biggest crybaby in the Major Leagues. If it weren’t for steroids, he wouldn’t be anywhere near Hank’s record. I hope Aaron doesn’t acknowledge Bonds. I wish every pitcher would walk Bonds every time he comes to bat because Bonds doesn’t deserve to break Aaron’s record.

By Kim

April 9, 2007 9:23 PM | Link to this

Great article, Hank has always been classy, I am just old enough to remember the chase, and I for one wish Barry would just disappear, he has no right to the record!

By Nancy

April 9, 2007 9:38 PM | Link to this

There’s no comparison. Look at the totality of Henry Aaron’s performance and career, research the the era in which he exceled. All of his accomplishments and records, done with dignity and without chemicals, make him a role model in my book. Barry Bonds? Unfortunately he’s an example of another kind. Hank’s right. Why should he? He doesn’t want or need anything from BB.

By MikeT

April 9, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Hank has class. Barry does not. Any records that Barry sets should ALWAYS have an asterick beside it. I will never accept Barry’s achievements. They are tainted.

By Nokahoma

April 9, 2007 9:49 PM | Link to this

Two thumbs up to Hank - you will still be the HR champ in my book no matter what Barry does the rest of his year. As a previous poster said, I wish every pitcher and manager would walk Barry every time he came up. No greater statement could be made than that by current players and managers.

By Bob

April 9, 2007 9:50 PM | Link to this

Thank you so much Hank. You are a true hero. Your generation of sports heroes deserves the thanks it gets, not Barry’s. Sorry but Barry is a terrible role model.

By Craigs In The Fire

April 9, 2007 9:58 PM | Link to this

Barry Cheated. It’s really too bad because he still would have been such an incredible hitter without the juice. But… he made the conscience decision to cheat, and therefore I have no respect for him. You Da man Hank!

By David

April 9, 2007 9:59 PM | Link to this

Like the Philly fans so famously said“Ruth did it on hotdogs and beer, Aaron did it with class. What are you doing it with Barry?”

By Jeff

April 9, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

Hank…the only true baseball hero!

By rod

April 9, 2007 10:00 PM | Link to this

hey guys hit a ball up my tight home run..email me at roderick.bright@bellsouth.com

By J.B.

April 9, 2007 10:02 PM | Link to this

Hank Aaron is right about not wanting to dignify and legitimize a tainted player breaking a sacred record. Hank did it the right way - with class, with dignity and WITHOUT the juice! I hope Bonds gets booed when he hits 756!

By OddJob

April 9, 2007 10:03 PM | Link to this

Good for Hank!! Bonds has been a cheat and a fraud for ten years,so why should he lend his credibility to this bogus quest ?

By YO

April 9, 2007 10:07 PM | Link to this

Barry Bonds is the best hitter of this era and no one wants to give him props. He can do things others can’t do and it’s not because of steroids. It’s the people that haven’t played that don’t understand: Steroids does not help you hit the ball. He definitely has had his share of cheap HR’s, but he’s still the best overall hitter this generation has seen. I’m 30 years old and didn’t get a chance to see Mr. Aaron play, but Barry has been incredible since day 1 and I can promise you he hasn’t been on roids since day 1.

I give Mr. Aaron his props, but I think it’s time people recoginize how great Barry has been the last 20 years.

By walter

April 9, 2007 10:10 PM | Link to this

Hank Aaron is a complete class act. As a young boy at a Broadway show, I had the pleasure of looking behind me and seeing Mr. Aaron seated in the next row. During intermission I walked to him and though I’m sure I was interrupting his evening out, he graciously signed an autograph. Barry Bonds does not deserve any recognition, period. He personifies everything that is wrong with professional sports.

By Rickey

April 9, 2007 10:12 PM | Link to this

All about mysef{Barry}has no right to the record.It will forever be tainted.Hank has done so much as an ambassador and always with class.No one should attend a game that Bonds is playing in.

By kerwin

April 9, 2007 10:14 PM | Link to this

not a racist story, thanks ajc; and as one who followed the homerun race and was there the night hammerin’ hank broke the record, everyone wasn’t completely behind him either; hank doesn’t owe bonds anything though and a telegram is sufficient especially if he feels that way; but bb, if and when he breaks the record, do deserve what accolades he does receive, it’s a great feat!

By Thomas

April 9, 2007 10:15 PM | Link to this

Nice job Hank! You represent the rest of us who think Bonds is a fraud and undeserving of any accolades!

By Dan

April 9, 2007 10:16 PM | Link to this

YO,

I’m willing to fully recognize the talent that Barry Bonds is, but his chase of the home run record has been chemically enhanced for the better part of a decade now and makes a mockery of the class and dignity with which Hank Aaron went about his business.

Barry Bonds using steroids isn’t a slight against the game of baseball. The sport has glorified cheaters for years (hello Gaylord Perry), but Bonds’ steroid use is a slight against the legends who played the game the way it was meant to be played.

By Peter

April 9, 2007 10:20 PM | Link to this

Bonds is a low brow prima donna, a poor excuse for a role model and should have been banned from baseball a long time ago. Baseball needs more heros like Hank Aaron and should relegate the Barry Bonds’ of the world into the dustbin of disgrace.

By Scott

April 9, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Aaron shows no class by not showing up. I don’t buy into (mainly because im not an idiot) that he just ‘doesn’t care anymore’ or anything. The fact is, Barry was never physically caught with steroids in his body and he certainly won’t be now. Aaron proves to be a bad loser in this scenario by not showing up, validated by the lie that “If I go, people are going to say, ‘Well, he went because of this.’” Aaron, is you went we would all think you were a good person by showing up to pass on your record, when you don’t go its exactly the opposite.

By jefferson

April 9, 2007 10:21 PM | Link to this

Mr. Aaron, you are a baseball hero and a respected man. Barry Bonds is neither. Thank you Mr. Aaron for your contribution to the game of baseball and to providing many young men with hope and inspiration.

By SteveO

April 9, 2007 10:22 PM | Link to this

The biggest problem is not Bonds, it is MLB and everyone from the media to Congress who wanted to create a story so they could jump on the bandwagon. MLB could have simply altered its drug policy and enforced it. If that got Bonds, or anyone else, so be it. Instead, we now have a story of monumental proportions created by people like Moore. If they can’t catch Bonds, too bad for MLB. If the issue is cheating, throw out the record of everyone who threw a spitball or put pinetar too far up the bat. If the issue is something illegal, permanantly toss every player (and their record) who committed any crime. If the issue is “performance enhancing substances,” suspend every player who has taken a One-A-Day or Protein Powder. They are also performance enhancing substances. Baseball can, and should, draw a line with such substances and they have. It is now clear. Get caught, you are gone. However, to go back and history and moan and groan about “performance enhancing substances” is a fallacy unless one is ready to discusss everything from vitamins to protein powder to anything else that aids fitness. They are all on the same continuum. Bonds is a jerk, but MLB created this joke of an issue, aided by people like Terrence Moore who need a story.

By GK

April 9, 2007 10:23 PM | Link to this

Of course this is all about Bonds needing Aaron to legitimize his own record. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I would never throw another hitable pitch to Bonds. He should not be allowed to taint the great record of Hank Aaron. He has cheated his way to this point and all pitchers in the MLB can and should put a stop to him now.

By Braves fan 202

April 9, 2007 10:24 PM | Link to this

If barry passes aaron the bravos better when the world series. And what do you know? Terrence Moore writes about racial issues, wow, what a shocker. Can we just talk sports and move on and leave civil rights(which i am not against in any way) to the non sports news.

By Lee

April 9, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Good grief,

Terence Moore can’t make it through one column without bringing up the race card. Somehow, he turns a column about Hank Aaron not attending the game in which Bonds breaks the homerun record into a rant about “…the token progress of African-American executives in the game, and the declining number of African-American players on the field.”

That’s what, about the third time you’ve written about that in a week?

Give me a break..

By Huge fan

April 9, 2007 10:26 PM | Link to this

Anybody who thinks Barry didn’t use ‘Roids is blind. Look at his body and HEAD size from his 20’s to his 30’s. Just like Sammy. They cheated. For those guys it helped them become huge and also helped them to recover better for the next day. Hank will still be #1!!

By Scott

April 9, 2007 10:27 PM | Link to this

Aaron and Selig are making a biggggg mistake. They should show up when he breaks the record, have their pictures taken AND BE DONE WITH IT. If they do not show up, then that becomes the story and it never ends. Aaron and Selig will forever be answering the questions as to why they did not go, and they will continue to give complete BS answers. They do not want to be there b/c they dislike Bonds. End of story. But they do not want to say that. They should just go and end the story.

By Dan

April 9, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

Hank would have had 1,000 Homers if he did ‘roids like Barry. I hope Hamk stays away from 756.

By DollarDawg

April 9, 2007 10:30 PM | Link to this

The Hammer broke The Babe’s record fair and square and did it under likely the most intense pressure and scrutiny an athlete has ever performed under.

The Juiced Up Cheater has done nothing but drag down baseball’s reputation with various (questionable at best, illegal at worst)enhancements and the worst attitude most will ever witness.

Good for you Hank; don’t validate this fraud. No matter what future record books may show, Hank Aaron will be baseball’s home run champion until his numbers are surpassed legitimately.

By treylortrache

April 9, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

I agree with those above that say Hank is a class act trying to stay out of a sticky mess, but keeps getting drawn into it…Barry is the perfect icon of everything that’s wrong with the game today….and Terrance Moore is so hung up on everything hinging on black and white issues he can’t write about anything else. I hardly read his columns any more, and when I do, it’s usually just to see how many racial points are made within it….he NEVER disappoints me. It must be tough living every day with that kind of chip on his shoulder.

By SteveO

April 9, 2007 10:36 PM | Link to this

For the people talking about Moore raising the race issue, what do you expect? The AJC is a third rate newspaper that has to GIVE away subscriptions to sell ads. Third rate papers have … you guessed it… third rate talent. As I said, lazy and uninspired sportswriters can live off the steriod issue for another year or two. It takes no talent to write the same thing over and over. Similarly, any AJC columnist can always pander to the race issue in Atlanta. They have chosen to do that rather than be the true Atanta voice, and they pay for it by being a joke of a large city paper.

By TheBabe

April 9, 2007 10:39 PM | Link to this

I don’t recall reading or hearing that Hank said he would not get involved with Bonds because of his alleged steroid use. He just doesn’t want to be involved period. He is enjoying a relatively quiet life for once and wants to keep it that way. Hank enjoys his privacy. I don’t think it is all to do about Bonds alleged steriod use. Bonds probably did use steroids but he has not been proven to do so and for a time what he might have used was not illegal. I think Bond’s has been villified by the press all these years because he has not cooperated with them like Hank and others did. I’m not saying Barry doesn’t have his problems but it’s killing me, a true baseball fan to see this going down the way is.

By TheBabe

April 9, 2007 10:42 PM | Link to this

By the way, I’m sick of the race subject too. I’m sick of hearing of Jackie Robinson. It’s been crammed down my throat and I’m starting to hate it.

By Donna Outlaw

April 9, 2007 10:43 PM | Link to this

Hank will have the “real and true” Home run record until someone comes along that didn’t use illegal body-altering drugs to do it. I think there should be a separate category called “Home Run Record By One Who Was Using Performance Enhancing Drugs”. What gets me is the rejection Pete Rose got for betting on baseball after he was a player yet bonds is a current player. Rose’s actions after he was a player caused all kinds of commotion about his getting into the Hall of Fame yet Bonds will be able to claim a home run record while using performance enhancing drugs while he’s still a player and I’m sure be admitted to the Hall of Fame no matter what. Hank Aaron will be the home run king until someone does it the old-fashioned way - EARN IT HONESTLY.

By Brooklyns Finest

April 9, 2007 10:44 PM | Link to this

Nobody should celebrate Barry’s record if and when it happens. I was hoping that MB would of found a way to shut this clown down by now, or he would gracefully retire, but no such luck.

It is what it is!!!!!

Do not support this fraud

BK’s Finest

By Chris Brown

April 9, 2007 10:53 PM | Link to this

ANOTHER GREAT ARTICLE Terence Mr. Aaron is an elder statesman and a class act that owes Bonds nothing…

By Chris

April 9, 2007 11:00 PM | Link to this

Rather than this empty demonstration of recognition Sunday, where players will wear a different number and everyone will pretend Jackie Robinson fixed everything, I’d like to see baseball address some of the real issues of race in the game; namely, the lack of black leadership in the executive and managerial ranks. Let’s see the game being played in more inner city neighborhoods. Do something tangible and real, not another shallow nod to one man. Jackie Robinson would probably be the first to say “Enough!”.

By mLn

April 9, 2007 11:02 PM | Link to this

Why don’t the pitchers simply walk Barry, especially the Atlanta pitchers? The home run title should belong to Hank Aaron, not Barry Bonds.

By SteveO

April 9, 2007 11:04 PM | Link to this

Donna Outlaw - News for you. Every MLB player uses performance enhancing substances. If that is your test, stop going to games.

By Rex D

April 9, 2007 11:05 PM | Link to this

Guys:

Hank Aaron. Barry Bonds. Jackie Robinson. Bud Selig. All rolled into one. Terrence has got you going again. It only shows he knows how to pick the best topics. My take: Hank should not attend the game if he is not happy for Barry. He is a retired player. When he comes around the game, it should only be for moments that please him. The Commissioner, on the other hand, has investigated BUT not concluded that Bonds used steroids, and therefore he should attend the game since that is his job. Rex D.

By kingdavid

April 9, 2007 11:06 PM | Link to this

DANG ITS JUST A GAME , AND SO MUCH HATE , PEOPLE LIKE HANK IS THE LEADING CAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH YOUNG BLACK MALE, NO MALE ROLE MODELS . WHEN DID CLASS COME WITH BASEBALL OR CAR DEALERSHIP….SOUND KIND OF JIGG A BOO TO ME….OR WAS IT WANNA BE….

By nate

April 9, 2007 11:08 PM | Link to this

Hank Aaron doesn’t owe anybody anything for what he had to endure. Barry Bonds has not endured anything compared to Hank. I think it’s an insult to Hank. Hank Aaron was never controversial, Barry Bonds has spent his entire career in it. Barry, for once in your life, show some respect, especially to your elders. Nobody owes you anything. Do what you need to do and move on. Remember, when Hank went after Babe Ruth’s record, he had to keep his mouth shut and play ball while the so called baseball fans made racial slurs to him and all the hate mail, SICK!!! Today, Barry Bonds get’s to say whatever he wants and get away with it. People like Hank Aaron made it possible for Bonds to be the player he is today and talk the way he talks. I have nothing against Bonds breaking the record, but keep Hank out of it if he doesn’t want to be involved. since that’s his request, honor it, respect it and move on. There is too much controversy surrounding Barry Bonds right now.

By SB

April 9, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

Kudos to Mr. Aaron. He’s a class act all the way and we’re lucky to have him. To Yo: Yes, Barry is very talented but as Dale Murphy said, “He’s gone about his career the wrong way, I’m very indifferent to what he’s accomplishing. He would’ve accomplished great things in baseball without getting involved with this stuff.”

Barry can only blame himself as to why he is so disliked and that his record will have an asterisk next to it in everyone’s mind.

By jabster

April 9, 2007 11:17 PM | Link to this

Are they going to build a 756* club at the Giants ballpark (whatever they call it now)?

By Michael

April 9, 2007 11:18 PM | Link to this

Barry Bonds can’t hold Hank’s jockstrap. Period. Never has, never will. And to say that chemicals don’t aid the home runs might be true. But they certainly aid the longevity by reducing the time to recover. Hank just rubbed dirt on his injuries and sucked it up. Barry shot up.

By Mike S.

April 9, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

Barry Bonds’ chase for Hank Aaron’s record is not a chase in my mind. What Hank Aaron did to break Babe Ruth’s record was remarkable. He did it without negative publicity or performance enhancing drugs. With all the hate mail Hank Aaron got, which was not deserved at all, he did it with class and dignity. Barry Bonds is incapable of having class or dignity.

By domeOFpain

April 9, 2007 11:20 PM | Link to this

Barry Bonds - a great baseball player; no question about that.

By nick

April 9, 2007 11:29 PM | Link to this

Here’s something to remember for Barry Bonds when you compare numbers between Hank and Barry. Hank Aaron had 3,771 hits in his career. Barry Bonds has 2,841 at the start of the year. If you take away all of Hank Aaron’s home Runs for his entire career, He still has over 3,000 hits which means he’s still a hall of famer. you take away all Barry’s Home Runs, He’s barely over 2,000 hits. And Hank did all this during difficult times for Black athletes to compete. My point is, Barry, you are not in the same class with Hank Aaron for you to make such a statement. Think about that.

By Ty

April 9, 2007 11:30 PM | Link to this

This actually IS an innocent question…. Is there a statute of limitations on how long we’ll “look back” to race-related triumphs?

I, for one, sincerely appreciate the achievements of gentlemen like Jackie Robinson, Ernie Banks, and Hank Aaron and do enjoy the times we can ‘reflect’ on what great players — and class men — they were. But, I do think we can’t completely ‘move on’ until we stop dwelling on the ‘shameful past’ of prejudice in our society.

Terrence, I’m not sure you’re the right guy to review this, but I would be interested in what the ‘silent leaders’ like Hammerin’ Hank and his fellow leaders feel about this subject.

By Black baseball coach

April 9, 2007 11:31 PM | Link to this

To Chris, You’re not going to get more blacks in executive leadership or in the coaching ranks just by putting baseball into inner cities. Its going to take a reverse change in black culture. Specifically with parents. Baseball requires much more to be successful nowdays. You need time, ability to travel, and money so that kids can play tournament ball. To be elite, you have to play the elite and you won’t find that in rec or any other league. The issue with blacks in inner cities is that many kids are from single parent households where their parents are working their tails off just to keep up. They don’t have the time, money, or resources for their kids to play for teams they need to. This is one reason why the number of blacks in MLB has been decreasing over the last 2 decades.

By Ray

April 9, 2007 11:33 PM | Link to this

All this hate for what? Give the man his props Hank, and keep selling your BMWs… If any of you haters out there feel its as easy as taking steriods, try taking a dose and hitting a baseball…lol
Quick facts: At 17 - I was 145lbs,lifted 145lbs At 36 - I am 210lbs, lift 300lbs. And no I have not taken any steriods. Do people think Barry is suppose to be the same size? People seem to think that there is a corelation between steriods and hitting a baseball. Think people think!! People take energy and power enhancing chemicals everyday. Just because some hating official decided that a particular drug (after the fact) is illegal, that the greatest hitter of all time name is tarnished? America media is so screwed up! (I guess you believe IRAQ was real threat too!!) What the h*ll did Hank take? Who tested Babe Ruth? Barry still hits HRs with the little good pitches that are thrown to him. Does steroid help you do that too? He had an attitude because people have been hating on him so much, that he has to defend everything. YOu want him to smile and be normal with all this hate? This guy has heart and should be recognized. Hank get off your high horse and recognize this brother, you know what its like to perform when the whole world is against you. Or is business going too well for you?

By gregory mcfadden

April 10, 2007 10:40 AM | Link to this

Great article…..

By David Lee

April 10, 2007 10:43 AM | Link to this

Thanks, Terrence ………. a great interview with an awesomely class man ……. Hank Aaron ……. great American

By Tuscaloosa Tom

April 10, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Bonds should never be grouped with Aaron, Mays, or Mantle. These 3 plus Musial, Williams, Reggie Jackson, and countless others achieved success without steroids.

All records by Bonds should have an asterisk.

By Shaun

April 10, 2007 10:57 AM | Link to this

Please relax on Barry Bonds. He is without a doubt the greatest hitter of our generation, maybe ever. All of these cries of cheater are completely unfounded. If and when Barry took performance enhancing drugs there is no way to determine if they were banned by baseball at the time. If we want to say he’s a cheater because they are illegal now then Babe Ruth was a cheater as well and his numbers should come into question - he used a corked bat for the majority of his career. (Not to mention he played in a segregated league that didn’t allow some of the greatest players of his generation to compete against him). Also, Ken Caminiti himself admitted that more than 50% of players used steroids when he played and Barry still outhit them all. And someone please explain his extraordinary on-base percentage, patience at the plate, and hand eye coordination. Remember, Barry had 2 seasons during which he had more home runs than strikeouts. Steroids or not, he’s as good as we’ve seen.

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Everyone’s hating on the black man!! Boo f*ckin’ hoo!! I would love to see some of my fellow brothers take responsibility for their actions. Barry Bonds is a cheater. There’s no gray area here. It’s wrong to take performance enhancing drugs. He did it. There’s no white man conspiracy here. As for Mr. Hank Aaron, I hope that he stays as far away as he can from this dishonorable a-hole! Putting in an appearance with him would sully his good image and name. Besides, I’d be bothered that my record was going to be broken by a deceitful, dishonest and unscrupulous individual as Barry Bonds. You’re a cheater, Mr. Bonds. I repeat there is no conspiracy here. When will we (black people) stop blindly defending every black person, who’s broken the rules or run afoul of the law? OJ, Barry Bonds, R. Kelly and on and on…. And if they are out to get us, why do we stupidly put ourselves in the position to be arrested?

By GT80

April 10, 2007 10:58 AM | Link to this

Wow, I read the headline “Moore:Aaron Snubbing Bonds” and was ready to be p** at Terrence. My mistake. Terrence Moore, this might have been your finest article. There was no race issues, just facts with no hyperbole. Well done.

By B Ball Fan

April 10, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this

I think this is a huge mistake by Aaron. He should be at the park when Bonds break the record. It interesting how we want to make Barry guilty of taking steroids when he has never tested positive. Yes his body changed and so did a lot of other major league ball players who seem to get a free pass on the steroid issue. Bonds is one of the best players to ever play in the history of the game and because people, mainly the media wants to paint a negative picture on him because they think he used steroids, he is considered a villian by the public. Until he is found guilty, respect him for being the best player in the game and the new homerun king. I detect a little jealousy from Hank Aaron and for a man with so much class, he needs to get over it and attend the game when Barry breaks the record. For the record I am not a Barry Bonds fan but whats right is right and we live in a country where you are innocent until proven guilty. He hasnt been proven guilty of anything!

By Scott

April 10, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Nice article. For sure Hank Aaron is much classier than Bonds, but apparently lacking in charisma and personality. If he wanted to do so much for Blacks in the world of sports and otherwise, why didn’t he find a better platform to do it? I mean, he didn’t even win people over before he started decrying the state of African Americans in the majors. Everytime he opened his mouth it was to complain about the status of his race in sports. He did not fulfill this role very well and I guess he has to live with that, but there was no balance to his comments….always complaining. Think these young black guys in the majors are complaining or thanking him as they cash their multi-million dollar checks? No way!! Pro sports wants WINNERS and they come in all colors-period. Race is secondary. But after the record goes to the Cheater, Aaron’s only legacy will be that he complained the entire time after his retirement. He will be forgotten and Bonds will never be remembered becaise the record will no longer mean much.

By ron

April 10, 2007 11:10 AM | Link to this

Henry Aaron was a class act.I doubt the word steroid ever entered his mind.It seems a shame that he would be bested by a man with a dark cloud hanging over his head.Through it all Henry Aaron was and is a class act.

By Old Man Hank

April 10, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

Hnak is a bitter old man who does not want his record broken. He and other old timers have made it clear they do not like these young, possibly juiced up players breaking their records. The homerun record is the one thing that people will remember about Hank. Nobody remembers second place. Get over it Hank, your time in the limelight is about to END.

GO BARRY!!!!

By lightninlee

April 10, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

The Hammer(Henry Aaron) is a very fine gentleman! Mr. B.Bonds on the other hand, is a narcissist,cheater,and a fraud!

By Steve

April 10, 2007 11:15 AM | Link to this

As a little leaguer, Hank was one of my heroes..and still is to this day. He is a man of grace and integrity. His homerun record has integrity, it was hard earned through honest effort. Barry is a little man compared to this giant. Hank shouldn’t give that cheater the time of day (although Hank is so nice, he probably will in the end).

By roid user

April 10, 2007 11:17 AM | Link to this

Yo,

so what you’re saying is, if Barry Bonds did not “juice” he’d still be a “great” player? I agree. he’d be Mike Schmidt, Roberto Clemente, Mickey Mantle, Tony Gwynn, maybe even Willie Mays. he’d be a first ballot Hall of Famer without an asterisk next to his name. the problem is, he (most likely) did use steroids (banned or not), so any records are tainted. I also agree that steroids cannot make a average player “good” but they most certainly can make a good player “great” and a “great player” greater. steroids don’t help players “hit” a baseball, they most certainly help players hit a baseball harder and further (or is it farther?). more importantly, they enable players like Bonds to get more at bats (later in his career). Barry’s “growth spurt” came at a time when most veteran players begin to “slow down” (after age 35). I don’t believe any knowledgable baseball fan would disagree that Bonds was perhaps the best player of his generation, but anything he accomplished after 2000 should be viewed with skepticism.

By Ivy

April 10, 2007 11:22 AM | Link to this

If Mr. Aaron was younger I would think he was a hater. But at his age, I just chalk it up to a generational distance. Neither person owes the other anything but it goes to show you what happens to folks after reaching certain heights —— everyone gets a chip on their shoulder!

By Ellis

April 10, 2007 11:26 AM | Link to this

Henry Aaron is a class act. Atlanta would have done well to name the stadium Hank Aaron Field and put it on “17 Turner Drive.” It would have upset all the right people.

As for Bonds, he’s not a Hall-of-Fame player, but rather a Hall-of-Fame* player. We will never know what he could have done without the juice. Even before he got bulky, he had HOF’er skills, but I think that without the fast healing that he steroids provided, he would not have had so many years to pump up his numbers. He’s a rather pathetic, petulent figure. The Giants will be better off without him. It’s time for baseball to move on.

By Cory

April 10, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this

Barry is upset b/c he knows that Hank really knows the truth…Barry cheated his way to where he is today. Hank is to classy to validate a cheater!!!!

By Zoldars

April 10, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

You know what? Players used whatever they had at their disposal throughout the years to improve on their game. Performance enhancers. Thats what it has always been. Spit on a baseball to roids in yer veins. Regardless of what players have used, they have used all resources available to them to accomplish their goals. And you know what? Barry is a bad a*. Yeah, he used roids, but i bet he isnt right now. And that man is in some incredible shape. And to the person who mentioned all the extra hits that aaron had- what about all the walks barry has? Just as good as a single really. Didnt he set the record for walks in a year? Steve-o’s comments have been right on this whole blog. Good job sir. Also, terrence, time for a new article topic. Who cares about any of this crap. If it werent for the internet, I doubt you would even be aware that someone reads your work. Lame. All of it. The AJC needs to tighten up. MIserable reporting. Miserable writing. Miserable diatribes. Look at all this time i wasted. Sheesh.

By Dwayne

April 10, 2007 11:33 AM | Link to this

This is just another situation where Aaron shows how low class he is. He has always been so selfish and this is just another time where since he will no longer be the big fish, he isn’t happy. Henry “no class” Aaron strikes again.

By j

April 10, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this

Ray for many it may be about hate. For some of us it is about integrity. Please don’t fool your self believing that taking performance enhancing substances do not help a player be a better player if you believe that then you live in a fairy tail world. As for being 145lbs at 17 and 210bs at 36 becuse you just worked out good for you but take off the rose colored glasses and watch the developement of Barry over the years and tell how much bigger is your head now at age 36? Did BB take steriods? At this point only he and his trainer knows. My quess is yes and with that cloud hanging over his head many people will see it as disgracing the record. As for Mr Aaron he can do as he pleases he owes nothing. It sounds to me that you must have a issue with him. So the man makes a living selling BMW’s is there something wrong with that? You go ahead and enjoy BB breaking the record but let others observe it the way they choose!

By bigzz

April 10, 2007 11:41 AM | Link to this

I definitely agree with Ray. If your a true baseball fan and actually know what it takes to be successful at the sport, then you know that steroids does not help you hit a baseball. I know the Barry Bonds is not the the most personable person in the world but please give respect where respect is due. BB is a helluva baseball player and a legend. I know Hank Aaron is a hero to most of you ATLiens, and very well should be, but I believe if one has a record of this magnitude and does not show up to see it broken, that would be very shameful to himself and to the sport of baseball. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out why he doesn’t want to be a part of it. Again folks, there hasn’t been any concrete proof that he took steroids, maybe he did, but no proof. Lets just appreciate what we are witnessing and get on with our lives. When Barry breaks the record, A-Rod will probably be next in line to break it so BB won’t hold it for long. So don’t hate, appreciate. Another thing, why are so many people bent out of shape with what T-Moore writes? Its crazy to me read about Moore is a racist and the only thing he talks about is race issues. I don’t know Mr. Moore personally and neither do most of you, so I am not going to judge him in that way. But from what I have read in his articles, he seems to know what he is talking about and if he wants to add something about race relations in this world, so be it. Its still revelant in todays society, in case you’ve been hiding under a rock all of your life. You can also keep it real simple, and just don’t read is articles. Bye

By Kat

April 10, 2007 11:49 AM | Link to this

Sorry Larry…JP…but it’s hard to tell a story about a prominent 72 year old African-American in this country without bringing race into it somehow. Hank Aaron was a hero of the Civil Rights era, and Barry Bonds has, in the past, compared his own “struggle” as a black man’s to Aaron’s. As if there aren’t 300 better reasons to hate Barry than because he’s black—not to mention that times have changed a good bit since the 50’s for God’s sake. I’ve always found it very presumptuous and offensive when Bonds has compared himself to Hank Aaron in ANY way.

Barry’s a whiny poseur on every level—on Sportscenter last night he was all lying and saying “Oh, I don’t care if Hank Aaron’s there—why should I care…?” Whatever.

Anybody else happy that Terence Moore is a Braves fan again this season??

By will c

April 10, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

Barry doesn’t need Hank to bring credibility to the home run record. Barry is the MAN, all you HATERS can kiss his fanny. BARRY BONDS is the best Player in BASEBALL. Period

By MOT

April 10, 2007 11:52 AM | Link to this

There should be two categories for most HRs hit:

Natural and Steroidal

Does steroids help hit the ball? No, but once that contact is made they sure to make sure it is over the fence!!!! Hank will hold the record no matter what old Mr. BB does!!!

By AL

April 10, 2007 11:56 AM | Link to this

Is it just me or does Aaron sound like an older Bonds? Class? Please. They’re both selfish, and don’t understand what it is to be humble and give back for the greater good (fans, the game, children, etc). Bonds gets a bad rap because he’s so private - doesn’t want to talk to the media, sign baseballs,etc. Well, Aaron is acting the same way in his golden years. Whether or not Aaron shows up is neither a statement for or against the legitimacy of the record.

By jason

April 10, 2007 11:57 AM | Link to this

I don`t think the Maris family were all that happy being dragged around for Mark Mcgwire to break the record. Were they truly happy when he broke it or were they happy they were finally going home. They probably weren`t pleased to see later that he blundered the testimony at Capitol Hill.

Bonds has been disgruntled toward everything and everybody. Hes fought team members and coaches time and again. Sure he can hit the homers. The stadiums are shorter, pitching isnt as good. We can only dream what Mr. Aaron would have done in Colorado. Mr. Aaron played in a very racially charged era and Bonds pretty much compared himself to that. Selig should go to Barrys breaker. Hank shouldnt have to. I don`t think he should be dragged like the Maris family were waiting for it to happen.

By j

April 10, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Again how can you appreciate if there is no ingegrity? To say that there is no concrete proof then having a punkin head is normal? For those people that that does not bother them, I hope I never have the displeasure of meeting you!

By TomCat

April 10, 2007 11:59 AM | Link to this

Henry Aaron will always be the greatest home run hitter and all around player I will ever remember. I still have cassette tapes I recorded live of his 714th and 715th home runs. It still gives me chills to listen to them today. He truly broke the race barriers of the Old South. Barry Bonds makes me sick, riding on the strong backs of Aaron and Mays and Banks on his pharmaceutical high!

By George

April 10, 2007 12:03 PM | Link to this

Barry Bonds may break the record but in the minds of most true baseball fans Henry Arron will still be the legitimate home run king. Mr. Bonds should retire now.

By JOE COUNTS

April 10, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

SEEMS TO ME AARON IS AS LOW CLASS AS HE HAS EVER BEEN. HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN LIKE THIS. HANK SHOULD BE THERE WHEN BARRY BREAKS HIS RECORD TO SHOW IS RESPECT FOR BARRY AND THE GAME OF BASEBALL. BUT THEN I’M NOT SURE HE EVER HAD RESPECT FOR THE GAME AT ALL

By JOE COUNTS

April 10, 2007 12:08 PM | Link to this

SEEMS TO ME AARON IS AS LOW CLASS AS HE HAS EVER BEEN. HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN LIKE THIS. HANK SHOULD BE THERE WHEN BARRY BREAKS HIS RECORD TO SHOW IS RESPECT FOR BARRY AND THE GAME OF BASEBALL. BUT THEN I’M NOT SURE HE EVER HAD RESPECT FOR THE GAME AT ALL

By Johnny Evans

April 10, 2007 12:15 PM | Link to this

Congrats to you Hank==i stand behind you 1000% ref Barry Bonds==To me he is a sore spot to baseball= Wondering if the Feds are waiting until he hits the recorder breaker=to release there findings= Johnny L.Evans PS Mt. Aaron=you owe bonds nothing

By bclontz

April 10, 2007 12:19 PM | Link to this

Hank Aaron doesn’t owe anyone anything! He is the greatest homerun hitter of all times! If what’s his name “Bones or something like that” does hit more Steroid Homers, he still won’t be in the same league with Hammering Hank! Hank Aaron grew up when playing meant playing, and overcame things that we shouldn’t have to overcome. He got his the right way, “He earned it”. Just like Jackie Robinson did it! The San Francisco Giants should have reeled him in a long time ago, and the fans should have admitted it to themselves, this guy is a steroid junkie with an ego almost as big as his head. I will never acknowlege him as the home run leader, and wouldn’t buy a two dollar ticket for a front row seat to see him play. Hank Aaron is the unblimished Home Run King…..As a proud angelo saxon male proud to hail from the Great State of Georgia I firmly beleive that there should be an * next to this record……Hall of Fame ? Don’t get me started on that !!!!!

By Joe

April 10, 2007 12:21 PM | Link to this

Great Article, Terrance. No question, Mr. Aaron is a classy, inteligent represenative of the human race. He’s what we should all strive to be.

By James

April 10, 2007 12:25 PM | Link to this

Mr. Aaron has every right and is correct to keep his distance from Bonds. Aaron is and has always been a class act.

I was 9 years old when my dad called me in from the porch to watch the record breaking swing. We were all filled with so much pride for Mr. Aaron and his accomplishment. 33 years later I’m sadden that such an accomplishment is being sullied by such a character.

By Jim P.

April 10, 2007 12:27 PM | Link to this

With all the enhancement drugs running through Barry Bonds’ body, and his cry-baby attitude, Even when he passes Hank’s record, to me it will not count. As far as I can see, Hank used his own talent without the use of performance enhancing drugs to beat Babe Ruth’s record. Bonds record will always be tainted. I kind of wish he would get a season ending injury and leave him just shy of a great man pure accomplishment.

By Doug in Tucson

April 10, 2007 12:30 PM | Link to this

Like many of my fellow Braves Fans I grew up following Hank Aaron in Milwaukee.Hank never did anything on or off the field to tarnish his image or did he ever snub the media or worse yet those who rooted for him. At 58 years of age I would reach out my hand to “Mr. Aaron”….I just don’t feel any connection to Bonds and he is the one who has made many baseball fans feel the same.

By theman

April 10, 2007 12:32 PM | Link to this

Unfortunately, I have to somewhat agree with Al. I am an African American that has grown up and lived in the metro Atl. all of my life and has pretty much held Hank in great admiration but, I just can’t seem to remember him ever reaching out to the public, quite similar to Barry Bonds but just not as arrogant. So, I am not surprised at his response to Barry Bonds “JUST DISSAPPOINTED”. I see it as One Selfish persons dealing with another selfish person the outcome is never good. Kinda like that old crab in a barrell concept you know? One will always try to hold back the other. Hey, Barry and Hank there is enough love to go around for the both of you. Hank, you need to stop hating and be a bigger and better man than Bud Selig.

By Terry Krugman

April 10, 2007 12:34 PM | Link to this

It was good to read that Aaron still honors Jackie Robinson, perhaps the finest American athlete ever and a remarkable person outside of baseball (he was invovled in civil rights and securing financial help for the indigent in New York). Steroids may not improve hand-eye coordination, but they do augment bat speed, which certainly helps in the home run department.

By Gave Up

April 10, 2007 12:38 PM | Link to this

Ummm, people actually still care about professional baseball?

By Ally

April 10, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Barry Bonds needs to get over himself. Hank Aaron is an icon and even if Barry Bonds surpasses him in numbers, he will never do so in integrity. When Barry Bonds matches him in that, then he should pay Mr. Aaron a visit..Get a life Barry..

By bb

April 10, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Why does everyone think Hank Aaron wasn’t doing steroids back in the 70’s. Steroids were rampant in pro sports back in the 70’s, they just weren’t testing for them like they are these days.

By A real baseball fan

April 10, 2007 12:39 PM | Link to this

Its obvious by reading this article that the younger fans who praise Bonds and put down Aaron do not know the history of this game. Growing up i was a huge Aaron fan and still am to this day. I have been fortunate to meet him several times and he is allways gracious. I was also a fan of Bonds, he was a 5 tool player and a super star. Unfortunetally for Bonds he does not have the class of the Hammer. Hank grew up in a time when blacks were not readily accepted. The tons of hate mail he received during his home run chase is a black eye on this country. Yet he never once complained publicly. I hear Bonds complain if his toenail clippers are missing. Bonds is a great player but he fails in comparison to the great Hank Aaron in class and competitveness.

By Patrick O'Donohue

April 10, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

Great column Mr. Moore! If baseball writers like you continue to give props and write about the positives all the great players that gave so much of their lives to the game then maybe Bonds will come to realize his cheating accomplishments are relatively meaningless. Bonds may break the record (hopefully not) but it will be always tainted and his long lasting contribution to the game is nothing but being the poster child for the petulant and pampered athlete propped up by body altering chemicals, he is nothing less in my view.

By will c

April 10, 2007 12:44 PM | Link to this

MOT, Why not put an asteric behind all the baseball records prior to Jackie Robinson entering the major leagues. I’m sure the talent level was no where near the talent level of today considering no African-Americans or Latinos played baseball when Marist, Cobb, or Babe Ruth played.

King JEC IV, Shame on you. How can you put Barry Bonds in the same category as R.Kelly and O.J. Barry Bonds has not molested or killed anyone. He plays baseball and he has not been convicted of anything. Get your facts right before you start HATING on Barry Bonds.

BARRY BONDS is the best Player of his generation. Period

By Sue

April 10, 2007 12:53 PM | Link to this

Back to the story….Hank is right, Barry can come to him…he has earned the right to be respected and Barry is still trying. Barry should dedicate his season to Robinson and Aaron, those that made it possible….oh yeah, I guess he needs to dedicate it to HGH or his drug of choice. Don’t get me wrong. He still is a great athlete, gut his ego got to much of that HGA….and he lost respect for his elders. Hammering Hank will ALWAYS be the homerun king in Atlanta.

By Jim P.

April 10, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this

Oh MY GOD!!!!! Who in the heck can say that Barry is the best player of his Generation? Barry is very talented, but the best player of his generation? Give me a break!!! I can name 5 players that are just as talented, that have not embarrased his team, the game of baseball, or his family. Being talented is not a qualification to being the best. Holding records is only one qualification on being the best. Barry bonds will never be the best of his generation. He is a drug using, ego maniac that does not deserve to be in the same room as Hank, let alone break or share Hanks record. Mr. King JEC IV, get your facts straight before your start kiss the tail if an idiot like Barry Bonds.

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 1:06 PM | Link to this

Barry Bonds broke the rules and is a cheater. He shouldn’t be getting our support. What does that teach children? Cheaters do prosper?! You are welcome to continue to defend the cheater if you like. Not killing or molesting someone doesn’t exclude him from the list of individuals who should be shunned and scorned by the black community. There are plenty other brothers who deserve our support.

By Mike

April 10, 2007 1:09 PM | Link to this

Barry Bond’s 756th homer brought to you by HGH.

Henry Aaron is a role model. Barry Bonds is a waste of enormous God given talent.

HGH doesn’t help you hit a curve ball, but it does turn a warning track fly ball in to a home run and it helps him to overcome the injuries faster.

How many would #44 have hit with HGH, and the creme, and every other chemical advantage Bonds has brought to bear?

By GaDawg53

April 10, 2007 1:10 PM | Link to this

I can’t say I was ever a big Aaron fan because I wasn’t a Brave fan back in the day. But I can say Hank has always been a classy guy, as for as I know he has never been in any kind of negative news, he didn’t blow up like a balloon during his later years chasing the HR record. As I read more and hear more about Hank, I am becoming more of a fan of his now than I ever was during his playing days. A class guy who has all my respect.

By ThaMan

April 10, 2007 1:13 PM | Link to this

The Babe didn’t show up for Hammerin’ Hank when he broke the record. Just because he was dead is no excuse. And “YO” - you’re and idiot if you don’t think roids aided Bonds. His shoe size went fron 10.5 to a 13.5 after he was grown up and already in the league for a few years.

By Ally

April 10, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Dear King JEC IV- Take your meds..you’re way off dude

By polyman

April 10, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this

Bonds is a cheater. We all know it, BLB knows it, and HE knows it. He did in fact have the talent to possibly break Hank’s record without cheating. However, his selfishness would not let him do so. He is one of the best examples of what is wrong with ALL pro sports….too many self-absorbed narcisistic athletes. He may end up owning the record, but in my book there will always be an asterisk next to his home run total.

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 1:19 PM | Link to this

Second, I love how you’re jumping on me for not blindly defending Barry Bonds. Just because he’s black doesn’t mean we should take up his cause, people! Get a grip, people!

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Jim, I didn’t call Barry Bonds the greatest player of his generation. I stated that he was a cheater.

By bobby

April 10, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

Look at Hank’s stats, he was more than just the home run champ. People always think that steroids does not make you hit the ball. Steroids make you faster. Look at Ben Johnson the sprinter in the Olympics. Taking a saying from boxing. “speed equals power”. The faster you hit the ball the farther it will go. Steroids gives you more power and more speed. Anyone saying the Aaron used steroids must be young and can’t respect the truth. Why is Barry’s body in worse shape than Aaron’s. Hank is 72 years old. I wonder what condition Barry will be in at 72. The reason I feel so strong about this as Aaron has not gotten his due as he still is overshadowed by Ruth. Ruth has been made a god and now you have this “cheater” becoming the new HR king and Aaron will just get lost between the god and the juicer.

By bigzz

April 10, 2007 1:21 PM | Link to this

I agree with what bb wrote, steroids have been around for decades, so how do we truely know if Hammerin Hank didn’t take any performance enhancers. I’m not saying he did, but how do we truely know. Its pretty sad to think about because most of us have had sports heroes that we looked up to growing up and we will never know if they accomplished all that they have without something “extra”. So lets all cool out and just watch history being made. One more thing, and I may be a little cynical, but unless you know Mr.Aaron personally, HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT KIND OF MAN HE HIS, YOU REALLY DON’T KNOW. HOW DO YOU KNOW WHAT KIND OF MAN BARRY BONDS IS? YOU REALLY DON’T KNOW UNLESS YOU LIVE WITH THEM DAY TO DAY. I BET BARRYS KIDS THINK HES THE GREATEST PERSON THERE IS, BUT YA’LL DON’T THINK ABOUT THAT BECAUSE BUSY POUTING BECAUSE HE DOESN’T TALK TO THE MEDIA OR HAND OUT AUTOGRAPHS OR THAT YOU THINK HE HAS A BIG HEAD LITERALLY AND FIGURALLY. ANYWAYS, JUST SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE WE CLAIM OUR SPORTS HEROES AS SAINTS.

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Ally: I must be off my meds to state that Bonds is a cheater?! Wow. I wonder what you think is right and wrong. Bonds and the rest of the performance enhancing drug takers are ruining the integrity of sports. I’d like to think that the records broken or achieved are done naturally.

By PoDiddy

April 10, 2007 1:24 PM | Link to this

Neither one of them has any class. Both of them are stuck up a*****.

By Dee

April 10, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this

This is really an attempt my A-Hole Terance Moore to pit one great player against another great player, whom both happen to be black. If Terence Moore had the chance to sale black folks into slavery, he would have. YOU BIG DUMMY!!!!

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 10, 2007 1:28 PM | Link to this

This is very embarrassing. Two of the greatest Black athletes ever at odds over an accomplishment both should be proud of. In my humble opinion, Mr. Aaron needs to get a grip. As bad as it was for him to pursue Ruth with “death threats” etc… I believe what has happened to Bonds is far worse. No one has proven anything against Bonds. Proving it is really simple. Do a drug test use a hair follicle. Extract one from a part of his body that hasn’t been shaved in quite some time or ever and test it. Hair follicles don’t lie. I have a masters in pharmacology, and I know of no substance that can be applied to the body and adsorbed into your system that produces super human strength (let alone eye / hand coordination). People scoff at his growth over the past 22 yrs. What a joke? Bodybuilding is supposed to change your body composition, that’s why you do it. It’s not like these changes took place overnight. Regardless, the assault on Bonds has been unprecidented. Did Hank or anyone else notice how much the media harped on Bonds closing in on “Ruth’s” record? Ruth doesn’t have a HR record, Aaron does. The media in SF who started this crap hates Bonds because of his “surliness” over the years and didn’t want this “uppity NBomb” to besmirch their hallowed record books. If McGuire hadn’t made a fool of himself in front of Congress and it was he in pursuit of Aaron, I’d bet my house that the public / media reaction would be different. Let’s call the attack on Bonds exactly what it is, a good ole fashioned “PICNIC”. If this flew over your heads, research the words original meaning. It will prove enlightening. Last, but certainly not least, what exactly are performance enhancing drugs. As a licensed pharmacologist, I’ll offer this definition. Any drug or herbal extract that is introduced to the body to alter any existing condition or prevent injury. Also, any substance that allows you to perform an act that you wouldn’t be able to without it. With that in mind friends, plain old “BEN GAY” is a performance enhancer. Motrin, Advil, or Bret Favre’s favorite Vicodin, are performance enhancing drugs. Without them you can’t perform as well if at all when you’re hurt. So give all this BS a rest already or add the contents of the National Formulary or United States Pharmacopeia to the list of performance enhancing drugs. By the way transferring of a controlled substance to another person it wasn’t prescribed for is against federal law, can anyone out their explain why Brett Favre wasn’t locked up in jail? Just a question….

By A real baseball fan

April 10, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this

Will C,

I think you meant Maris as in Roger Maris, well he played with and MVP named Elston Howard and guess what he was black. What made Ruth’s record impressive the year he hit 60 was that he had more home runs than all the Amercian Leauge teams combined. Granted if Josh Gibson played he might not hold that record. Bonds isnt even close to the greatest of this period. You ever heard of Cal Ripken or Tony Gwynn?

By braves fan

April 10, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

reaction time. it’s what tells you how long you have to respond, in this instance, to a pitched ball. how do we react? by putting our muscles in motion. a stronger muscle will react a little faster than a normal one but it’s after the reaction the difference is made, the stronger muscle will get to the point faster and stronger than the normal and if you don’t think that will make a difference in hitting a baseball then your simply on here to kiss barry bonds a* simply because your a san Fransisco fan, you identify with him because your black, or any number of other reasons you could make up. The fact remains he cheated, he admitted it and if he thinks for a second that all of America is dumb enough to believe he didn’t know or couldn’t feel that ‘the cream’ or ‘the clear’ was anything but flax seed oil the you are a bigger fool than he is. He is not the greatest hitter of this generation, that would be Tony Gwynn, and he damn sure ain’t the greatest player of all time as some of you would have us believe, I don’t know that one player in particular can be given that title with so many different facets of the game, I just know he isn’t in the top 10. I met Henry Aaron once, outside of any personal appearence gig, and the man was as gracious as any man i’ve ever met,he is a a credit to humanity and he is a class act and he has represented Atlanta and baseball well and it will be a shame to lose him from that spot.

By taco slammer

April 10, 2007 1:36 PM | Link to this

Hank Aaron > Barry Bonds. He always will be.

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 10, 2007 1:40 PM | Link to this

Those 2 idiots from the SF media should be in jail for leaking grand jury testimony and not providing their sources when ordered to do so. However, they’ve achieved their goal by ruining Bonds. They’ve even turned Blacks against him. The only difference between players of yesteryear and those of today is media presence. They gambled, cheated, shaved pts. or runs, used amphetamines, marked the ball, used spit, pine tar etc… Not to mention denied Blacks the opportunity to play in the majors. So do we throw out all the record before Jackie Robinson. Using your logic, yes. If Josh Gibson, would’ve been allowed to play in the majors, this discussion would be a moot point. What is everyone going to say when A-Rod breaks Bonds’ record???

By Bonds

April 10, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this

The # will not make a difference in the legacy for Aaron. People still well recall 714 and 61. Though no fan of Bonds, he has only been proved guilty in the court of public opinion. Also, even if he was juiced during his incredible run - There was no policy in place that made it against the rules to do so. The bigger factor is the bandbox ball parks and absolutely dreadful pitching he faced. Take a look at the immortals on Bonds hit list. The man is a 6 time MVP - how can he not be considered the best player of his generation? With that said, 1 knee injury or oblique strain and this all becomes moot. Aaron not getting his due? He was a 1st ballot hall of famer and has an award named after him. What’s left?

By so what

April 10, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this

masters of pharmacology, does that mean you make better dope than everybody else. typical a wanna be doctor tryin to tell everybody what their opinion ought to be.

By roid user

April 10, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this

Jim P,

I’m no Bonds supporter, but from 1986 -1996 there was not a better player in MLB (OK, maybe 1990-1996). I’d like to hear your “five better”. Cal Ripken, Jr? Kirby Puckett? Wade Boggs? Tony Gwynn? They were both “first ballot” guys (and all very good “hitters” but none had Bonds’s combination of hitting for average, power and speed (and none was walked like Bonds is/was walked). As I said, I think he juiced, and his post-2000 “accomplishments” should be viewed with skepticism, but he was a regular 30-30 guy (HR-SB). He was to “offense” what Maddux and Clemens* (I think he juiced as well) were to pitching and defense. For the record, A-Rod, Jeter, Andruw Jones, Chipper Jones, Pujlos, are not from Barry’s “generation”.

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 1:51 PM | Link to this

I don’t know what bodybuilding you are making reference to in the defense of Mr. Bonds. Bonds went from being the size of Kenny Lofton to his current state. No amount of weight-lifting is going to change your body size that much. Are you blind or just plain naive? If you don’t believe me, look at a picture of him at the beginning of his career. Then look at a picture of him now. And once again, you bring up race in his defense. They’re just picking on a brotha. It doesn’t matter to me the race. Bonds, McGwire, Conseco, Palmiero are all cheaters. No one’s out to lynch Bonds. I’m tired of brothas being in the wrong and then hollering racism when they get caught. If you know “they” are out to get you, why give them ammunition? You can’t afford to take a shortcut. You have to do everything by the book. As for Brett Favre, Favre wasn’t arrested. You’re right. However, neither has Mr. Bonds. Favre had a problem and admitted to it. Bonds hasn’t admitted to circumventing the rules. He chooses to continue this charade.

By Sscott

April 10, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

When Hank Aaron broke the record there was a great deal of controversy. And not just over his race. Eddie Mathews, the manager at the time, was going to hold Aaron out of the lineup throught the first series in Cincinnati. Bowie Kuhn, the commissioner, mandated that Aaron play at least two games in Cincy. Of course, he tied the record in the first game. Later, when the Braves were hosting the Dodgers, Kuhn didn’t even bother to show up in Atlanta. I remember Milo Hamilton’s rant on the air about how the commissioner couldn’t even come to the game. I’m afraid that I have to agree that Hammerin’ Hank should at least show up at the stadium IF Bonds gets that far (which I don’t believe he will). He doesn’t have to get involved in any controversy or theatrics, he doesn’t even have to talk to Bonds, but he should continue his class act all the way. And yes, Bonds is the best hitter of this generation. He could have been on the list of the greatest of all time, but he chose, willingly, to be a jerk, and he doesn’t care that he’s a jerk, and he doesn’t care about anyone or anything except Barry Bonds. That’s why we don’t want to see him break the record, bigzz, he’s a jerk.

By Keeping it real

April 10, 2007 1:52 PM | Link to this

Hank forgive. don’t do bond like they did you. you can still stand for right even if Bond did wrong!

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 10, 2007 1:56 PM | Link to this

Dear Braves Fan, Reaction Time is dictated not by muscle strength or size, it’s dictated by muscle type. Fast twitch and slow twitch muscle fibers will aid in your ability to react. However, your ability to hit a baseball is based your ablility to first recognize, then locate the pitch. It’s a thinking process which steroids hinder not help. Check the studies. Even the pro baseball players will tell you that eye / hand coordination is the key to hitting. You have to put your bat on the ball. If that weren’t the case, you would’ve seen bodybuilders flocking to the major leagues years ago (there’s more money and if that’s all you had to to to be successful, that’s easy). Mr. Aaron is stooping to the level of those before him by no acknowledgement. However, that’s between him and GOD. For those who may ask, I don’t really like Bonds, the person, but I don’t judge him because I haven’t lived his life. I don’t know why he’s curt with the media and boisterous fans. Perhaps growing up around the hyprocritic baseball media and their treatment of his father and godfather( his idols) made a lasting impression. If so, they’ve proven him right after all…

By crass realist

April 10, 2007 1:57 PM | Link to this

Oh, brother. Here we go again with race. As a native Atlantan, I saw Hank Aaron navigate the unsteady waters of racial unrest with a coolness and class that is non-existent today. He quietly went about his business and let his actions speak for him.

Whatever happened to respect?

By G-Man

April 10, 2007 1:58 PM | Link to this

It is trully amazing how much disdain the majority of these post have towards Barry. The fact that he will not hesitate to tell you to kiss where the sun does not shine appears to be very painful to blond, blue eyed protestant ango-saxons. “Get over your self.

By crass realist

April 10, 2007 1:59 PM | Link to this

I also agree (this time) with Terrence. Aaron owes Bonds nothing, especially since Bonds’ record will be tainted.

A great athlete, a bad person.

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 10, 2007 2:02 PM | Link to this

Hey So What, Im’ not a wanna be doctor, I am a physician licensed in 7 states. I also have a degree in pharmacology. I found that if I were going to be prescribing medicinals, it would be advisable to know something about what I was prescribing. It’s better for my patients. I’m sorry that your doctor didn’t have the same inclination prior to treating you. One more, just for you. “It is better to remain quiet and allow everyone THINK you’re a FOOL, than to open your mouth and remove ALL doubt”. Have a nice day and think before you speak (type)…

By will c

April 10, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this

King JEC IV, We don’t need you to defend Barry Bonds, I WILL do it myself. Be careful who you call a cheater, I’m sure you’re not completely honest in all you dealing. Have you ever cheated on your income taxes? Or Wife? etc., Think about that before you answer.

The media is just upset because Barry Bonds doesn’t cater to them. He’s a stand up BROTHA who doesn’t bow down to them and kiss their butt. So the media has to bring this uppity BROTHA down a notch or two.

A real baseball fan, okay I misspelled his name, so what you English teacher. Maris played against 1 black man. Wow, That’s incredible. I wonder how many Major League Baseball discriminated against?

Cal Ripken or Tony Gwynn were good players. But Barry Bonds still beats both of them hands down as the best player of his generation. Barry hits for a better average, won more MVP’s, more home runs, RBI’s, compare them heads up and you will see, BARRY BONDS is the MAN.

BARRY BONDS is the best Player of his generation. Period. All you HATERS can kiss his butt.

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this

My issue with him isn’t his race or how he handles the media. It’s how he has cheated himself, the fans and the game itself.

By Cletus Snow

April 10, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

Hank Aaron owes nothing to Bonds,Hank Got his without the assistance of steroids, no matter what the outcome Hank Aaron will always be the home run king and Bonds will always be a crybaby.

By How Telling

April 10, 2007 2:11 PM | Link to this

How telling it is that every “I hate Bonds” post that mentions other major leaguers that cheated, never mentioned Mark McGwire. The man who was cheered to the single season HR record by these same posters that spit so much venom Bonds’ way. Man, I’d love to see how many of you would actually sanction a national holiday in McGwire’s honor if his body would no have been broken down by his long-term use of steriods. Bonds has never tested positive for steroids…end of story. Google the effects of steroids on a body and you will see that increased muscle mass, severe adult acne and injuries lead the list. All signs shown by the great McGwire. How telling it is!!!!

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 2:13 PM | Link to this

I’m completely honest in my dealings. I don’t cheat on my taxes. If I had a wife, I wouldn’t cheat on her. Bonds doesn’t cater to the media. You’re right about that. He should be willing to answer the media’s questions. It comes with the territory of being a pro athlete. You can always refuse to answer any question. To just refuse to talk to them is going to bring trouble your way. The steroids thing has more to do with his actions than anything else.

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 2:15 PM | Link to this

McGwire cheated too! I didn’t exclude him!! Try again!!!

By bonds

April 10, 2007 2:16 PM | Link to this

This race war is odd …. Aren’t both of these guys the same race?

McGwire comment - Didn’t we just see during HOF voting that he has not been alllowed to slide by because he was white dude?

Gwynn - Not a good player - GREAT

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 10, 2007 2:18 PM | Link to this

Mr. King JEC IV, First off, don’t belittle me by referring to me as brotha or anything of that nature. Facts are facts and can’t be refuted. If you haven’t studied the effects of drugs on the human body then you’re speaking out of turn. You don’t have the knowledge because you’d rather remain ignorant and throw bricks from behind bushes. Someone’s hat size is your evidence. Let me blow that one out of the water real quick. Weight gain is proven to increase the size of your head. What else do you have? There must be something. Your demeaning a 22 year career, a beautiful body of work never witnessed before, you’ve got to have something more, please! By the way, Favre admitted it because he got caught. He had a seizure in front of a nursing station during a hospital visit. An ESPN reporter was present and discovered the reason behind the seizure and contacted him as a courtesy. Favre was told that if he didn’t disclose freely, the individual would go forward with the story. Thus, his press conference about his addiction…

By so what

April 10, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

Straight$$$$Homie I got news for you jethro ,the simple fact that i don’t bow down and let you tell me how my opinion should be simply because you think your some hotshot with a bunch of terminology think is far from the definition of a fool, the fact that you think you clever little UN-original saying would make that a fact would qualify you for that distinction.

By kriddi

April 10, 2007 2:19 PM | Link to this

for once, i agree with you! henry aaron doesnt owe barry bonds anything! i would much rather see a class act break aaron’s record than an arrogant meathead! all bonds has ever done is p** off his teamates, the fans, and the media! he is a me-first kind of individual. remember what happened during the strike? he took his ex-wife to court, got a giants fan for a judge, and got his child support reduced for the price of an autograph. i wont even get into balco and steroid rumors. henry aaron is a man who blazed a trail through racism. it seems appropriate that with all the jackie robinson celebrations going on this week, that we remeber what aaron had to go through during his pursuit of babe ruth. if you are a fan of baseball and its history, you should prefer to see teams walk bonds for the rest of the year. at least that way he wouldn’t get the chance to break aaron’s record. if we were talking about ken grifey jr, sammy sosa, or alex rodriguez there would be no debate. but, unfortunately we arent.

By Mark G.

April 10, 2007 2:23 PM | Link to this

The day after Bonds breaks the record, we should hold a parade down Peachtree for Hank Aaron.

By Zo

April 10, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this

**I think it is sad that a man who endured so much racial tension is now turning his back. I can remember here recently when everyone went to bat for Hank when naming Turner field, so that I don’t want to be in the spot light is garbage. When Barry do break the record and you on that golf course remember when you wasn’t allowed on the golf course. We can never just unify and show our kids what “Being Black and Proud” mean. Barry hasn’t been tested for anything negative, so Hank what happen to “innocent until proven guilty”.Hank is worried about what those folks that made him sleep on the bus when the rest of the team was in the hotel going to think. I tell you they have always known how to keep us apart. I guess Willie Lynch theory is still true today.

Thanks Brother.**

By How Telling

April 10, 2007 2:26 PM | Link to this

There’s a big difference in the Bonds - McGwire comparisons. Bonds makes it into the Hall of Fame before his alleged steroid use. McGwire probably doesn’t ever find out what state the HOF is in much less be invited in. BIG DIFFERENCE.

By BarryBondsISALOSER!

April 10, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

Hank is a class act. He was a great athlete, and is an even greater person! Barry is a loser in every possible way. He always has been & always will be. Bottom line, he cheated. I don’t give a damn what people in the media say about him not being proven to have taken steroids. He took them, people close to him have said it, and no matter how many more balls he hits out of parks, Hank Aaron WILL STILL HAVE THE RECORD!

By Braves fan

April 10, 2007 2:27 PM | Link to this

anybody who’s had anything to do with the game knows it’s hand eye coordination that puts the bat on the ball, it’s bat head speed that dictates the distance of the ball, or the sharpness of the line drive and if you don’t think stronger bigger muscles enhance that your wrong. as far as the muscle men lining up for a contract, muscle with out elasticity, and too much muscle restricting movement is why the majors aren’t filled with them, that and the afore mentioned hand eye thing. and if muscle strenght wasn’t involved why did bonds go to so much trouble to build himself up? I would say look at the stats but I’m sure you’ve read some report that attempts to explain that. have a nice day

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 10, 2007 2:30 PM | Link to this

Dear So WHaaaat, What’s the matter? A little p** huh? Next time, think before you type. I wasn’t bothering you and you decided to take a shot. If you can’t roll with the big dogs, please stay on the porch. The fact that we reside in very different classes has never been more apparent. Once again, if you shut up, then I won’t have to crack you again. Understand?? GOOD!!!!!

By Bushwacker

April 10, 2007 2:33 PM | Link to this

HANK AARON GREATEST BASEBALL PLAYER, PERIOD! Most HR’S “Most people don’t know these stats ” MOST RBI’S

22 or 24 all star games? I think most doubles. .310 career avg. played in an era with 15-20 hall of fame pitchers.
“Bonds might be .280” with too many teams and watered down pitching.

Aaron, a great MAN.

Bonds, a jerk!

Do the right thing you pig and retire now!

By justin k

April 10, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this

Nobody is denying that Barry bonds was an incredible hitter. But without help he hits 500-600 at most. Just look at the stats from early in his career. And i dont know about most of you but after you get to be 24-25 your body just doesnt start to get massively bigger, including your head. Everybody jumps on the whole, “hes never failed a test” bandwagon. Honestly people open your eyes, the writing is on the wall. All this talk really isnt gonna matter in about 8-10 years when A-rod comes through and destroys this record. I just feel sorry for a guy by the name of Ken Griffey Jr. because if he would have stayed healthy i wouldnt have to hear a word about Barry Bonds.

By Zo

April 10, 2007 2:38 PM | Link to this

**Then I forgot to mention it takes another sellout brother to bring this up in a negative light. Why not be somewhere writing to dismiss Immus. If Harriet Tubman was living both of you would have been shot.

Thanks Brother**

By bigdaddy

April 10, 2007 2:39 PM | Link to this

I have a niece who isn’t a baseball fan. A couple of years ago I got her six-year-old son a fielder’s glove for his birthday. She checked to see whose name was on it and was satisfied to see “Derek Jeter.” Then she told me, “That’s good; if it had been Barry Bonds, you’d be taking it back to Wal-Mart.” If that’s the regard in which Bonds is held among casual observers, then we certainly don’t need to ponder Hank Aaron’s reaction, do we?

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this

I didn’t mention his hat size. I’m not ignorant. I don’t appreciate you calling me a coward either. He’s a cheater. You can explain away all you want about how he lifted weights and what not.
As for the use of brother, brotha or whatever else you object to, I’m tired of race being the first thing out of our mouths. Let’s look at the facts first before we cry racist. As for Brett Favre again, whether forced or not, he admitted that he had a problem. Bonds doesn’t seem intent on coming clean. If he did nothing wrong, why not just say so? Take the drug test and show everyone! Or is he afraid that his lies will be revealed?

By Davona

April 10, 2007 2:43 PM | Link to this

As the headline says, “Aaron owes Bonds nothing.” The End!

By Allen

April 10, 2007 2:44 PM | Link to this

I love Aaron’s attitude. I wish more people lived in reality like he does. Go Hank!

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 2:45 PM | Link to this

Don’t call me ignorant because I don’t buy your theory on how he’s clean as a whistle. I’m an educated man. I don’t appreciate you trying to look down on me. I’m not throwing bricks from behind bushes. I’d say the same thing to your face with a smile on my face. As for studying the effects of drugs, have you looked at any of the information on BALCO? Have you heard about the cream he rubbed on his body? I suppose that’s a myth as well.

By Bushwacker

April 10, 2007 2:50 PM | Link to this

Great point Justin K! Without that chemically enhanced 3 year period where he his 200 hr’s, Bonds isn’t even close to 600.

All we can do is hope the same thing happens to him that happened to another cheater McGuire and that is he does not keep the record very long before some one else breaks it.

Let’s hope Andruw plays 10 more years and he brings the record back to Atlanta.

By bonds

April 10, 2007 2:52 PM | Link to this

Bushwhacker - settle down on Greatest Ever - look at the #’s posted by Gehrig 4,300 less at bats drives in 300 less runs. .340 vs .305 lifetime. The Streak. I pose this not as the definitive Best of All-Time (Williams losing prime years to the war is another example). Again, 1st Ballot HOF and the HR Title award named after him. Even if/when Bonds passes Aaron these attainments will never fade.

By RJ

April 10, 2007 2:54 PM | Link to this

Any player caught using performance enhancing drugs should be expelled from major leaugue baseball for life and their baseball statistics completely erased.

By TC

April 10, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Here’s what Bonds says about Hank:

NO BIGGIE: Bonds said he wasn’t disappointed to hear that Aaron had no interest in being there in person when and if his record is broken. Aaron told ESPN that he would probably be playing golf or vacationing in Europe with his wife when Bonds breaks his record.

“If he has other plans, other things to do, I respect that,” Bonds said. “He’s his own man, he can do what he wants to do. No hard feelings.

“Now if Willie (Mays) wasn’t there, I’d be disappointed. Because that’s my godfather. I’d be real (ticked). My dad, he’ll be there too, in spirit.”

FUNNY HOW THIS “JOURNALIST” DOESN’T PROVIDE BOTH SIDES OF THE STORY ?

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 10, 2007 3:02 PM | Link to this

Dear Braves Fan, I sincerely appreciate this exchange. Thanks for keeping it clean and on point. I won’t discount your opinion because I agree with it. Can we agree that both points have merit? I will. Let’s go further. This is more about physics. Many variables will dictate ball flight. Let’s look at the physical composition of famous HR hitters. Maris, Mantle, Ruth, Mays, Aaron, Griffey, A-Rod, Bonds and Sosa. Ruth is the only one who was plain FAT (he had muscle to, but you get the point). The other guys are built different. They generate they’re home runs via “bat speed” while Ruth’s were via “brute force”. This translates to other sports too. Look at the bombers on the PGA tour. Nearly all in the top ten in Driving Distance are svelte. The exception is John Daly (Ruth of the PGA in every sense of the word). Technique is the key. Let’s not forget that during this era, Bonds has consistantly hit well above .315. For his career, he’s a 300 hitter. To hit 700+ HR and hit for average, indicates there’s more going on than “bat speed”. Imagine what his numbers would be if they actually pitched to him…

By will c

April 10, 2007 3:04 PM | Link to this

Barry Bonds STATS G AB R H 2B 2866 9527 2154 2845 588

3B HR RBI BB SO 77 735 1933 2430 1488

SB CS AVG OBP SLG 510 141 .299 .443 .608

Hank Aaron STATS G AB R H 2B 3,298 12,364 2,174 3,771 624

3B HR GS RBI BB
98 755 16 2,297 1,402

IBB SO SH SF HBP
293 1,383 21 121 32

GIDP AVG OBP SLG 328 .305 .374 .555

BOTH PLAYERS WERE GREAT

By Zo

April 10, 2007 3:12 PM | Link to this

Thing JEC IV wake up and smell the coffee. I bet you think Immus comments had nothing to do with race either You don’t deserve “Brother”

By NotthesameBarry

April 10, 2007 3:14 PM | Link to this

Aaron faced better pitching. During much of his career, there were only 8 teams in the league, and later only 10. He also had to face guys like Sal (‘the barber’) Maglie and Bob Gibson, who would rather hit you than walk you, whereas today’s players are overprotected and overpaid crybabies, since the advent of the players’ union. Put Bonds back in Aaron’s era, and he’d still have been one of the better players simply because of his talent. But unless his attitude was different, he’d probably not even be close to having HOF stats.

By Bushwacker

April 10, 2007 3:15 PM | Link to this

But Will you forgot to mention that Bonds cheated, I guess we can assume you have no integrity either.

By Rh

April 10, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this

Barry has hit more HR than any other player on steroids. You can’t take that record away from him. Funny how no one said anything about the Maris family not having any class for showing up when McGuire was chasing the single season record. Everyone thought they were so classy for showing up and cheering them on, but now that we have Barry and Aaron, the opposite opinion is being expressed. Now, Aaron would not have class for contacting Barry or showing up for a record breaking day, but Maris family situation is “different”. Get real people. So you don’t like Barry….get over it….he is a great player with or without steroids, with or without the all time record. Either way, he is one of the best all time. All the wannabe sports fanatics who never could make it to the college lever or pro level are bashing Barry b/c they have nothing better to do and are just jealous. It is the American way to tear people down when they do something better than them. Shame.

By MIKE/755

April 10, 2007 3:23 PM | Link to this

bonds, JUST NEEDS TO WORRY ABOUT THE TRUTH HIM AND OJ MUST HAVE THE SAME MIND FRAME,NOTHING BUT THE ME ME ME SYNDROM AS WELL AS CHEATING AND BREAKING THE RULES AND LYING THEY BOTH ARE AWFUL GOOD AT IT AND YET THEY EXPECT PEOPLE OF A HIGHER CALIBER FOR HONESTY TO RESPECT THEM,PETE ROSE PAID FOR HIS DOWNFALL AND BONDS SHOULD DAMN SURE PAY FOR HIS BUT ITLL NEVER HAPPEN BECAUSE IT WOULD BE CONSIDERED PROFILING OR GRANDSTANDING FOR JUSTICE BUT HANK IS RIGHT AND BONDS NEEDS TO LEARN A FEW THINGS, BUT THE POWERS TO BE ARE TO CHICKEN TO ENFORCE THE RULES FOR ALL…..

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 10, 2007 3:25 PM | Link to this

Dear King, I state no theory here. Perhaps that’s the problem. You can’t handle the truth. You see, I don’t simply surmise, I research. I have read the information available from BALCO. I know of the “cream and the clear”. Review my previous post on that subject. You cry for Bonds to take a drug test. He hadn’t failed a drug test until this year, and it was for an amphetamine-like substance in an over-the-counter supplement. So what’s your next excuse for joining the lynch mob. I decry racism of all kinds and don’t like to interject it unless absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, Bonds has been a target for years and people are buying it because of his persona. I’ll offer this counterpoint. More witnesses have come forward regarding the illegal drug use of Lance Armstrong than have for Bonds, yet the mainstream media outlets won’t pursue it because of marketing agreements they have with him and the fact he’s a media darling. To me, he’s the worse athletic roll model alive today. Pull yourselves off the ceiling why I explain why. Not only did he cheat the sport of racing, but he cheated on his wife for years. When he got sick, she nursed him back to health, had his children, and he left her again for another woman. That’s disgraceful and shows true character. However, he’s lost zero endorsements and is still a national hero. I find this hilarious and a crying shame. Bonds has fidelity issues as well, but it’s portrayed as such in the media. So before you quickly discount the idea of race in the Bonds issue, think again. The use of the term brotha or the likes between you and I isn’t appropriate because we are not of kindred spirits and share nothing in common besides our race. I think there has to be more before that term is used….

By Rh

April 10, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this

Bushwacker: Cheated how? Did he get the pitchers to throw him fastballs down the middle the whole time? Did he pay someone off? Did he hack into the MLB database and change the number of HR he has hit in his career? Did they shorten the field for him? Did MLB prove he was using steroids? If so, did they remove him from the league? If so, did they erase all the homeruns hit during the period in which they can prove he hit the home runs while using steroids? Was the same type of drug testing available when Aaron was playing? How do we know Aaron was not cheating? How do we know Aaron was not using steroids or using some sort of chemical (any kind), whether that is pain medicines or steroids. I guess taking pain medicine is cheating, since it is a chemical used to enhance performance. I guess if one team has a better workout facility, then it’s not fair to the teams that do not have the same facilities, so the stats should not count. Please answer that! I remember the pitchers serving up fastballs for McGuire, but no one is complaining. If Barry was not going to break Aaron’s record, no one would give a darn. In fact, since players in all leagues do not get to face the same pitcher throughout their whole careers and do not get to play in the same stadium with the same weather conditions, then all records should just be thrown out! Losers.

By Rh

April 10, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

The playing field is not level even when you take the whole steriod thing out of the picture. Aaron never faced pitchers as good as Bonds. Bonds has never faced the advercity Aaron faced while playing baseball thru racial times. The facilities, the players, the drugs, the equipment, the fields, the baseballs, the bats, the gloves, etc. etc. have all changed over the years so how can you ever compare?

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

Zo, where did that come from? Imus?! Imus made a racist comment on air. He deserves to be taken off the air. I don’t like any of the shock jocks, which includes Howard Stern. As for not deserving to use the word, ‘brother’, I don’t blindly follow or agree what the masses of my fellow brothers and sisters deem gospel. I’m an independent thinker. I think we should try it some time. Lay off the ‘Uncle Tom’ talk. I’m just as outraged as you are about Imus. As for Imus, there’s a double standard in effect with us. It’s okay for us to refer to each other as the n word and hos, but if someone else says it all hell breaks loose. We need to stop saying it. We make it okay for whites and everyone to use. Think about that Zo before you attempt to jump down my throat.

By Jerry

April 10, 2007 3:35 PM | Link to this

God Bless Hank and may Bud find some way to get Barry for his cheating. If you don’t think he cheated then you are a dumb a**

Why is it crazed fans don’t shoot and kill the celebs that need to be shot.

Here’s hoping Barry gets what he deserves

By Jerry

April 10, 2007 3:37 PM | Link to this

RH, you’re an idiot

By Rh

April 10, 2007 3:39 PM | Link to this

I don’t care if Barry failed 755 steroid tests, it is still impressive!

By Rh

April 10, 2007 3:40 PM | Link to this

Too old to fly to San Francisco, but not too old to hop in a plane and go to Florida for 18 holes of golf or more. Aaron is a crabby old man who does not want to see that record go away regardless of what he says.

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 3:44 PM | Link to this

I haven’t surmised anything. The truth? Now you purport to be the man who knows it all? You don’t. You’re not his personal physician, trainer or anything of the like. Unless you are any of these, what you postulate is a theory. You claim that his sudden growth stems from bodybuilding. Tell me- were you at the gym with him? No, you weren’t. For some reason, you choose to defend this man. As for Lance Armstrong, nothing has been proven. Right now, it’s talk. He never failed a drug test. Infidelity is a common problem in America, which is due to the cavalier attitude taken towards marriage and committed relationships. That’s a shame you feel that way. You’re angered by the fact that I don’t blindly agree with you. This isn’t a black and white issue. There’s a gray area present. I refuse to be sucked into this ‘you’re either with me or against me’ attitude. If you feel that I’m not black enough for you, that’s too bad. I know who I am.

By Rh

April 10, 2007 3:49 PM | Link to this

Jerry, I think you are the crazed fan, you idiot dumb a**

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 3:52 PM | Link to this

Jerry: I don’t think Bonds deserves to be shot. He’s a cheater, but he doesn’t deserve to die. He’s got a family.

By sirrom

April 10, 2007 4:00 PM | Link to this

I don’t always agree with Hank Aaron but in this instance, I’m in full accord. Hank Aaron has CLASS and DIGNITY. That can’t be borrowed by BB or anyone else. You either have it or you don’t…BB doesn’t…never will. I’m glad to have the memories of being in Atlanta/Fulton County stadium on April 7, 1974 to see Mr. Aaron set a record that’ll stand forever in my mind. My pictures of that night are one of my sports treasures…thanks to Hammer’n Hank. God Bless.

By sb

April 10, 2007 4:01 PM | Link to this

Actions speak louder than words! Bonds breaks the homerun record. Period. Bonds doesnt need Hank….. weyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy Hank!

By Rodster

April 10, 2007 4:06 PM | Link to this

Nicely said Terence. Good for Mr. Aaron. Hank Aaron has class and he’s still the man.

By Zo

April 10, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this

Thing JEC IV, read Willie Lynch first. Now look at my ancestors and think about how they were treated by white folks then say did my ancestors every mistreat white folks? We both know the answer is “No”. Now listen carefully, I’m not against white folks at all, but I am aware of there actions. This country was founded on race, so it is a crime or unrighteous thing when when a Brother call them on race. I’m so tired of them/and or US allowing white folks to pit us up against each other in a “Negative Light” and we buy into it. What white person you know in this same paper we reading saying negative about Bush, ZERO. You get my drift. See they lost their to speak negatively to us asked my ancestors. If you read my point at 2:25&38 you would caught my drift.Answer this: If you had to get the “N” word not saying it’s right, who would you rather take it from? I bet you didn’t take time out like this for Immus Don’t Deserve Brother

By bonds

April 10, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this

All these bouquets of “class” and “dignity” for Aaron? Where does this originate? I can’t believe everyone of you is in his inner circle (that would be frightening) I haven’t heard the guy say 5 words my 8 years in ATL. Are you all getting sweet deals on BMW’s?

JH - You are a profound thinker on shooting athletes. You should be forced to spend a week in Faluja without an escort so you can get a fuller appreciation of what this thought process is like.

By Rh

April 10, 2007 4:24 PM | Link to this

Zo, I apologize, but I have read your posts twice and still cannot understand it.

By Braves4Ever

April 10, 2007 4:25 PM | Link to this

Barry Bonds in the early years was great. No one can take that away. And I don’t believe he did anything illegal. But in recent years? I think he became more and more on the edge, and I think there are too many questions. I also think Hank Aaron is the greatest hitter of all time, bar none. Ruth was great, but he had the advantage of hitting in an era when relievers were not used as much, so many of his homeruns came against tired starters in the late innings. Hank Aaron had to hit against a constant barrage of fresh arms, and some of the best relievers in history. Bonds is a great hitter, but many home runs will be questionable, and to the blogger who said steroids don’t help, I say PHOOEY! Stength and speed is what create homeruns, ask Mark McGwire (who never took anything illegal, but definitely took a lot of at-the-time legal drugs to enhance his performance).

I could care less what Bonds does. Hank will always be the greatest in my book. And personally, I will always be sorry that Ken Griffey, Jr had so many injuries…THAT is the player that I thought, if anyone, should and could be the one to break the record.

By Rodney

April 10, 2007 4:33 PM | Link to this

This is for “YO” and any other person out there that doesn’t think Barry Bonds took steroids. Go back and get a picture of Bonds from his early years in baseball. Then look at him now. Tell me how that skinny kid got to look like he does now. As for Hank, way to go Hank. I am with you. You don’t have to go anywhere Barry Bonds wants you to go. Why does he want you there in the first place? And, doesn’t he make enough money to buy a phone?

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 4:34 PM | Link to this

You have no argument with me about our ancestors being mistreated. Mistreated isn’t the word for what was done to them. Yes, America was founded on racism and hypocrisy. I know that. As for pitting us against one another, we are not a cohesive unit and haven’t been for awhile. The media may have brought attention to it, but they didn’t create it. There is a separation between black middle class and working blacks. Now, who’s being bigoted? All white people aren’t fans of President Bush. You can’t make that assumption. I’m sure that there are blogs devoted to comments on how Bush has failed miserably as the Prez.
As for being united, we can not allow ourselves to blindly follow because he or she is black. To me, that’s what you are prescribing here. I want to see us come together as well. But with attitudes like yours, I don’t see it happening. You’re asking people to just defend all black people against a supposed conspiracy by the white man with no proof. Using the ‘n’ word is unacceptable from anyone’s mouth. The word shouldn’t be used. The fact that you are postulating such a question speaks volumes about you. If we want other people not to use it, we shouldn’t use it ourselves. Your use of the word justifies it as being a perfectly fine word. As for Immus, apparently you didn’t read my take on him. He should be fired. What else could you possibly want me to say? I’m not black enough for you until I start hating all white people. Is that it? You strike me as that type of person.

By lewis

April 10, 2007 4:36 PM | Link to this

My question to you:

1. Did Barry ever use Performance Drugs? Maybe

2. Is he on Drugs “RIGHT NOW”?? If not, why are pitchers affraid to pitch to the old 43 yr old hitter? BECAUSE HE IS GREAT. GET OVER IT!!!!

By Russell Mondy

April 10, 2007 4:38 PM | Link to this

Bonds has never failed a steroids test nor has he broken any of baseball’s rules regarding those substances. I don’t think Hank wants anyone to question what he took during his playing days. He’s 72 and doesn’t want to fly out to San Francisco, but he’ll avoid Atlanta by flying to West Palm Beach to play golf.

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 4:40 PM | Link to this

I have read Willie Lynch. However, I think you’re misguided. Your interpretation of the text is part of the current problem in black America. You want to take up every black person’s cause regardless of guilt or wrongdoing. You prescribe to the theory that all white people are out to get us or other blacks have been brainwashed to create dissension. I’m not brainwashed because I choose not to take up Bonds’ cause. I support my people and will continue to do so. However, I won’t take up everyone’s cause.

By Zo

April 10, 2007 4:43 PM | Link to this

By Rh Talk to me. My point real simple”Let’s stop having folks pit black folks up against each other. And stand up righteously so when they do things like Immus and also if black folks do each other like that then we straighten them out. Dr. King stated “the only way you get your oppressor off your back you let him know”. Just want black folks to start loving each other” Now if that make me a bad guy so be it. Like I said you don’t see polls pitting white folks up against each other. Wake up and smell the coffee. You still lost?

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 10, 2007 4:48 PM | Link to this

King JEC IV, I never proclaimed to be the Black Pied Piper, and wouldn’t want to be. I never tried to sway your opinion, just provide another. You took a shot, I responded. I love the way you defend Lance. The don’t even realize what defense you used. It’s all conjecture. With Barry and Lance. However, in Lance’s case, there are eyewitness accounts. Unfortunately, the “blind” will only see what they choose to see. Armstrongs former teammates, roommates and a personal assistant have all given testimony detailing his drug use. The truth is simply that, the truth. Shades of grey will blind you from the reality of color. Next time your experience REALITY, I want you to recall this day. However, I sincerely wish that you or any other is spared that pain. I apply my principles to every situation. I don’t pick and choose to fit my viewpoint. Try it sometimes, it actually works. I guess nothing has really changed “guilty until proven innocent”….

By uncle pee pot

April 10, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this

Barroid Bonds is a joke,he will be the player or person that Hank is.At least Hank hit his home runs legally and clean.no steroids for Hank! Barroid Bonds is nothing but a disgrace to baseball and a big cry baby.He should be borrowed from baseball and never be allowed to break The Hammers record,as far as I am concerned The Hammer will always be the legitimate home run king until someone breaks his record honestly and not use steroids.

By Braves4Ever

April 10, 2007 4:55 PM | Link to this

Ummm…everyone? How in the world did a blog about baseball, homerun records, Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds, and who is better, devolve into some sort of hate filled diatribe on race relations in America? Perhaps all of you should move over to the Al Sharpton School of Creative Bigotry or maybe the Michael Richards Negative Role Model Behavioral Study Groups and let the rest of us get back to baseball…please?

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this

I love black people and myself. I’d like to see us do better. I’d like to see us stop throwing our lives way. I get tired of seeing us going to jail. I’m tired of seeing us being killed in the streets. I’m tired of seeing us choose athletics over education. We have much to offer each other and the world. I’m afraid that we don’t see that. We choose to do things that hurt and hinder our potential for greatness. Sometimes, Zo, we put ourselves in bad positions. Sometimes we are the guilty party. Can you at least admit that happens?

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 5:04 PM | Link to this

I’ve been called the ‘N’ word. I’ve been pulled over before. Yet, I choose not to take that experience and state that all white people are bad. I try not to judge all white people beforehand. As for your accusations of picking and choosing, I looked at the information and came to my own conclusions. My viewpoint is not an anti-black one. I’m not naive to think that racism doesn’t exist.

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

I don’t recall Lance blowing up to Herculean proportions like Barry Bonds did. I’m going on what I see. What I see is a guy who went from the size of Kenny Lofton to Mark McGwire. I’m sorry that I don’t believe that Bonds just went to the gym. That’s a little hard to believe. To Braves4ever: Race permeates everything in America. There’s no escape. We, as Americans need to stop trying to avoid discussing race. The discussion needs to be had, not avoided.

By Zo

April 10, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this

By King JEC IV you miss my point on a few things. First, they did create the issue between Barry and Hank, I would fault both of them for buying into it as well. Then bigot,damn because I want us to stop being pited against each other. Now I got to have proof isn’t that something. Finally, as I typed this time I realize you don’t understand. So get your last message because I’m out. See how they use the black writer to write this and have the 2 black players pit against each other. Not the blog with anyone show me a Blog with some white man with status going at Bush, but I can show you Hank & Barry. I rest my case. This need to stop, so get off this Blog and write those companies that support Immus and make them pit against Immus

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

Bonds may not have taken steroids, but he took something. A trip to the gym doesn’t explain that kind of growth, especially not at the age when the growth occurred.

By Carolyn

April 10, 2007 5:10 PM | Link to this

We were fortunate enough to live in Atlanta in the late 1960s when Aaron was playing there. My son, then 6 years old, still has an autographed photo of Hank Aaron which is one of his most cherished possessions. If Barry Bonds lives to be a thousand, he will never be the class act that Hank Aaron has always been. Even if he does break the record, we all know why so it doesn’t amount to anything. I could cheer for him, as well, if he had been the player Aaron was. God bless Hank. I neve even watched the game until seeing him play and I have been hooked ever since.

By Roger

April 10, 2007 5:18 PM | Link to this

Once again stealing oxygen from the rest of us, Terrance. Barry is the greatest player you will ever see play, period. Better than Willy Mays, better than Hank Aaron, better than all of them. He deserves your (and Hank’s)respect. Once again, you complete miss the purpose of sports, to entertain us. Barry sure is fun to watch! Isn’t some other city in need of a sports columnist?

By A baseball fan

April 10, 2007 5:19 PM | Link to this

Will C, Nope not a english teacher. He played with Elston Howard but played against: Willie Mays, Henry Aaron, Bob Gibson, Frank Robinson just to name a few. Ever heard of any of those guys????

By jon

April 10, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this

To Larry (the second post on this blog)…. Shut up you freak.

By jon

April 10, 2007 5:25 PM | Link to this

Zo…shut up you freak! you are worse than Larry.

By Neon

April 10, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this

I have personally met Hank Aaron on two different occassions, he’s a class guy. Heck, we go to the same dry cleaners. He’s a real down to earth guy. It was a joy meeting him because he was my boyhood sports hero. I told him that my Dad took me to the bathroom when he came to the plate to hit 715. Maybe my dad didn’t know Hank was coming to bat but I told him I was there. So what he likes to be to himself and enjoy his life. He has that right and shouldn’t have to apologize for it.

By jon

April 10, 2007 5:27 PM | Link to this

Larry and Zo…I bet you two want Imus fired, don’t you?

By Scott

April 10, 2007 5:29 PM | Link to this

steroids can make a ball go farther, but it can’t help you hit it. Barry is a career 299 BA no matter how you look at it, he was a smart hitter then and he is now steroids or not.

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 5:30 PM | Link to this

If this was between two white guys, would you be equally concerned about them being pitted against one another? As for calling you a bigot, it’s all in your delivery. You accused me of being anti-black. You implied that I’m an Uncle Tom, which I really don’t appreciate, especially considering that I have nothing but high hopes for us as a people. AS for blogs with white people bashing one another, take a look around ajc.com. You can’t think that all white people agree with each other. My previous messages weren’t directed to you entirely. I was also speaking to another individual. The media loves controversy. If it bleeds, it leads! They don’t care about who they hurt or the fallout. They only care about selling newspapers.

By Braves4Ever

April 10, 2007 5:31 PM | Link to this

King JEC IV, I am really sorry that you feel that every minute of your life must be dominated by race discussions. Mine does not.

But if you feel yours does, lets point out a few facts of race bigotry and hatred. Since some of the blogs a ways back have pointed out the Idiot Imus, lets also discuss the ones calling for Imus’s head on a platter. The Rev. Sharpton for example - in 1987, he led the Tawana Brawley fiasco, calling the white prosecuter a rapist and a rascist, and stating he would not rest until the whole world was brought to its knees and justice was served. Of course, we all know now that he lied, Brawley lied, the whole thing was made up to create a racial incident where none existed, and a suit was filed and WON against the Rev. Sharpton by the prosecuter for libel and slander.

1991 - The Rev. Sharpton incited a riot against Jewish people, when a Hasidic Jewish cab driver accidentally ran over a 7 year old black girl, leading a march of 100’s through the Jewish neighborhood chanting “no justice, no peace”. A Jewish student is surrounded during the march and stabbed to death by a mob of the marchers shouting “Kill the Jew”.

1995 - A black landlord in Harlem, the United House of Prayer, raises its rent on Freddy’s Fashion Mart owned by a white Jew, forcing him to raise his rent on his sub-tenant, a black-owned music store. The Rev. Sharpton incites another riot, setting up picket lines, making speeches that he will not stand by while “a white interloper moves a brother so another white can exand his business”. Sharptons pickett lines chant “burn the jew store” and simulate striking matches, and finally one of the protesters go into the store, shooting 4 employees and sets the store on fire. 7 employees die in the fire.

Lets also not forget when Jesse Jackson called New York City “Heimytown”.

so, King JEC IV, if race must be a constant part of your life, consider those as well as the obvious snubs you feel at the hands of others…

NOW CAN WE GET BACK TO BASEBALL?????

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 5:37 PM | Link to this

Race doesn’t dominate my life. Unfortunately, the subject matter inevitably comes up from time to time. Who said that I felt slighted by you or any other Caucasian? You misread my statement. Your response and reaction to me proves that the discussion needs to be had. You automatically assumed that I’m some angry black man. I am not. You jumped to conclusions. I don’t feel snubbed by anyone. You sound very angry for no reason. You also assume I like Rev. AL Sharpton. Wrong again. I’m glad that you agree that Imus is an idiot. WE can agree on that. You might find that I agree with you on other things as well.

By Todd

April 10, 2007 5:43 PM | Link to this

Yes, back to Hank- a class act, a natural ballplayer. I met him at an autograph signing- he was very classy and nice to the fans. He was a hero for many of us growing up. He still is. Remember the SI Cover story “I’m Barry Bonds and You’re Not”? Barry doen’t care about the fans, his fellow ballplayers, anyone. He only cares about himself. I am glad I had the opportunity to watch Hank during my childhood days and to also meet him later in life. Although the record may be broken, in my mind, it will always belong to Hank. Thanks for the memories, Hank!

By Fred

April 10, 2007 5:48 PM | Link to this

Another blog where everyone blogs against each other.If KINGDAVID can say jigg-a-boo, I’m sure I can comment on TMs statement (the token progress of African-American executives in the game, and the declining number of African-American players on the field.)The world knows what the N stands for in NBA,WNBA,NFL,all college basketball & Football,track & field—(NEGRO). MLB stands for Mostly Latinos & Blacks. I believe Blacks rule all sports.Its as if WHITES just gave up trying, and don’t tell me they aren’t qualified to play,not like the days before Jackie Robinson.

By Gary Walter

April 10, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

I had the misfortune of meeting H. Aaron several times in my line of work and he was one of the most bigoted people that I met during my stay for 10 years in the Atlanta area. I am pulling for B. Bonds to surpass the H.R. total that Aaron has, so as to wipe the name of Henry Aaron from the record books.

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 5:49 PM | Link to this

Braves4ever: Why are you getting angry and defensive? I didn’t call you a racist. Given our country’s history, it shouldn’t be surprising that we have race issues. They aren’t going to go away by avoidance. Money from the govt. isn’t what I seek. I seek a country where race isn’t a big deal. Silly me. Why would anyone want that?

By bonds

April 10, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this

This post has reached 50% racial social commentary? I personally could give a flip (and likely speak for many on this post) about any of your individual racial issues with this world. Your opinion matters only to yourselves.

There are many blogging opportunities on the internet to discuss this - Why don’t you find one of them.

Not every element of life needs to be looked into for the “deeper meaning”

If you are so concerned with the US policies whether you are Pro Black or KKK - GO find like minded people to discuss your views with. Better yet, Get out and Vote.

By Fred

April 10, 2007 5:52 PM | Link to this

And by the way,I think Terrance Moore is a credit to sports writers everywhere and does a darn good job talking on sports shows.

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 5:58 PM | Link to this

To bonds: You should follow your own advice. No one asked for your opinion about everyone else’s opinion. Blogs are designed to allow people to discuss their opinions. They are also subject to break away from the intended subject matter. If you can’t handle that, maybe you shouldn’t blog. As for race, you’re correct. This wasn’t a blog about race issues. However, it’s inevitable that they subject will come up. As long as you live in America, this will happen. Sorry.

By Toby Cash

April 10, 2007 6:00 PM | Link to this

“Hammering Hank, you are the KING. Enough said. By the way…WHO is Barry???

By Don Raymond

April 10, 2007 6:01 PM | Link to this

Aaron is a senile old crybaby—-send him a telegram? What is this 1960?! 2007—Hank. Look into a calendar. which you should have since you have so much free time.

In any case: Go Barry!

All the hatred that Hank received was masked in racism for what it really was: jealousy. Same for Barry. A genius who I feel lucky to have watched swing a bat and break the all time home run record, who doesn’tkowtow to mediocre journalistic hacks like T. Moore, who should know their place, and feel lucky that when they go to Braves games (esp. ones with the Giants) for free, they should feel privileged, not entitled to bash people that are way more talented and the reason why people watch them game.

Thanks Barry. You are the best!

And BOOO!! Aaron you crusty bitter old man (probably reads Terence too much).

By KD

April 10, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

I just love Mr. Hank!

By dave

April 10, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this

Barry better wish he had the class Hank Aaron has. Hammerin we will never forget you. Thanks for the thrills and class.

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 10, 2007 6:07 PM | Link to this

King JEC IV, I was fine reading your last few posts until you jumped back to Barry & Lance. Again, I beg you to stop discussing things you’re unsure of. No I was not present in the gym when Barry worked out, but his friends and teammates and organizational representatives were. In fact, the BALCO investigation was kicked off by a former IRS agent who had witness his workouts in the gym. Furthermore, you disclose your ignorance regarding anatomy, physiology, and bodybuilding with your statement about Lance’s size. The cheating Lance was involved in dealt with endurance ehancing drugs. His use of illegal blood doping techniques are well documented. Athletes who train for cardiovascular endurance are always built differently than those who train for strength and muscularity. There’s lean muscle mass (Lance) and bulk muscle mass (Barry). You make it seem as if Barry walked into a phone booth as a frail 20 yr old and walked out 6 months later looking like Swartzenegger. To obtain Barry’s results is not uncommon over a 10 to 15 year period. Hell, that’s easy with today’s technology. Have you looked at today’s college athlete? They’re huge and drug tested. They didn’t arrive on this planet that way. So it’s possible for them to achieve such goals from high school to college (4 yrs), but Bonds couldn’t do it in 10 to 15 years. Check out some bodybuilding magazines. How did Nelly, and LL get so big and ripped? LL has always lifted but wasn’t that well defined. Nelly was in such bad shape, he had a hit record about taking off your clothes and he left his on in the video, now he’s buff. Steroids???

By King JEC IV

April 10, 2007 6:20 PM | Link to this

I never said Bonds was frail. I just stated that his size did increase dramatically. As for Lance, why was he allowed to compete in the Tour de France if he cheated? LL and Nelly had potential to grow to that size. Barry, I’m not so sure. As for college athletes, they’re younger than Barry Bonds. Isn’t there a time when your body stops growing? That’s all I’m saying. Today’s technology- are we talking HGH?

By Don Raymond

April 10, 2007 6:22 PM | Link to this

Barry better wish he had the class Hank Aaron has

Barry will just have his record. Even better. Funny how it was easy for Hank to have class when no one challenged him. Now he’s not looking so classy.

Go Barry!

By so what

April 10, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

Straight$$$$Homie. It’ll be a cold day in hell before the likes of you will p** me off. I will go so far as to say while there was malice in the first statement i did go overboard with it. The fact of the mater is I get sick and tired of people like you coming in here throwing around your degree and some report you read and acting like your the only one whose opinion matters and we should just close down the conversation. as far as cracking on me. well so far the only one you’ve impressed is yourself.

By bonds

April 10, 2007 6:23 PM | Link to this

So much for diplomacy - $$$$Homie - You suck

By I love baseball

April 10, 2007 6:29 PM | Link to this

Straight$$$$Homie,

Just because you didnt see him using doesnt mean he hasnt. Take this into account. Since 1996 his shoe size has gone from a 10 1/2 to a 13. His hat size has gone from a 7 1/4 to almost an 8 even though he shaves his head. His jersey size has gone from a 42 to a 52. He is the same age i am and my shoe size hasnt moved since i was 16. So again you want to say he isnt juiced? If you now anything about human growth hormones this is a sure sign of their use..

By Zo

April 10, 2007 6:31 PM | Link to this

By Braves4Ever&By jon Get off this blog and go find me an article were Mr. Jackson or Rev. Sharpton has been charged with racial discrimination or for that matter any black person who own some big corporation. You can’t and its people like you who get afraid when people like myself & King JEC IV start coming together and standing up for our people. You should be somewhere searching for Immus sponsors so we can boycott if he is not fired. Moore shouldn’t have written this story, but if enough of his stand up and tell him to report substance not who don’t like who. And if they don’t like each other it shouldn’t be put in the paper. Like back in the day momma and daddy talked in private not in public, so other people couldn’t enter and make them pit against each other.

By bfred

April 10, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

Gehrig didn’t show up when Ripken broke his consecutive games streak and nobody made a big deal about it.

By Macca Dave

April 10, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

Who is Barry Bonds? Oh, he is the guy that was left crying in left field when the Braves eliminated him and the Pirates from the playoffs in 1991. He is also the arrogant player who won’t be clear over his steroid use. Most important, who are Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron? They are great players who used their own God given abilities to set the homerun bar in baseball. 714 and 755 are numbers that noone will ever forget. Should Bonds pass Aaron’s record, not many people will pay attention to it except to say that his number is questionable because of steroids. Will he even be voted into the Hall of Fame with that tainted number? I hope not, and I hope the powers that be will see through Bonds and not be blinded by the number. Those that are in the Hall of Fame deserve to be their for their accomplishments and their character. Bonds lacks the latter.

By bonds

April 10, 2007 6:32 PM | Link to this

King IV - You also suck

By billw

April 10, 2007 6:33 PM | Link to this

Aaron will always be #1. Bond has no idea what Hank had to go thru in 50,s and 6o, south Fla. South Ga Waycross. He always showed class, character Morals and spirtual. I was there I know. Bond will never be better than Hank.He can hit all the Homeruns in the world but he will never enjoy the character and morals of Hank.

By bonds

April 10, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

Guess what Zo? Yes you suck too.

By uncle pee pot

April 10, 2007 6:35 PM | Link to this

someone earler posted that Bonds did not use steroids,b******,look at him when he first broke in with Pittsburg,he was a much smaller guy,now tell me he didn’t use steroids.that is complete b******.

By Rob

April 10, 2007 6:36 PM | Link to this

Wow.. another Terence Moore column I agree with… is the apocalypse coming? Well said T. One could only hope that Barry would be able to carry the title with class like Aaron did, but that’s not possible. Here’s to hoping Barry’s forthcoming title gets stripped from him after the uncover all the drugs he’s been doing…

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 10, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this

King, Now we’re talking. Genetically speaking, Bonds has the genes to be huge. Although age is a factor, it isn’t as much of one with todays supplements. HGH is a naturally secreted hormone in your body. There are countless products available at GNC the can stimulate production of you own bodys’ HGH. You get the same benefit without introduction of a foreign substance to your body and it’s 100% legal. Doctors have prescribed HGH injections for years to affluent clientele. Google some data for bodybuilding for those over 35 and you’d be amazed by what you find. Not only is it possible to look and feel amazing at that age but being done all over the world legally. I became well versed in this subject several years ago when my father disclosed that he had prostate cancer. Since I may be predisposed to it, I began researching diet and exercise more extensively than necessary for my daily practice. It now became disease specific. That’s how I found this information. Lance was and is able to compete because the sport of cycling is governed by an overseas entity with different criteria of guilt or innocence. He’s still under investigation. It was no coincidence that he retired after his last race and his sample showed up positive. You were aware that the Tour came out and publically accused him of cheating. His defense is the same as Barry’s, “I never failed a test”. There are accounts of him paying for clean urine samples etc…

By Zo

April 10, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this

By bonds grow up and stop wanting everybody to do what your mother do. Go play now.

By Glenn

April 10, 2007 6:54 PM | Link to this

It all sounds like sour grapes to me,Hank pass the baton with class…Does anybody know what time it is…does anybody care?

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 10, 2007 7:01 PM | Link to this

So What, I just notified CNN that “Hell has frozen over ” and that you are indeed p**.
Bonds, Never show the hand your playing with, especially if it’s poor. bfred, Thanks for the humor. I needed that! I love baseball, I’m not sure what Barry’s measurements are, but I’ll offer you this. I’m 43, stand 6’2” tall and weigh 210lbs. When I was 25 I weighed 155lbs and stood 6’ even. Many calories and workouts later, I look nothing like I did physically 18 years ago. I look alot better. However, throughout my 23 year military career, My foot grew 2 whole sizes and my hat size changed 5 times. I guarantee you that I never use any illegal substances, so how did I do it? Since everyone’s upset about assaults on the record books, lets discard every statistic that existed prior to the league being intergrated. Let’s do the same for golf. It’s the only FAIR thing to do.

By bonds

April 10, 2007 7:03 PM | Link to this

Zo - it’s bye with an “e” as in error as in your birth. Also wanting everybody is grammatically incorrect you dolt. Had you finished high school maybe you wouldn’t see the world as “The Man” keeping you down with racial conspiracies lurking behind every corner. You Jerk.

By bonds

April 10, 2007 7:05 PM | Link to this

PS Zo - Since I know that will set you off - make sure you reply intelligently or I will embarrass you with ease. You are over matched intellectually.

By Zo

April 10, 2007 7:15 PM | Link to this

By bonds see smart man I cut&paste your name, so I included the “By”. Hey didn’t know we were in school, but that is how folks do when they can’t handle the conversation they have to find an out. So continue to correct grammar while I speak out against racial discrimination and black folks pit against each other.

By Jon

April 10, 2007 7:19 PM | Link to this

Hey Zo, google the name Tawana Brawley and get the whole story and you will see just how stupid and racist Al Sharpton really is.

By bonds

April 10, 2007 7:26 PM | Link to this

Zo -

“that is how folks do”. Racial Discrimination? You have are being discriminated against, but not as White vs. Black. The discrimination is the righteously justified intelligent vs. functioning illiterate. Social Darwinism confirms you must be destroyed, not as black man - but as inferior mentally on an individual basis. Our society can no longer afford to subsidize the mental deficient such as yourself. Perhaps you should have thought of that before your life became worthless.

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 10, 2007 7:31 PM | Link to this

Zo, Don’t even dignify mr. idiot’s post with a response. We’ve all made errors on this blog (including him). he simply allows you to prove your point. Keep up the fight… Jon, Don’t get the issues confused. The Tawana Brawley ordeal was a mess. Nothing I’m proud of. Sharpton’s methodology is something I greatly disagreed with. Even he’s learned from that mistake. Anyway, I’ll give you that one. However, I won’t take up anymore blog space citing other instances of that subject…

By Zo

April 10, 2007 7:32 PM | Link to this

By Jon goggle racist & discrimination in the last week and see how many things come up. Please you know what my point is and this BS need to stop. Especially when it comes to us letting folks pit us against each other. You still didn’t come back with that Imus info. Just allow yourself to see how racist this world is. I never said everyone, so if the shoe don’t fit don’t worry.

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 10, 2007 7:37 PM | Link to this

Dear Idiot, Pipe down and back the hell up. Before you belittle someone’s grammar or intellect, check your own. Correcting another’s spelling is child-like, but when in ROME …. The word is “overmatched”, not over matched. Now that class has been dismissed, hurry up or you’ll be late for the Klan rally.

By uncle pee pot

April 10, 2007 7:50 PM | Link to this

it is not sour grapes by Hank,hank is right,Barroid bonds is a jerk and an a*****.

By Me

April 10, 2007 7:56 PM | Link to this

If Henry doesn’t want to go when Barry breaks the record, that’s his business not mine.

By bonds

April 10, 2007 7:57 PM | Link to this

Wow. For starters, despite making it perfectly clear that a capitalist society takes a case by case basis and purposely and clearly taking race out of the equation I am a racist? - Please read the content as well as grammar. I am a white supremacist? A member of the KKK? Are these not racist statements? Let me ask you this, where would you turn without your own personal crutch of racism? I guess you would need to prove yourself on your own merits - just like everyone else. Jim Brown makes excellent points about black empowerment. Perhaps you should follow his advice.

Secondly, you presume to know the racial makeup of my immediate family and make an assumption that I hate black people. I DO hate stupid black people, to the same extent I hate stupid white people.

Thirdly, This is a sports post. Your hackneyed clearly racially charged beliefs have no place here.

With that being said - I belittle your lack of intelligence as well.

For your sake I hope that there is never true equality between all races, you would be lost in a world where excuses are trumped by intelligent course of action.

By ZIPPY

April 10, 2007 8:07 PM | Link to this

It’s not the same…just not the same. Thank you Hank Aaron for everything you did for the game. Zip

By Straight$$$$Homie

April 10, 2007 8:12 PM | Link to this

Wow, you responded when I called your true name, Idiot. Very good! Now that we’ve solved that mystery, move on. There’s no contest here, I won’t belittle you with my knowledge, (although it would be a minor chore) I also dislike ignorant people of all ethnicities. You should’ve stopped while you thought you were ahead, but you really couldn’t resist revealing your true essence with your last statement, could you? Playtime is over, I must go play the market. Goodnight now!!!

By bonds

April 10, 2007 8:29 PM | Link to this

Classic,

Name calling and and reasons why you can’t stay to make a solid rebuttal. I am glad you easily found your way back to your racist security blanket.

I am sure you will make a killing in the Asian markets - now maybe we can talk some baseball

By classic bonds

April 10, 2007 8:35 PM | Link to this

I’m a HS dropout and you SUCK.

By George Hale

April 10, 2007 9:30 PM | Link to this

Bud Selig said…that’s my first clue.

Aaron went through things we mere mortals can only imagine “back in the day”. I was at Crosley Field in Cincinnati the day Hank got his 3000th hit, a ground single up the middle.

In his next at bat Hank hit a Home Run over the right center field wall, the deepest part of the park at that time. I don’t remember which Home Run it was. But, you had a feeling.

Hank was a quiet thoroughbred, a personality much admired throughout the league.

Hank doesn’t need Bonds. Bonds doesn’t need Hank. Baseball needs both.

So, Bud Selig said, huh………? That figures.

By astralboy

April 10, 2007 9:43 PM | Link to this

Yes Aaron has Bonds outclassed by a mile, and no Bonds will ever be seen as half the player Aaron was. He’ll always be the asterisk man, and a joke….even though he could have been an above average player without the roids. I just wish that Hank would be honest about the whole snubbing Barry thing. Is it the steroids?? Anyone can see that even his head is twice the size it was when he 20 hopped the ball in from left and just missed Sid Bream at the plate(choke). But hey, Barry’s not all bad. At least he helped provide me with one of the highlights of my(baseball fan)life!! But seriously… Just say what’s really on your mind Hank. Stop coming across as a grumpy old man. Don’t leave that legacy.

By Derek Wizzle

April 11, 2007 12:28 AM | Link to this

Barry is the greatest. Barry does not care if hank is there. As long as willie mays and Derek Wizzle are there, thats all that matters

By HAMMERIN HANK

April 11, 2007 12:50 AM | Link to this

JUST ONE THING AS MIKE 755 @ 3:25 SO WELL STATED LET HIM TAKE THE RECORD NO BIGGY,BOND’S DAD IS A CLASS ACT ALSO, IT’S JUST A SHAME HIS SON HAS TO DISCREDIT THE FAMILY LEGACY,SOONER OR LATER HE’LL MEET HIS DAD AND I’M SURE THEY’LL HAVE SOMETHINGS TO DISCUSS. SLEEP WELL BARRY, SLEEP WELL.WHITE , BLACK, PURPLE, IT DON’T MATTER,BUT CHEATIN,GAMBLING,CORKING BATS ,DRUGS LYING,IT’S ALL CHEATING AND GIVES THE BLACK EYE TO SPORTS. SORRY BARRY BUT YOU DESERVED THIS IT WOULD JUST BE A RECORD OR CLASS ACT TO OWN UP TO WHAT YOU HAVE REALLY DONE. BY THE WAY THE PHONE LINE GOES BOTH WAYS WHINY.