AJC > Sports > Columnists > Archives > 2007 > August > 12 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USLet Hank solve Selig’s mistake
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Mark Bradley
Baseball’s all-time home run champion will stop by 755 Hank Aaron Drive this week, and that man is no longer Hank Aaron. Many among us insist that the new record is invalid and its new holder a cheat (not to mention a jerk), but sometimes denial is, to paraphrase Mark Twain, just a river in Egypt.
Barry Bonds is the new king of clout. Deal with it.
No, I don’t know exactly how Bonds has hit each of his 758 homers. Neither do you. Neither does Bud Selig, who over the last month managed to make himself seem sillier than ever. After the usual dithering, Selig showed up for No. 755 but conspicuously did not applaud the deed and later issued the least enthusiastic statement in the history of congratulations, the second sentence of which began:
“No matter what anyone thinks of the controversy surrounding this event …”
Still, in his ham-handed way, Selig hit on something. No matter what you think of the man and the allegations and the arrogance and the investigations, the fact remains: Barry Bonds has hit more home runs than any player in big-league history, and nowhere along the line has the sport found cause to prevent him from doing it.
Maybe that says more about the sport than it does about Bonds, but it wasn’t as if he hit those homers playing under an assumed name for a barnstorming team going (borrowing from the late great Lowell George here) from Tucson to Tucumcari. All 758 have been struck under the imprimatur of Major League Baseball. All 758 are legitimate in the eyes of the sanctioning body. All 758 count, and nobody else has 758, not even Bud Selig’s buddy Hank Aaron.
As Selig’s sullen tracking of Bonds unfolded, it was hard to know why the commish seemed such a sourball. Was it because he knew he’d allowed this whole steroids cloud to form by doing nothing a decade ago? Or was it because Bonds was about to break his friend’s record? (Significantly, Selig never spoke to Bonds during the long slog to No. 756 — he called him only after the fact — but admitted talking to Aaron on a regular basis.)
Aaron himself stayed above the fray and recorded a taped congratulatory message that was played at AT&T Park. Aaron chose not to chase Bonds around the country waiting for No. 756, but now the countdown is done and there’s no need to chase anybody anywhere. Bonds is coming to 755 Hank Aaron Drive for a three-game series starting Tuesday.
We Atlantans know there’s no sight so rare as seeing the greatest Brave ever in attendance at an actual Braves game. He’s on the board of directors and he holds the title of senior vice president, but Aaron doesn’t like going to ballgames. (He does use the Turner Field workout facilities, we’re told.) And that’s fine. He wouldn’t have to stay for a single pitch. Aaron could just show up during batting practice and shake Bonds’ hand.
There would be no need for any statement or briefing. The photographs, which would be splashed across the front of every sports section the next day, would send the message that frankly needs to be sent: That baseball, its scowling and dissembling commissioner notwithstanding, salutes the new record-holder.
It would be the sort of grace note Selig is incapable of sounding. It would provide a bit of symmetry — Bonds hit his first homer off Craig McMurtry on June 4, 1986, across the street in the now-razed stadium where Aaron hit his 715th — and would extend to the new holder a courtesy baseball didn’t offer the previous one. For decades Aaron seethed over the lack of official fuss made over No. 715 — Bowie Kuhn was in Cleveland that momentous night — and Selig has made it a point as commissioner to make his buddy feel more appreciated.
Let’s say, 33 years from now, baseball still hasn’t contrived to strike Bonds’ records from the book. Let’s say he’s still the all-time home run champion. Will some other commissioner be apologizing to him the way Selig did to Aaron? Or would one handshake from the Hammer be enough to make the new king of clout and the watching world forget all about blundering Bud?
Permalink | Comments (81) | Post your comment | Categories: Braves / MLB, Mark Bradley
Comments
By NASCARfan
August 12, 2007 8:16 PM | Link to this
Screw you Bradley.
There is only one, TRUE, 100% NATURAL home run champion, and it’s Hank Aaron.
Wrong is wrong is wrong, Bradley. Just because there’s nothing you can do about it doesn’t mean you don’t fight for what’s right with everything you have.
You’re worse than the Vichey, Bradley. Just accept what your told and be a puppet if you must, Bradley.
Those of us who know right from wrong won’t stop.
By A--ville Ranger
August 12, 2007 8:34 PM | Link to this
I’m with NASCAR on this one.Do you come up with the most annoying articles by accident or does it take effort ? There isn’t any healing required Bradley.To hell with that cheating, fraud, a-hole. Hank should not lower himself by shaking blow up Barry’s hand.See how easy that was Mark ? Stop being a jackass and readers will stop abusing you.
By Rebel
August 12, 2007 8:50 PM | Link to this
The only controversy here is media created. I don’t care if Hank shakes Bonds hand or not. Would that feed the hungry? Or end the war in IRAQ ? Of course not. Henry Aaron has earned the right to handle this however he chooses, but for the record I wouldn’t give Bonds the time of day. He is not now nor will he ever be in the class of Aaron.
By Spoof
August 12, 2007 9:18 PM | Link to this
“Barry Bonds is the new king of clout”??!! Bahahaha! Yeah, he & his asterik-poster army.
“All 758 have been struck under the imprimatur of Major League Baseball” Wow, thats so impressive - as I envision the ongoing silent collusion between MLB and the players on the steroid issue, it inspires me that Barry has been able to accomplish so much in the professional wrestling ring …..er …I mean baseball.
Last I looked, the Wall Street Journal poll asking readers: Bonds - hero or zero? was 76% zero. Thats not even a biased Atlanta opinion.
Go back to sleep Bradley. Dream up some other silly method to be controversial - this one falls short of that - somewhere closer to idiotic.
By nutso
August 12, 2007 9:19 PM | Link to this
It’s not Hank Aaron’s job/role/whatever to legitimize Bonds’ home runs through word or deed. You claim they’re legitimate anyway, so why should Aaron have to even shake Bonds’ hand? As usual, you’re full of baloney.
By Chief Nokahoma
August 12, 2007 9:55 PM | Link to this
One point I think everyone misses is that during the time Bonds could have been taking performance enhancing substances, so could have been the pitchers he faced. I believe more pitchers have been suspended from baseball than everyday players since the ban has been in place.
I’m not defending Bonds. It’s just that life is too short and we must get past this. Baseball would be more competitive if we could ban all the protective gear players like Bonds wear while batting. The pads allow him to lean out over the plate without fearing the inside pitch are in my opinion, more of an unfair advantage than the steroids were. Let’s ban batting armor with the exception of helmets and shin and foot guards.
By garrett
August 12, 2007 11:12 PM | Link to this
Slightly off topic: what exactly was Andruw grinning about after flying out in the ninth to cap off an 0-4 with three SO’s? That’s a lot like salt in the wound. The fact that he’s still in the lineup is an endless mystery to me.
By iwalterp
August 13, 2007 12:00 AM | Link to this
Thanks Garret, for changing this blog to something we really want to talk about; Andruw’s ineptness due to his elbow injury. Why is Cox playing him while at the same time telling the world he is hurt and can’t hit a pitch the other way because it hurts too bad on the elbow.It realy hurt to see the Philly pitchers looking to get to Andruw for an easy out. Loyalty is one thing but this borders on insanity when a manager knows a player can’t swing the bat yet puts him in the middle of his lineup instead of 7th or 8th. Geez.
By bruce
August 13, 2007 12:29 AM | Link to this
It would be very classy on Hank’s part to do this. Hank would be remembered favorably for doing it. The photo-op would not be about legimitizing Bonds nor about letting Selig off the hook. It would be putting Hank’s personal presence and gravitas with his video congrats that he gave the world… It could be one of the most remembered photos in sport, certainly greater than any photos of Bonds when he hit it or his last. It would be another chance for Atlanta fans to honor Hank. The photo will be more remembered than when A-Rod breaks whatever the record will be when he gets there.
Mark, thanks for helping make it possible for this momentuous occasion to occur. I do not think it would have anything to do with Selig, it would make for an even more favorable impression and memory of Henry Aaron. I hope when Mr. Aaron reads this, he will agree with me. Nice article. Thanks, Bruce
By Mozzie
August 13, 2007 12:44 AM | Link to this
This article says it all. Hank Aaron doesn’t owe anyone anything, Bonds owes us all a huge apology,for putting America’s pastime in such a shameful light. http://www.theonion.com/content/news/destructionofnational_pastime
By NASCARfan
August 13, 2007 12:55 AM | Link to this
So Bruce, you advocate throwing away what you know is right to support something which is wrong, by asking a man of character to submit to the will of Mark Bradley and commit an act which is also wrong in its complicitness?
Didn’t you ever learn, Bruce, TWO WRONGS DON’T MAKE A RIGHT!!!
Hank Aaron, shaking this piece of scum’s hand will not legitimize a record which will ALWAYS be illigitimate.
It will just be a man throwing away every ounce of character he has to acquiesce to the pressure put upon him by men of low morals, like Bradley is advocating here.
Willie Mays has already lost every ounce of morality, character, and relevence that he ever had as a legend of this game due to his blindly standing behind Barroid Bonds.
Do you want Aaron to do that same?
You would have a man of infinite character lower himself to such a level?
How dare YOU, Bruce. And how dare YOU Mark Bradley, for ever suggesting such a thing.
I swear to God, y’all are a bunch of puppets. People like you really are the Vichy. You’ve thrown down your arms and are collaborating with everything that is wrong with this record.
Yes, Bud screwed up. But how is accepting that the right thing to do? Don’t accept it! Teach your children that Roger Maris is the true single season homerun champion because he didn’t cheat. Teach your children that Hank Aaron is the true homerun champion because he didn’t cheat. Teach you children that even if you get away with it, cheating is still wrong, and that those who cheat, even if they get away with it, should NEVER be honored!
Barroid Bonds should NEVER be honored by Hank Aaron, it was wrong for Puppet Bud to make him record that video.
Shame on you Mark Bradley, for suggesting that Hank Aaron and WE the fans, should lower our moral and character threshold by accepting this scum cheater.
By Singletary
August 13, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this
Lay off Bradley. He’s stating truth, however uncomfortably.
More importantly, those who now think Hank Aaron did the unbelievable, may actually be the progeny of those who ripped Aaron as he eyed the goal.
As an Anglo who grew up in SoGA during Aaron’s effort, he was up against a huge amount of hate. It was ugly, but he was gracious and forgiving. As a non-baseball fan, I remember this very well from my teenage years… and I don’t even like the game.
The best you can say is Selig is not a gracious leader, and Bonds may have the ever-present asterisk IF MLB puts it there, by deaeming some supplements illegal, &… yet he hit the number.
For those who cannot get over it, think A-Rod.
By Singletary
August 13, 2007 12:58 AM | Link to this
Lay off Bradley. He’s stating truth, however uncomfortably.
More importantly, those who now think Hank Aaron did the unbelievable, may actually be the progeny of those who ripped Aaron as he eyed the goal.
As an Anglo who grew up in SoGA during Aaron’s effort, he was up against a huge amount of hate. It was ugly, but he was gracious and forgiving. As a non-baseball fan, I remember this very well from my teenage years… and I don’t even like the game.
The best you can say is Selig is not a gracious leader, and Bonds may have the ever-present asterisk IF MLB puts it there, by deeming some supplements illegal, &… yet he hit the number.
For those who cannot get over it, think A-Rod.
By CC Rider
August 13, 2007 1:12 AM | Link to this
Mark, you are surely joking! Obviously Hank Aaron and even the dim-bulb Bud Selig can figure out what you can’t. I will try and help you understand. Throughout the history of sports there has NEVER, I repeat NEVER, been a player in any sport-Football,Baseball, Basketball, Hockey, Golf, Soccer,Tennis, Boxing Etc. that at the age of 35 years old and above, suddenly went from being a great player to being a superhuman player. The reason, of course, is aging. Every player, in every sport, will tell you their body starts to break down more often and in general begins the deterioration that every human being experiences. It happens to common people AND it happens to the most well conditioned athletes. Some players can hold their top performance level a little longer than others due to extra hard workouts and special care of their bodies, BUT THEY CAN”T BECOME SIGNIFIGANTLY BETTER! You may have written this article for various reasons, but surely you can’t believe that Hank Aaron should embrace this media manufactured delusion. Barry Bonds took Steroids and Human Growth Hormones. One was to repair his body, the other was to make it superior to those he played against. The evidence on record is enough to convict in the court of public opinion, but the super human performance is the final nail in the coffin of Barry Bonds. I repeat, NO PLAYER HAS PLAYED LIKE THIS AT THIS AGE BEFORE. WHAT DO YOU THINK MADE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN BARRY BONDS AND EVERY OTHER ATHLETE IN HISTORY?
By bruce
August 13, 2007 1:22 AM | Link to this
wow Nascarfan… Mr. Aaron has a ton of grace and he will be remembered for that too. If you are indeed a nascar fan… what do you think of cheating in nascar? is cheating only occurring when it is caught by the officials? Is this your double standard?
By Bill
August 13, 2007 1:45 AM | Link to this
To all…get some rest. Hank Aaron will all ways be the HOME RUN KING OF THE 20TH CENTURTY. This can never be taken away…NEVER. Now with this said, facts are facts and numbers are numbers. Barry Bonds has hit 758 home runs, like it or not.
By IlliniBrave
August 13, 2007 2:48 AM | Link to this
Unbelievable!
I never thought I’d see the day when I agree with Terence Moore’s stand on an issue and disagree with Bradley. But here it is.
Wow! Unbelievable!
Oh, and BTW, as a college professor, if we applied the same logic to this issue of cheating and plagiarism in the classroom, my students would be able to justify their actions with such rationale as:
“But you can’t definitively prove that I didn’t come up with these ideas myself” “I’ve never actually been caught directly in the act of cheating” “So many other students are cheating these days, so it all balances out” “Bottom line is I got an A - now deal with it prof!”
Unbelievable!
By Steve M
August 13, 2007 6:59 AM | Link to this
Hank Aaron would only be tarnishing his stellar reputation by giving any time to Barry Bonds - Mr. Aaron is the epitome of class, ideals, and plain hard work. Barry Bonds is the epitome of the ‘ends justifies the means’ attitude that is too common in our world today.
Message to Hank: stay away from Barry
By Joey
August 13, 2007 7:15 AM | Link to this
Bonds made a decision to cheat his way into the record books. Hank should never get in the same zip code with the cheater, much less shake his hand. By the way, wonder how many Hank could have hit if he had taken steriods and HGH his last 10 years in the majors, 900 or 1000?
By Lynn
August 13, 2007 7:24 AM | Link to this
Why does Hank have to shake his hand? To end some media-driven controversy? If Barry Bonds doesn’t have the support of the public, so what? He’s earned this lack of support and why does Hank Aaron have to step up and “make things right?” He did not “make them wrong!” I say, let it go. But, then, what would you writers have to write about? People either like Barry Bonds or they don’t! Pretty simple. Let’s move on to something else.
By Whitey Fjord
August 13, 2007 7:25 AM | Link to this
Heal what exactly?
Aaron gave his congratulations already. He can shake Bond’s hand - if he chooses - should their paths cross.
If Bonds thinks he needs to be legitimized by the press of Aarons flesh, then that speaks for itself.
As far as “Commissioner” Bud Selig goes, who here even knew he was still alive?
The soulless baseball corporation has bigger problems than a manufactured crisis over who hit the most legitimate, albeit pointless homeruns.
By Big Ed
August 13, 2007 7:48 AM | Link to this
Here’s what we know about the steroid era. NOTHING. What we think happened and is probably still going on is that players in every sport look for an edge. The fact that Barry’s Balco buddy is still in jail and refuses to testify is enough suspicion for me. At some point in time I’m sure Greg Anderson’s bank account will get an injection from Barry Bonds. One or two more hits a week can mean millions to a ballplayer. More home runs during the steroid era meant millions to Bud Selig and the owners when baseball needed an injection. It’s just as hypocrital for Bud Selig to take the high road now because he knew players were getting bigger almost overnight. But again nothing has been proven. I say let Hank show up if he chooses and hand over the title. Let’s let the investigation run it’s course. In case anyone didn’t notice Mark McGuire did not make the Hall of Fame ballot even though he was eligable. I feel Sammy Sosa will not as well when his time comes. When Barry is eligable for the Hall of Fame the message can be sent loud and clear by Hank and the rest of the players who did it the right way. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.
By William F. Miller
August 13, 2007 8:28 AM | Link to this
Mark - You are skating around the whole damn point - Bond’s achievement is a completely bogus record. Why should the true holder of the record - or anyone else - recognize a fraudulent achievement?
By theman
August 13, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this
Hank you should be a Bigger Man than bud Selig. Give Barry his “Props” baby. Don’t allow history to repeat itself, remember how they, I mean “America” treated you when you were making your run at Babe’s record. These bloggers that are so adamant about how you should treat Bonds are probably the same people or their descendants, who set in the stands and threw object and lots of insults your way. Don’t let them exult in this moment as they did when you were their target
By bill
August 13, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
give us all a break an shut up about barry bonds, leave hank alone and leave us along, i’m sick of you and all of espn cramming him down out throats
By jd
August 13, 2007 8:53 AM | Link to this
Hank has always been Buds butt boy. Hank will meet Barry, drop his pants and all will be forgivin.
By marti
August 13, 2007 9:01 AM | Link to this
Hey, Rosie Ruiz finished first in the Boston Marathon. Deal with it. it’s never been determined in a court of law that she cheated. If only the other runners in the race would just reach out and shake her hand, all would be well. Rosie and Barry, two dedicated, driven athletes!
By Fred Berlinsky
August 13, 2007 9:09 AM | Link to this
An outstanding piece of journalism. Coming out of Atlanta it is especially strong.
By Gene
August 13, 2007 9:40 AM | Link to this
Aaron was free to deal with the Bonds issue in whatever way he chose. Selig and MLB could have put an end to the drug issue years ago had they elected to do so. In this manner, Selig was Bonds’ facilitator.
By Todd Green
August 13, 2007 10:11 AM | Link to this
Being a Georgia Native and attending many Braves games; I am the Biggest Braves Fan in South FLorida, I might add and I adore the game Hank AAron played; he’s just simply the greatest home run slugger ever, until now… He’s the second greatest :)… mr. Bonds, having not been proven wrong of anything, is the new Home Run King. Just think if all the Chicken S*^t pitchers and managers had actually pitched to Bonds, he might just have some 900 hi=ome runs and the chase would be out of sight of 755… Hell, I happen to think most of those walks had nothing to do with game situation, which in my public opinion is wrong as well, but Selig never stepped in and addressed it. Just think, Selig stated he wuold step in if it appeared as it Bonds was being with held from games intentionally, but never addressed the stupid amount of walks issued to Bonds.
By Dale Murphy
August 13, 2007 10:35 AM | Link to this
Barry is a mean person he does not like the press, and he cheated. Hank had class he knew his place, when we called him racial slurs he did not go running to the media complaining. he kept quiet and took it. thats class. Barry should admit he cheated and give up all of his records and money. that would show contrition and class IMOH
By Keith Helms
August 13, 2007 10:37 AM | Link to this
Why should Aaron soil his hand by shaking the filthy hand of a fraud? If you or any one wants to clear the situation, let Anderson or bonds tell the truth which will then put Bonds in the same boat as Conseco or McGwire.
By Henry
August 13, 2007 10:41 AM | Link to this
Wow! I continue to be amazed at the media and fans who believe steroids began in the 90’s or late 80’s. Wake up. As soon as baseball players began lifting weights, throwing off the old paradigm of ruining their swing or motion, very similar to what many high school basketball coaches still believe, controlled substances entered the game. See powerlifters of the sixties. As a boy watching baseball Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver were the exceptions in baseball and while there have always been flame throwers they were few, how is it that every middle reliever and wannabe can throw 95 mph. Bonds took steroids and so did the majority of players in the MLB. Why are so many former players and hall of fame inductees so hesitant to cast blame? Barry on the juice hit his homers off of pitchers on the juice. Since everyone was juiced everything is equal and the numbers are elevated kind of like inflation or the price of gas. Which is what I think most sports writers are full of. Pardon the dangling participle. I want every team to have a designated steriod hitter with an aluminum bat. Let the pitcher use an L-Screen and lets watch that baby fly.
By Alan
August 13, 2007 10:44 AM | Link to this
Bradley, you can pander to Bonds if you want to. Please don’t ask anyone else to do so….especially not the only true home run king after Babe Ruth. Bonds steroid enhanced run at the gold should NOT be lauded. As for the “so-called Biggest Braves fan in south Florida. Why should the pitchers or managers reward a drug-choked a++hole by putting them where he could hit them. He did himself out of a fair shake by his use of the needle. Bonds is a loser and anyone who supports him is just another drug enabler.
By Keith McIntyre
August 13, 2007 10:45 AM | Link to this
You can’t unring the bell. What will be, will be. Anything else is sour grapes. Rules are rules, and baseball says Bonds played by the rules. End of story.
By alphonso
August 13, 2007 10:50 AM | Link to this
Great post Alan. Now put the white sheet and hood back on!
By Todd Green
August 13, 2007 10:53 AM | Link to this
Bonds crying to the Media… he should curse them the hell out. The Media [Most of them] twist things for a story or have no clue of how to support their stand [Terrance Moore]… Just ask Chipper Jones, what the MEdia will do for you, whether it’s New York or Atlanta…
By Karl Rove
August 13, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
Barry took steroids, he needs to admit it. and Tiger Woods will be exposed soon as another steroid cheat the whole hiphop culture is destroying this countrys fabric
By HankFan
August 13, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
Hey “theman”
You forget one BIG thing - a lot of people booed against Hank when he was chasing the record because he was African-American. He got death threats because he was Black, man. That’s despicable. Barry was booed and jeered because he’s a jerk and he’s a cheater. It doesn’t bother me that he’s a jerk - people rooted against Ty Cobb and Roger Maris because they thought they were jerks (Ty was, Maris apparently wasn’t). If Barry was a jerk I can still respect the record. Don’t you even dare compare what Hank went through with what Barry is going through now - there is nothing cathartic about Hank shaking Bond’s hand. The whole thing is a mess, and there will always be an asterisk in our hearts. My dad caught a foul ball hit by Barry Bonds - instead of saying “wow, my dad has a ball that was hit off of the bat of the all-time home run king” I’m saying that ball means nothing because it was hit by a cheater - let’s face it, his helmet size grew people - that doesn’t happen naturally. That’s proof enough for me. IlliniBrave is right - I’m a college prof too - just because everyone in the room is cheating doesn’t make everything OK - and if I catch someone cheating then I’ll nail that person regardless of whether I can find others. And A-Rod - we’ll just have to see if he was/is on the juice too.
By Todd Green
August 13, 2007 10:56 AM | Link to this
Alan, I know what and who I am… are your hiding behind the name ‘Alan’ when in fact you are Terrance Moore?
By Todd Gren
August 13, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
For those of you who mention Bonds and steriods first hand; perhaps you should talk to congress if you have that knowledge and testify… NOT… you have no clue what he has done. I guess when your wives and girlfriends body change and get fat, you accuse them of being on the needle as well???
By Tony
August 13, 2007 11:18 AM | Link to this
Good grief, why should Hank have to do anything else? This is riduculous. Didn’t he do enough for you by the video message in San Francisco, which most everyone thought was a class move? Hank has zero obligation to do anything else as far as Bonds is concerned. It’s past time to move on.
By HankFan
August 13, 2007 11:29 AM | Link to this
Todd Gren: You’re an idiot; women’s bodies change and people’s bodies change. They change in predictable ways when nature takes it’s course (e.g., a woman may gain a lot of weight when pregnant). When someone takes HGH, you can also predict some changes to occur - like their head sizes change and they bulk up. That is not natural man, unless he’s got some natural ailment about which that he hasn’t come clean. As far as I know, the kind of diseases that make a person grow kills them after 35 (e.g., Andre the Giant), not helps them become the all time home run king.
By Jack A. Patterson Jr.
August 13, 2007 12:02 PM | Link to this
If Mr. Bradley knew Hammer and called and suggested this gesture, that would be fine. But to suggest it in print like this is like calling Hammer out.
I am always uncomfortable when writers and talk show host suggest what should be done as a gesture. What these media specialists deem in their infinite wisdom, the right and classy thing to do.
That being said, on the sands of my imagination, I would love to see Hammer acknowledge Bonds during this series. But if I were going to try to prod Aaron to do it, I would do it in a different way.
By John Chan
August 13, 2007 12:54 PM | Link to this
Kudos for an unbiased clear perspective of the current situation.
Barry has never been found to have broken any rules. Moreso he played by them.
If MLB, had implemented a policy regarding steroids then an argument could be made that he cheated.
However to cheat, you have to be breaking a rule.
Retroactively trying to convict someone of a rule that did not exist is ridiculous.
It’s like department of transportation deciding that it is now illegal for passing people on the left and now trying to issue tickets to everyone for having done so in the past.
By Lex Luthor
August 13, 2007 12:56 PM | Link to this
If steroids contributed that much to Barry hitting all of those home runs then Canseco would have hit 100 a season. So what if he was taking Andro. You could buy it at GNC. There were no rules against it. If you really want to get into performance enhancing drugs then you’d have to ban tobacco and enegery drinks too.
By George
August 13, 2007 12:59 PM | Link to this
Todd, don’t be totally stupid. Bonds admitted to a grand jury that he took “something that he did not know was steroids”. We should all be able to agree on that. Now, if you believe an athlete would allow something into their body without knowing exactly what it was, you are very naive. The final “proof” that Bonds is guilty of using steroids rest with Greg Anderson, his personal trainer with BALCO. Anderson has done his time in prison for the BALCO mess, but is still in prison today for refusing to testify in the Bonds steroid issue. IF HE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT BONDS USING STEROIDS, HE SHOULD TESTIFY UNDER OATH TO THAT EFFECT, and he could then avoid more jail time. His refusal to testify and explain entries in his ledger speak volumes. I’m sure he will be well compensated by Bonds later. If you have another explanation for Anderson refusing to testify, please let us hear it. One last comment, Bonds may never be indicted for steroids, but I’m willing to wager he will be indicted on income tax evasion (ala Pete Rose).
By BirdMahn
August 13, 2007 1:03 PM | Link to this
THE ONLY CONTROVERSY IS IN YOUR MIND BRADLEY. HANK OWES BONDS NOTHING!!! You and your media buddies need to quick trying to start crap just to sell papers.
By Chris
August 13, 2007 1:14 PM | Link to this
There is no need for Hank to do anything. The controversy has not been caused by him; why must he have a hand in ending it?
He had the record for 33 years (and will always have it, in my heart, over Barry Bonds). The man taped something for Barry, though he certainly didn’t have to. Just let the man live in peace.
By june_baby
August 13, 2007 1:18 PM | Link to this
MR. AARON,if you ever take the time to read this column, take it all with a grain of salt. a lot of the people in these pages, hated your guts( a lot still do)when you were chasing the babe. now they’re all wanna-be’s, because they think that yor are opposed to barry. i dont beleive that you are, but i don’t think it’s necessary for you to try and prove it to the media. the simple fact is, if they ever find anything in your closet, even if it’s proven to be aboveboard, they will tar-and-feather you with accusations of cheating, or whatever. the old saying goes: throw st against the wall, you can still clean it off, continue to throw it, and eventually it leaves a stain. this is what the media does, even if they have no facts to back it up. i beleive their agenda is to make themselves SUPERSTAR sportswriters, by any means necessary. so their way of doing this is to “throw st against the wall”. barry bonds was their target because they knew it would be easy to tar-and-feather a black superstar that apparently, just dont give a damn. and it seems as though it worked, because all the sheep followed the shepherd(s) to the other side of the fence. time and time again people have asked them to investigate what seems to be obvious signs of other players juicing, but the s**t doesn’t seem to stick to those walls. so’ shake barry’s hand if you want, but don’t feel compelled to.
By Lew
August 13, 2007 1:20 PM | Link to this
Mark-I don’t disagree with most of your points. He broke it and it IS time to move on. There will be no asterisk by his name. However, why should Hank do more than what he already has? To remedy Bud Light’s nonsensical approach to the situation? He already did that with his recorded message. Nothing else could possibly be accomplished with any additional gesture other than the stroking of Bond’s already enormous ego (unless he wants to rub his also enormous head). Why should Hank accept that responsibility? I, for one, can see nothing worthwhile to be gained by a handshake. It’s over, all need to move onward. Bonds has his record. If that is not sufficient, tough luck. He’ll just have to get over it-or not. Who cares? What’s ARod’s projected date for overtaking Bonds?
By michael
August 13, 2007 1:22 PM | Link to this
To my understanding Bonds has been tested a lot for drugs. He has never failed a drug test. All these people who say Aaron is the home run king don’t like Aaron either. If Bonds was white we would not even be discussing this matter. It is some of the same hatered that Aaron had to put up with.
Beard
By Lew
August 13, 2007 1:26 PM | Link to this
Lex Luthor-Tobacco as a performance enhancing drug? Are you serious? It is an anti-performance enhancing substance. If you had ever smoked you would realize that. Your assertion is ludicrous and naive.
By Train Wreck Bystander
August 13, 2007 1:27 PM | Link to this
Mr. Aaron can shake hands if he wants. But AFAIAC, the Roidiculous One will always be a cheat, a fraud and a big fat asterisk.
By Chris
August 13, 2007 1:30 PM | Link to this
Um, Michael, Bonds actually failed an amphetamine test. So don’t say he “never failed a drug test” unless you are aware of the facts. Because he has.
By michael
August 13, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
it is time for Bobby Cox to make a decision on Andruw Jones. Here it is August and the guy is still batting .216 and still in the line up. Another problem is Chuck James. This guy cannot pitch 5 inning unless he is dead tired. McDowell is suppose to be such a great pitching coach and he cannot straighten out these problems. Rick Peterson took Sosa and straighten out his problems whereas McDowell couldn’t. If Mazzone is available after the season is over bring hin back.
Michael
By michael
August 13, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
it is time for Bobby Cox to make a decision on Andruw Jones. Here it is August and the guy is still batting .216 and still in the line up. Another problem is Chuck James. This guy cannot pitch 5 inning unless he is dead tired. McDowell is suppose to be such a great pitching coach and he cannot straighten out these problems. Rick Peterson took Sosa and straighten out his problems whereas McDowell couldn’t. If Mazzone is available after the season is over bring hin back.
Michael
By michael
August 13, 2007 1:32 PM | Link to this
it is time for Bobby Cox to make a decision on Andruw Jones. Here it is August and the guy is still batting .216 and still in the line up. Another problem is Chuck James. This guy cannot pitch 5 inning unless he is dead tired. McDowell is suppose to be such a great pitching coach and he cannot straighten out these problems. Rick Peterson took Sosa and straighten out his problems whereas McDowell couldn’t. If Mazzone is available after the season is over bring hin back.
Michael
By Tony
August 13, 2007 1:35 PM | Link to this
Michael, that is just plain baloney. This has ZERO to do with race. It’s funny how there is always somebody out there trying to make everything into a racial issue.
By T
August 13, 2007 1:39 PM | Link to this
I don’t like Barroid= JERK for years.
I don’t like Hank= Bitter (whether he deserves to be or not).
I do respect what both did hitting home runs.
Race has nothing to do with either person. Each have chosen their personalities.
Hank Arron is twice the baseball player Barroid is. If you need proof, go to the HOF and observe.
Until baseball does anything to strike Barroid’s records, it is what it is.
By Lew
August 13, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
Michael-You actually have to take a test to achieve a positive result. At the time of Bonds’ alleged juice use, there was no testing regimen in place in MLB for him to fail. As for it all being racially motivated-??????????????? A black player breaking a record held by a black player is racist? Have you been seeing anyone professionally regarding your confusion?
By Hank Aaron fan
August 13, 2007 1:48 PM | Link to this
Who cares what games Selig attends or how much enthusiasm he shows? It doesn’t matter.
And get off Hank’s back. No words or gestures from Hank are going to stop the griping of the Bonds-haters. By the way, Bonds admitted to taking some Balco juice. What Barry denied was KNOWING that the stuff was illegal. Everyone needs to cut this “we’ll never know if Barry used illegal supplements” nonsense.
By Lex Luthor
August 13, 2007 2:37 PM | Link to this
Lew,
Tobacco = stimulant = performance enhancing
You can dip or chew tobacco. So yes, I am serious.
By michael
August 13, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
IF RACE IS NOT AN ISSUE AS BARRY ABOUT THE HATE MAIL THAT HE RECEIVES. NO ONE IN THE MEDIA SAID A THING ABOUT MCGUIRE WHEN HE BROKE MARIS’S RECORD. LIKE I SAID YOU DON’T LIKE AARON ALSO. NO ONE EVERY SAY THAT BARRY FATHER WAS A MLB PLAYER ALSO. HE ALSO LEARNED A LOT FROM MAYS WHO IS HIS GODFATHER. HE ATTENDED ARIZONA STATE WHICH HAS ONE OF THE BEST BASEBALL PROGRAMS IN THE NATION. BONDS IS THE HOME RUN KING AND THERE IS NOTHING THAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT.
MICHAEL
By pinkygonzales
August 13, 2007 3:00 PM | Link to this
Lew,
you’re missing the point. This is not about the juice. It’s not about the fact that he was on the juice. What haunts bonds is he is the fact that fans who are mad about players taking performance enhancing drugs have laid the entire steroid era at Bonds’ feet. You don’t see Jason Giambi and Gary Sheffield getting booed on the road the way Bonds does. Heck, even Sammy Sosa doesn’t get booed like Bonds. And why does he get all the hatred: because he is perceived as a jerk, because he is the greatest ball player I have seen in my lifetime yet he doesn’t seem to give a damn about what the fans and media think of him, because he makes more money in a year than most people will make in a lifetime and because he is black. Do you think that if Mark McGwire had stuck around despite the cloud of suspicion and had broken Aaron’s record, do you really think the reaction to him would be the same? It ain’t about the juice.
By russell
August 13, 2007 3:03 PM | Link to this
Everything has a little bit to do with everything in life. And there is a racial component to this issue. Just because you resent those that say race has “everything” to do with it (which it does not), does not mean that it doesn’t have “anything” to do with it. We’ll never get past our racial animosities if reasonable people cannot be reasonable.
By Jo
August 13, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
Aaron doesn’t owe anything to Bonds, Selig, or Major League Baseball. The AJC needs to leave him alone!
By Tony
August 13, 2007 3:29 PM | Link to this
Michael, your grammer is so bad, it’s hard to try and figure out what you’re saying, but from what I can make out, you’re still full of baloney. You can play your little race card all you want, but you won’t change my mind. I have been a Hank Aaron fan since 1962. He is my favorite all time player, so don’t tell me I’m an Aaron hater.
By Dwight Fry
August 13, 2007 4:12 PM | Link to this
Who is Mark Bradley to tell Henry Aaron what to do? What a “maroon”.
By Dang, Bradley
August 13, 2007 4:35 PM | Link to this
You’re getting pasted today, but you brought it on yourself. Your column today is just silly, little boy tittering for the sake of stirring some stuff. Well, you asked for it, you got it. I hope Hank is out of town until Friday.
By A--ville Ranger
August 13, 2007 5:08 PM | Link to this
Looking at the number of postings it’s clear why you turn out these silly,contrived articles,they get you attention.Others like DOB and Chip have appeal,I guess as long as we’re responding right ?
By june_baby
August 13, 2007 5:26 PM | Link to this
i’ve had enough about this playing the race card bull-poop. “it is about race”, and all of you people pretending that it’s not, is really sickening. almost everything that happens in georgia, between black and white people starts with race. all of this thug stuff, is just code-words for you people to vent your feelings about blacks. it was an “everbody knows secret” that “MCGWIRE”, and “CANSECO”, as far back as the 1980’s were using steroids to acchieve a lot of their power(while they were both playing for the A’s under tony larussa). everybody knew. when the homerun chase between big MAC, and corking SAMMY, was going on not one sportswriter, network, or so called fan had a word to say about “ROIDS”, nothing, nada, silencio. almost all of the cheating that goes on in mlb(at least what’s reported), from sand paper to pine tar, involves white players. so what do we hear from the fans and writer’s? nothing, nada, silencio. almost all of the drug abuse you hear of with black players is the sqme kind of drugs you hear about with the general populace. cocaine, weed, etc.. by the way, originally all of these drugs were supplied by white people, as minorities don’t own boats and planes, or have the wherewithal to bribe custom officials. the same thing with steroids, almost all are supplied by white chemists. again what do we hear? nothing, nada, silencio. but when black people try to explain these simple things to most of you, what do we hear? “THERE YOU PEOPLE GO PLAYING THE RACE CARD AGAIN”. unbelievable! a lot of you people just don’t get it, or you refuse to get it because you know what we say is true?
By braint
August 13, 2007 5:36 PM | Link to this
A friend of mine who was a backup offensive lineman for the Baltimore Ravens told me he was visiting a clinic getting his body ready for the upcoming season. We all new that meant beginning several cycles of steroids. He told me he was trying a different kind’a juice. It was an experimental human growth hormone that was nearly impossible to detect but you had to constantly monitor your blood for problems with your liver. I thought it was risky but unfortuneately his salary was more important than his heath.
He also told me something else that at the time, I felt was peculiar. He told me to look for Barry Bonds to have a huge year. I asked him why. He said they were using the same stuff and had the same doctor administering the treatments. He said that people would go to Barry’s house to draw his blood so they could monitor it.
Sure enough, Mr. Bonds looked like a neanderthal swinging a stick and hit 73 HR’s……
This buddy of mine’s career is over now and he’s coaching high school football in Northern California. I’ve bugged him numerous times about coming out with his info but he’s already been questioned by authorities, etc and wants to let it die for now.
The HGH might not have helped him physically hit the ball but the recovery from injuries and everyday wear and tear on your body was sure helpful. Without the stuff he probably would have retired with 600+ HR’s. Still Hall Of Fame numbers and one of the greatest to ever play the game but nonetheless, now with an asterick in people’s minds.
By Marc
August 13, 2007 5:57 PM | Link to this
Steroids and HGH do more for stamina really, hand-eye coordination is something that you either have or don’t. Not defending Bonds, in fact I hate the man, but the fact is he woulda hit like mad without steroids - maybe a few less homers though.
By Marc
August 13, 2007 6:10 PM | Link to this
And people saying “If Bonds was white this would be non-issue” are retarded. Go back to your caves where there’s still a civil rights movement pushing onto the horizon and stay away from modern society.
Half the people reporting the story are black too, but I guess they’re racist towards their own kind?
Only the small minded think in small minded ways. People don’t like Barry because he’s an arrogant a*******hole that feels people owe him something for playing baseball - he gets it, in the form of a paycheck, but apparently that’s not enough for him.
The fact that he’s black is non-factor, especially when compared to the fact that he’s an egotistical leech on back drop of MLB’s policy of traditional preservation.
The only time his race is made a factor is to commemorate Hank and the other black athletes over the years, to remind us that color is irrelevant in a free modern and society, that people did suffer through turmoil at one point in a fight to ensure equality for future generations, and to pay tribute to those people.
But your typical black activist would take offense to such a gesture and erase the otherwise sincere statement of equal commodity and praise.
F*ck off.
By dack jerrick
August 13, 2007 6:39 PM | Link to this
Had Henry Aaron played in New York he would simply be known as the greatest player to ever play the game, period!Just check the record book: RBI, most total bases ever, lifetime .300 hitter,hit for average, power, drove in runs, scored runs. The shame is that this country is so shallow that the fact that he played in Milwaukee and Atlanta will prevents the obvious.
By bfan54
August 13, 2007 9:25 PM | Link to this
No.No.No.Hank does not need to solve Selig’s problem. He just had his record stolen from him, and now you are telling him to bail out the idiot Commissioner who - as they- made it all possible. No.Please move on. Your’s is the most ridiculous suggestion I have heard, since Selig decided to give homefield advantage to the team whose league won the All-Star game.
Please move on. Immediately.
By disguested American
August 13, 2007 9:32 PM | Link to this
Barry is as guilty as Vick! He said he took the Cream and others have said he took it. Thanks Selig for not kissing his as* like ESPN and Mark Bradley do. I hope Hank stays at home like I will when he’s in town. Mark takes up for all the Steroid gang… who did you vote for Hall of Fame? People like you shouldn’t have a vote.
By kyle
August 14, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Hey Chief Nokohoma,are you the used to be mascot for the Braves? (that got fired) Use of illegal drugs have been banned for as long as I can remember. You say ,more pitchers have been suspended for drug use that other players. WHY??? If some have been suspended, why not Bonds? I would have been very disappointed if Bud Seilig or Hank Aaron had followed Roids Bonds around to watch him cheat himself into record breaking homerun.To watch him steal the record of Hank AAron who worked hard, and fair and square to set this record. Hank had to overcome many obsticles, such as not being able to stay in the same hotels and eat in the same resturants as his teammates. He was a trail blazer for making these kinds of issues better for Roids Bonds.I was dissappointed that Seilig showed up at any game and loved the hands in the pocket attitude when Bonds hit the tying run. One other thing. I’m sick of hearing people say these athletes should be role models for our kids. You be your kids role models and teach them right from wrong.Then if they want to choose a role model they will know which one’s are worthy of that title. These athletes are human beings and are usually living the way they were trained to live by their parents. If kids can’t look up to their parents and see them as their role model, why do you expect athletes and other celebrities to change their lifestyle to impress your kids?
By Chief Who?
August 14, 2007 10:34 AM | Link to this
I had a drinking problem and I would go in Clubhouse and Tunnel after games and drink with works. I couldn’t handle it, got help and now working to help needy kids. No Drugs just BEER. I still love the Braves and have nothing bad to say about them.
By Jonathan_Davey
August 16, 2007 4:44 AM | Link to this
wow, the only people I’ve heard say anything positive about bonds have been sports writers…and I don’t think that they believe the sh*t that they’re writing.