Homerun King or Park Jester? Six Calls on Barry Bonds
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Introduction
Barry Bonds has tied Hank Aarons' all-time homerun record of 755. Love him or loathe him, it is remarkable feat. The TIME, July 16 issue author Sean Gregory listed points to consider in giving him his just and controversial postion in sports history. I have summarized them for you.
1
Liar, liar, pants on fire.
It's true. He lied.
His Popeye muscles were not the result of "eatin' me spinach."
We were not the dope.
He was.
His Popeye muscles were not the result of "eatin' me spinach."
We were not the dope.
He was.
2
Perfect Swing Slugger
Drugs or no drugs, Bonds is known for his discipline in swinging at balls only in the strike zone, something few hitters do.
He has a "perfect swing,"
He has a "perfect swing,"
3
Homeward Bound
B.D. (Before drugs - 1998), Bonds was on the path of Hall of Famers, having won three MVP awards with seasons of 40 and 42 homeruns.
4
Equal Playing Fields
Since 2006, 69% of the baseball players suspended for drug use have been pitchers, which bumps their radar reading up.
Souped up sluggers may be just battling with the same calibur of weapons potted-out pitchers are shooting at them.
Souped up sluggers may be just battling with the same calibur of weapons potted-out pitchers are shooting at them.
5
Even the Old House of Cards Were Stacked.
In 1923, the Yankee stadium right-field fence was only 295 ft. from home plate. A walk in the park for left-handed hitter Babe Ruth.
In 1969, the pitcher mound was lowered 5 inches, a hitter advantage. It was that year, 35 year old Hank Aaron's hitting took off.
Bonds' era just stacked their cards with steriods.
In 1969, the pitcher mound was lowered 5 inches, a hitter advantage. It was that year, 35 year old Hank Aaron's hitting took off.
Bonds' era just stacked their cards with steriods.
6
"A" after "B"
Rabid and ready for a revolt? Relax. Bonds' reign as homerun royalty will be brief and overthrown by A-Rod. Alex Rodriguez, age 31, is about to become the youngest player to reach 500 homeruns.
It has been rumored he is actually likeable.
It has been rumored he is actually likeable.
I'm with you you on all of these. I personally don't get that involved or excited by athletic feats. All of these guys are way over paid, over-pampered, ego-monsters anyway.
if barry bonds had any type of personality, people would be much more supportive and excited for him. he comes across as a jerk.
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