Bonds ties record

[beclemund]

so, it's one of those things: if everyone else is doing it, it can't possibly be wrong.

Please indicate where I said that. It is certainly not surprising that athletes dope considering the amount of money they stand to lose due to prolonged injury (steroids aid recuperation), declining skills, and replacement. It does not, however, make it acceptable, and it is a poor example to set for our youth.

I did suggest that the scrutiny that Bonds is facing is unlike anything the "immortals" of baseball past had to endure. Even Maris who was notoriously pursued by the press at every ballpark during his historic chase did not endure the level of examination Barry Bonds has had to endure. What would be fair is that those past greats of sports be analyzed for the presence of performance enhancing substances. Since we are already eager to label Barry as someone who knowingly cheated despite his claims to the contrary should we not then put his peers in the record books under the same microscope?

I am not so sure that in the end, it really matters. You still have to hit the ball, and prior to the last two years when ages seems to have really caught up to Barry, none of his contemporaries were better hitters than him despite claims that steroid use was widespread in the league. Obviously, he is a formidable player and I think that he is deserving of any accolades no matter how history may portray him.

[Danny]

McGwire didn't get in the hall of fame for supposedly taking steroids, but right now people are cheering another creep who did.

Indeed sad--especially when you consider the fact that Ruth hit 714 on a diet of hot dogs, beer, and women, while Aaron naturally and quietly hit 755.

[beclemund]

McGwire didn't get in the hall of fame for supposedly taking steroids, but right now people are cheering another creep who did.

It certainly sounds like he is receiving more jeers than cheers.

Indeed sad--especially when you consider the fact that Ruth hit 714 on a diet of hot dogs, beer, and women, while Aaron naturally and quietly hit 755.

So you can unequivocally assert that neither Aaron or Ruth used any kind of performance enhancing substances? Impressive considering organized testing has only come in vogue in the last few decades.

[Danny]

It certainly sounds like he is receiving more jeers than cheers.

So you can unequivocally assert that neither Aaron or Ruth used any kind of performance enhancing substances? Impressive considering organized testing has only come in vogue in the last few decades.

Sad Diego fans cheered after 755.  They didn't boo or jeer after he hit it.

About the latter, I don't see how you can look at pictures of the porky, out of shape Babe (who we know didn't take care of himself for the better part of his career) or moderate sized Aaron and assume that they were using steroids. 

We can, however, note that Bonds' physique changed dramatically over the course of his career--especially right around 2000 (supposedly when he started taking steroids).  Maybe it's all just a coincidence.

[Mozart]

If you have been to petco you would know that only 33 percent of those fans where actual Padres fans. The rest were a mix of people wanting to catch the home run ball and giants fans. Padres fan are laid back and well, walk around the stadium more than watch the games. The game can be sold it and it looks like its half full.

[mahlertitan]

We can, however, note that Bonds' physique changed dramatically over the course of his career--especially right around 2000 (supposedly when he started taking steroids).  Maybe it's all just a coincidence.

exactly, that what i have been trying say, Ruth and others might have "cheated" but not to the extend our modern players have cheated. Back in the old days, the technology available for you to cheat is limited, nowadays, you can do anything.

[head-case]

exactly, that what i have been trying say, Ruth and others might have "cheated" but not to the extend our modern players have cheated. Back in the old days, the technology available for you to cheat is limited, nowadays, you can do anything.

Exactly, that's what I am trying to say, Ruth can never compete with Bonds because the drugs he was using were so inferior.

[PaulR]

do you have proof that he didn't cheat? Come on! Just look at the guy, freakin mutant.

Canseco cheated, Giambi cheated,  McGwire Cheated, Sosa cheated, Bonds .....

that's the thing, as long as there is no indisputable proof, he doesn't need any proof to say he didn't cheat.  I mean, yeah, I think he did take Steroids, but that's not the same as proof.

[aquablob]

By all accounts, Barry Bonds is a real asshole. And a lot of evidence does seem to suggest that he has cheated by using banned "performance-enhancing drugs."

But let's look at the situation in context -- practically half the league was juiced! Why does Bonds get singled out? Because he's just that damn good? It's not really fair to single him out, in my opinion.

Picture yourself as a superstar hitter in the mid-90's. All of a sudden your competition starts taking these drugs and out-performing you, and the league doesn't give a hoot. At some point you realize that if you are to keep up with the competition, you have to join the bandwagon. Your livelihood depends on it!

Yes, I think Barry Bonds is an asshole. Yes, I think he used steroids. Yes, I think he is one of the top five hitters of all time. And yes, I think it's a shame that in order for him to keep up with his competition, he had to turn to the 'roids.

But personally, I place most of the blame on the league for turning a blind eye to the problem for as long as it did. For Selig to publicly show scorn for Bonds reveals a blatant hypocrisy. He has only his administration and himself to blame for allowing the league to become so steroid-ridden.

If you want to put an asterisk next to Bonds' name in the record book, make sure to do the same for every other player in this era accused of steroid use. He only gets singled out because he's the best (and a real jerk).

[beclemund]

By all accounts, Barry Bonds is a real asshole.

He has had a poor relationship with the press, so I am sure that has played a significant part in created the persona we are shown from the media. His teammates, with a few notable exceptions, seem to universally appreciate him in the clubhouse. Even with those exceptions in the clubhouse, how many of us have great relationships with everyone we work with day in and day out?

I do think you are right to suggest that he has been singled out because he is such a phenomenal player. Within the whole of the players he has played with, he is a giant among them. There are those who hit as many home runs and those who hit for higher average, but none have put up the numbers in all categories (steals, power, average, plate patience, etc.) that come close to his production.

[Mozart]

Well...its done. I didn't see it but Im sure it'll be on espn.

[Bogey]

Well...its done. I didn't see it but Im sure it'll be on espn.

My son and I caught 755 live on the tube and last nights yard shot as well.  Hey, was that Iago that caught #756? 

[aquablob]

His teammates, with a few notable exceptions, seem to universally appreciate him in the clubhouse.

Actually, his teammates have been known to dislike him for his entire career -- starting in college, when his teammates actually voted him off the team!

[Don]

We have a new home run king, and I think Bonds deserves the recognition.  As for the steroid situation, Bonds never did fail any of the tests he was given.

Asterik?  What would it say?

[Robert]

We have a new home run king, and I think Bonds deserves the recognition.  As for the steroid situation, Bonds never did fail any of the tests he was given.

Asterik?  What would it say?

JUICY FRUIT......

[Shrunk]

I recall one major league manager, when asked about allegations that Bonds was using steroids, replied "What did he do, inject them into his eyes?"  The point being that steroids by themselves cannot make you a good hitter.  They can only increase your muscle strength. They won't give you the eye-hand coordination and judgement of the strike zone required to be an effective hitter.  It's in these latter skills that Bonds truly excels.  It seems like the easiest thing in the world not to swing at a pitch out of the strike zone, but very few players learn that, and none better than Bonds (2541 career walks so far).  I don't like him as a person, but I think he deserves full credit for his accomplishments.

[mahlertitan]

I recall one major league manager, when asked about allegations that Bonds was using steroids, replied "What did he do, inject them into his eyes?"  The point being that steroids by themselves cannot make you a good hitter.  They can only increase your muscle strength. They won't give you the eye-hand coordination and judgement of the strike zone required to be an effective hitter.  It's in these latter skills that Bonds truly excels.  It seems like the easiest thing in the world not to swing at a pitch out of the strike zone, but very few players learn that, and none better than Bonds (2541 career walks so far).  I don't like him as a person, but I think he deserves full credit for his accomplishments.

i don't think people use Steroids as a magic drug that will turn every day weaklings into homerun kings, it's an Enhancer, if you are good already, it will make you better....

Baseball has often been dubbed "The game of inches", the difference between a home run and an fly-out is only a few inches away, so having that extra bit of muscle does help.

btw, about 27% of that 2541BB are intentional walks.

however, i will say, that Bonds is a magnificent player, his stats are amazing, even prior to his "questionable' years, but nothing justifies cheating, period.

[Robert]

I recall one major league manager, when asked about allegations that Bonds was using steroids, replied "What did he do, inject them into his eyes?"  The point being that steroids by themselves cannot make you a good hitter.  They can only increase your muscle strength. They won't give you the eye-hand coordination and judgement of the strike zone required to be an effective hitter.  It's in these latter skills that Bonds truly excels.  It seems like the easiest thing in the world not to swing at a pitch out of the strike zone, but very few players learn that, and none better than Bonds (2541 career walks so far).  I don't like him as a person, but I think he deserves full credit for his accomplishments.

I agree with this...... I believe he was probably one of the greatest hitters the game.ever produced.....juice or not.....

[mahlertitan]

Baseball star Barry Bonds charged

A US federal grand jury has charged baseball record breaker Barry Bonds with perjury and obstruction of justice over an inquiry into steroids use.

The jury was investigating testimony by the San Francisco star in 2003, in which he said he had never knowingly used performance-enhancing drugs.

Mr Bonds, 43, became the all-time home run record holder in August, when he beat Hank Aaron's total of 755 runs.

But his feat has been overshadowed by accusations that he used steroids.

The federal jury indictment released on Thursday stated: "During the criminal investigation, evidence was obtained including positive tests for the presence of anabolic steroids and other performance enhancing substances for Bonds and other athletes."

Mr Bonds faces four counts of perjury and one of obstructing justice, which together carry a maximum penalty of 30 years in jail.

White House 'sad'

His lawyer, John Burris, when informed about the charges, said: "I'm surprised, but there's been an effort to get Barry for a long time. I'm curious what evidence they have now they didn't have before."

The left-hander has never tested positive for drug use and has repeatedly denied knowingly using performance-enhancing drugs.

A spokesman for the White House reacted promptly to news of the charges.

"The president is very disappointed to hear this," he said.

"Clearly this is a sad day for baseball."

Mr Bonds was questioned in 2003 as part of the government investigation into the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (Balco), which has been blamed for supplying performance-enhancing drugs to a number of high-profile athletes, including Olympic gold-medal winner Marion Jones.

The Major League Baseball star has been dogged by rumours since he bulked up noticeably and his home run tally took off after he turned 35.

He moved past the legendary Babe Ruth into second place in May of last year with his 715th career home run, and passed Hank Aaron in August.

He finished the season on 762 home runs.

The slugger announced in September that he would leave the San Francisco Giants at the end of the season after the club decided not to renew his contract.

However, the 43-year-old Mr Bonds said that he had no intention of retiring from the game.