756
posted at 12:10 am on August 8, 2007 by Bryan
Send to a Friend |
printer-friendly
5th inning, 2 outs, in the park he has played in for years, a new home run champ — with an asterisk.
This one feels like “Congratulations — but…”
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Blowback
Note from Hot Air management: This section is for comments from Hot Air's community of registered readers. Please don't assume that Hot Air management agrees with or otherwise endorses any particular comment just because we let it stand. A reminder: Anyone who fails to comply with our terms of use may lose their posting privilege.
Trackbacks/Pings
Trackback URL
Comments
Comment pages: [1] 2 »
756*
Firmworm on August 8, 2007 at 12:14 AM
It isn’t just alphabetical order where Bonds will always come after Aaron…
radjah shelduck on August 8, 2007 at 12:15 AM
Barry who?
Gregor on August 8, 2007 at 12:15 AM
“Hitting machine.” Literally.
E&P Expose
p0s3r on August 8, 2007 at 12:17 AM
Sorry Hank.
BacaDog on August 8, 2007 at 12:17 AM
No asterisk. The story is enough.
Even if he is guilty of steroid use (not unlikely), what he did was not against the rules of baseball at the time. An asterisk is therefore uncalled for. Unless also, going to go back and add to others like Sosa’s #’s and Big Mac’s #’s.
I have a problem with the body armor. That’s takes away the pitcher’s ability to work the plate - and Bonds is horrible about his body armor. MLB should do something about that.
Spirit of 1776 on August 8, 2007 at 12:18 AM
heh…Rodriguez has 11 years to catch up :) and only 250 or so to go
lsutiger on August 8, 2007 at 12:19 AM
Cheater!
EnochCain on August 8, 2007 at 12:20 AM
Pretty much sums it up, Bryan. The steroids are bad enough, but does he have to be such an asshole too?
I remember sitting by the TV when Aaron hit his. It was great. Humble guy, easy to point out as an example for the kids.
But Barry Bonds? Geez.
BacaDog on August 8, 2007 at 12:23 AM
The asterisk will remain forever because there will always be controversy about the question of steroid use.
abinitioadinfinitum on August 8, 2007 at 12:25 AM
Heh. Just think we get to do it all over again with Mr. Media friendly A-Rod.
Spirit of 1776 on August 8, 2007 at 12:26 AM
Bonds is the kind of guy, who if he was a video gamer, would use all the cheats possible and still demand respect.
Montana on August 8, 2007 at 12:27 AM
Dear Mr. *****, you are now the home run ****. Congra******** for your prof******** approach to America’s game.
Love live the K***.
Love Live Mr. ***** *****
Limerick on August 8, 2007 at 12:28 AM
The irony, in light of that article, is that as BB addressed the crowd, he was holding his armor in his other hand as he gestured to the fans.
Other than that I think he is a f*cking, lying, cheating, SOB, piece of sh*t. The only reason to be an Arod fan is to pass the fraud and leave him behind.
Jason Stark was on the local radio on Monday. He said suppose Arod has to hit an additional 275 HRs to pass Bonds’ eventual total. Stark said that only 6 players in the history of the game have hit that many after the age the Arod is right now. Three of the six are Bonds, McGwire, and Palmero: the Juiced Stooges. The other three are Aaron, Ruth, and Mays. Alex will have to join some very elite figures to take the HR crown.
Mallard T. Drake on August 8, 2007 at 12:28 AM
Cheater. Plain and simple.
And liar on top of it.
progressoverpeace on August 8, 2007 at 12:31 AM
Slightly OT:
I wonder if McGwire ever apologized to the Maris Family? He made such a big production about including them in on the single season HR record and now we know he was a fraud and stole Roger’s leagacy. McGwire is the most disappointing, because he seems to be an okay guy. Now his reputation is forever tainted.
Mallard T. Drake on August 8, 2007 at 12:33 AM
They all deserve asterisks, they’re all frauds.
There was a time when pro sports was as much about character as it was about winning. Sadly those days are long gone.
infidel4life on August 8, 2007 at 12:34 AM
Everyone is so worried about hitters using steroids. What about pitchers? What if the pitchers are using steroids also? If both the hitters and the pitchers are using steroids, then what’s the big deal?
Just sayin…
Somehow we should be able to make some kind of conspiracy story out of this…
Lawrence on August 8, 2007 at 12:37 AM
I was “hoping” the ‘roid would have retired from the game once he tied Aaron, out of respect. Well, DUH on me!
Of course I knew he wouldn’t, but I was hoping anyway.
Did anyone catch Michael Irvin’s speech at the NFL Hall of Fame inductions the other night? Barry Boo needs to take a play out of the “Playmaker’s” playbook….repent and apologize to the fans, the club & most importantly, his family for his sins.
This is NO record. Its a disgrace to professional baseball and to pro. sports overall. The greats are rolling over in their graves.
SouthernPride on August 8, 2007 at 12:38 AM
I think we will always have Baseball before steroids and Baseball after steroids, and unfortunately it is not fair to the players of today who don’t use steroids. IMHO
abinitioadinfinitum on August 8, 2007 at 12:39 AM
I agree, which pisses me off, because baseball used to be pure Americana.
MLB has reaped what it sowed - it tries to draw fans back after the strike with new balls and more home-runs, so I think the blame falls on their shoulders.
I honestly don’t get why the animosity towards Bonds is so great. He has been in his career one of the greatest hitters and only recently jacked up his homers. But seems like the whole friggin’ NFL is juiced, so don’t know why the selective outrage of integrity of sport on this one guy.
Spirit of 1776 on August 8, 2007 at 12:39 AM
Absolutely. The concept of good sportsmanship has really taken a beating in the US, hurt on one side by the anti-competitive left (who understand nothing about the importance of competition) and on the other side by pro-athletes who have the moral character of slugs.
progressoverpeace on August 8, 2007 at 12:40 AM
The asterisk should go next to Hank Aarons’ name because he didn’t use drugs.
If Baseball were the game it should be there would not rewards for players like Barry Bonds from years ago for many different reasons.
Speakup on August 8, 2007 at 12:41 AM
All the greats? I mean are you including the spitballers and the cutters? What about the greats that ran into the stands to beat up fans in the crowd? Those too?
Spirit of 1776 on August 8, 2007 at 12:42 AM
BOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!
I was watching a game the other day and the two commentators were talking about how all the sportswriters who were following Barry around waiting for this hated what they were doing. Not because they thought it wasn’t legitimate (most sports writers/commentators are very politically correct liberals) but because Barry is just a jerk. But he’ll get his record because as i mentioned, most people involved in sports reporting are politically correct liberals and because baseball is pushing really hard this year to bring in more african-american players. But he doesn’t deserve it, and i think most people know that, even if they won’t admit it.
Canseco has a new book coming out that supposedly puts the steriod taint on A-Rod.
forged rite on August 8, 2007 at 12:44 AM
WHAT? Are you saying there are NO GREATS in baseball?
Tell me it ain’t so?!?!
SouthernPride on August 8, 2007 at 12:45 AM
This is why I watch women’s tennis. Seriously. Why are you all looking at me like that?
- The Cat
P.S. They don’t use steriods in figure skating either, right?
MirCat on August 8, 2007 at 12:45 AM
I found this after the fact quote odd:
RightWinged on August 8, 2007 at 12:48 AM
Nah, there are lots of greats. I love the old boys. But there were a lot of great cheaters too. And nationally we take them all in stride generally except for Rose and now Bonds.
Spirit of 1776 on August 8, 2007 at 12:49 AM
When illegal nanocybernetic implants turn future players into literal hitting machines (in the Year 2000), Bonds will come against those players sullying the sport he played semi-au natural. His protests will reach a fever pitch with the Houston Astrobot threatens his record.
Mindcrime on August 8, 2007 at 12:53 AM
Sigh. I wouldn’t be surprised. I was really disappointed when Raffy’s use broke the air waves. I mean I want to believe him, but it just defies belief.
These are guys just never seem content with their greatness. Raffy - one the most pure swings, beautiful to watch. Barry - just a terrific eye, terrific ballplayer. But not satisfied. Eh, but on the other hand it’s that drive that got MJ all his rings.
Spirit of 1776 on August 8, 2007 at 12:54 AM
I’m confused, has Bonds ever tested positive for steriods?
EricPWJohnson on August 8, 2007 at 12:55 AM
The “Clear” does not show up in steroid tests.
CHEATER!!
186k on August 8, 2007 at 1:00 AM
Its a sign of our civiliaztion. we raise athletes to heroes and make soldiers villans
So I guess it doesnt matter if you cheat in sports if you get the goal.
In the end its really inconsequental to other things in our lives.
William Amos on August 8, 2007 at 1:02 AM
Wayne Gretzky shattered almost every NHL scoring record on 2 hotdogs and a diet coke before every game. No Lie!
and weighed 175 lbs. soaking wet.
186k on August 8, 2007 at 1:04 AM
Congratulations Barry. Best Hitter in Baseball.
For all you doubters:
1. Prove he cheated.
2. If he cheated, how does the cream help you hit a 95mph fastball or an 80mph curveball? Please… if you don’t know anything about hitting, don’t talk.
3. If he cheated, and if everyone else was cheating, then he’s still the best.
Go Barry.
faraway on August 8, 2007 at 1:06 AM
By the way, if you think Bonds is “prickly”, you should have listened to Aaron back in the 70’s.
faraway on August 8, 2007 at 1:08 AM
faraway; not only does the “clear” and steroids increase strength but with the proper conditioning it increase muscle contraction rate tremendously.
It’s also all about the confidence even if its chemical confidence.
CHEATER!
186k on August 8, 2007 at 1:09 AM
@faraway
Scroll up and read the link in:
p0s3r on August 8, 2007 at 12:17 AM
p0s3r on August 8, 2007 at 1:10 AM
186k, what does that have to do with hitting a baseball?
faraway on August 8, 2007 at 1:10 AM
faraway, bat speed.. Adjusment.
186k on August 8, 2007 at 1:12 AM
I remember going to the games as a kid and the players running over to the railing and signing gloves and balls and talking to us. Those were classy guys all about the game and they made it a joy to watch. Now it’s just a business. Very few of the players care beyond making their buck or getting more prestige. I find the games boring now as they take for-ever, the attitude of most players in interviews is just sad and adding more layers of playoffs instead of making it more exciting for me made it more tedious. Yep, the last strike, along with players’ and managers’ attitudes ruined it for me forever. Bonds could hit 500 more home runs and I still couldn’t muster up a grain of excitement about it.
deepdiver on August 8, 2007 at 1:12 AM
Bleh.
That’s my sentiment for all pro sports in general, and this “hitting machine” in particular.
Splashman on August 8, 2007 at 1:13 AM
p0s3r, actually I agree with the E&P article somewhat. The author actually knows something about hitting. The device allows Bonds to stay over the plate to hit outside pitches, keep the correct angle on his elbow and (may) generate more bat speed at point of contact with the ball.
faraway on August 8, 2007 at 1:14 AM
To answer Eric-no. Bonds has never tested positive for steroid use. It’s assumed that he has used steroids, others may have possibly implicated him for their own reasons. As this is a more a political site than sports blog, maybe this analogy will help:
Dems scream over and over that President Bush lied us into war. Not true-but the truth doesn’t sway the Dems.
Some say that Bond’s used steroids. He hasn’t tested positive, but it doesn’t matter-the truth won’t sway them either.
Bonds has been focused on the record, and has been standoffish with the pestering press. So his personality isn’t the greatest. Ty Cobb was a tin plated son of a ballplayer, as nasty as they come, but he earned all his records, too.
It wasn’t a popularity contest-it was the Home Run record, and now it belongs to Bonds, no asterisk.
Doug on August 8, 2007 at 1:16 AM
Glad to hear that, S.o.1776. I was worried there for a minute. Thought I was going to have to unleash one of my “Mad Female” or “BLODNE” moments on you!
I don’t know all the In’s & Out’s of baseball. I only know that I have grown to love and appreciate the sport over the past few years. I understand the importance of the past greats (in ALL sports), but Baseball is a pretty darned sacred game.
RESPECT in a beloved sport is a powerful thing with us Americans. Bonds hasn’t gained that status and probably never will. I wonder if that will affect him when he’s old and gray? How will it affect his children and grandchildren?
I doubt he’s ever thought about that. Sad.
SouthernPride on August 8, 2007 at 1:16 AM
186k, the cream can’t possibly help his adjustment. That is purely the timing of when he starts moving his hands forward. It’s either a fastball or its offspeed.
faraway on August 8, 2007 at 1:17 AM
Batspeed is more a function of how quickly you can twist your hips, not really related to strength.
faraway on August 8, 2007 at 1:19 AM
Like others have stated, we don’t know if he used performance enhancing drugs but if he did they helped.
186k on August 8, 2007 at 1:20 AM
My uncle was no cheater! Two no hitters in one season baby!
EnochCain on August 8, 2007 at 1:20 AM
Barry Bonds’ miracle-home-run-generating-elbow-protector
hmm, no one really looked at that “elbow protector” too closely…. author says it is responsible for at least an extra 75-100 homers… and also accounts for why he always did so poorly in Home Run Derby contests………..
wordwarp on August 8, 2007 at 1:21 AM
If you’ve followed this story, you’ve probably already this book, but if not you might want to check it out.
forged rite on August 8, 2007 at 1:21 AM
When guys get LASIK surgery today to achieve 20/10 vision, are they cheating? Its much easier to pick up an offspeed pitch with better eyes than The Babe.
faraway on August 8, 2007 at 1:21 AM
faraway, good point.
186k on August 8, 2007 at 1:23 AM
Honestly I don’t think people will look back with the same animosity as they do now. Maris is a prime example. Precious few are the athletes that are beloved in their prime; there are like wine, better appreciated as they age.
I agree with you. Baseball is a special, ’sacred’ American sport. I’ve done my part to protect it by resisting the force-feeding of soccer :). In all seriousness though, I lay the majority of the blame for it’s decline on the management.
Spirit of 1776 on August 8, 2007 at 1:26 AM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgil_Trucks
EnochCain on August 8, 2007 at 1:27 AM
Above link is my uncles page.
EnochCain on August 8, 2007 at 1:28 AM
Totally agree. Bonds does a better job picking up and determining a pitch than other hitters. Period.
Spirit of 1776 on August 8, 2007 at 1:28 AM
Awesome! And for one of my favorite teams, nonetheless.
Spirit of 1776 on August 8, 2007 at 1:29 AM
The biggest improvements in hitting in the last 10-15 years are LASIK and freeze frame video. I can freeze frame the best hitters and realize Joe Morgan is a moron when he talks about things like extending his arms, hitting the top of the ball, dropping your shoulders, and the like.
faraway on August 8, 2007 at 1:29 AM
There were always a few guys back in the day that would do a few lines before a game and they were always looked at differently and not respected nearly as much as the average players, or even the bench warmers for that matter.
186k on August 8, 2007 at 1:30 AM
And Tommy John surgery, too, not to mention other surgeries that bring back players in a month who would have been sidelined in the past. But that is all out in the open. The steroids required people to actively hide their use. To me, that is what strikes at the essence of the poor sportsmanship of it.
I’m not saying that the game doesn’t change, but some of the rules need to be taken seriously. Personally, I’m all for steroids in pro sports, but above board. Until then, it’s just cheating.
progressoverpeace on August 8, 2007 at 1:31 AM
But you still have to get around on the pitch you pick up on,
enter the steroids.
186k on August 8, 2007 at 1:33 AM
At the time of his alleged use, I don’t think there were any rules against steroid use on the books of MLB.
Spirit of 1776 on August 8, 2007 at 1:33 AM
I’m not a Bonds fan, so I don’t have a dog in this fight. Still, the article on the “hitting machine” of his protective gear sounds like pure speculation to me. There are strong counter-arguments to every point he makes. Only way to prove the assertions there is to have 20 ex-players hit 1,000 pitches with and without the type of gear he used and see how much farther they hit with the gear vs. without.
This also kind of reminds me of the square grooves on golf clubs, the different dimple patterns on golf balls, graphite shafts, metal woods, large head graphite tennis rackets, etc. Times change, every game is different from what it was 20 or 30 years ago. Makes it pretty hard to compare one era against another.
In a way I’m pretty impressed with Bonds home run total (I won’t even refer to it as the record, for all you purists out there). Considering how many times he was walked intentionally or semi-intentionally it is still remarkable.
Snidely Whiplash on August 8, 2007 at 1:33 AM
It’s great to see so many baseball lovers up tonight. (I know… some of you guys are probably in Europe)
faraway on August 8, 2007 at 1:33 AM
Snidely Whiplash, I agree, put bonds in the book and let Pete Rose in the hall of fame. I’ll be happy.
186k on August 8, 2007 at 1:36 AM
Neifi (sp?) Perez of the Detroit Tigers just got suspended 80 games for testing positive for “performance enhancing drugs”. Goes to show you that the drugs themselves do not help you know how to play the game or hit a ball. Barry deserves some credit, especially since he gets to see maybe 1 or 2 good pitches to hit per game whereas most other batters get 1 or 2 good pitches to hit per AB.
Also, if people like Perez are using, then you know there are plenty others using. Canseco put the number at 50% of MLB I believe.
So if we are going to criticize Bonds, I believe we simply need to criticize the entire league and every single player in MLB the last 5-10 years should be considered suspect unless they can prove otherwise.
Michael in MI on August 8, 2007 at 1:39 AM
Michael, tell that goofball Selig.
faraway on August 8, 2007 at 1:41 AM
Then his admission is all that’s missing. But Bonds’ own reluctance to explain his amazing changes in later years (in a believable way) shows what he thinks about it all.
P.S. I stopped watching baseball when the single season home run record was being crushed. It seemed to me that something was terribly wrong at that point. To have two people simultaneously crushing a long established record is just highly unlikely, without something new introduced.
progressoverpeace on August 8, 2007 at 1:44 AM
It’s related completely to strength. The mid-section of your body is where most of your power comes from in hitting, and the more muscle mass you have on your mid-section the more powerful you’ll be, which means, among other things, quicker batspeed.
forged rite on August 8, 2007 at 1:46 AM
progressoverpeace on August 8, 2007 at 1:44 AM
I have never understood this argument. He took steroids and got bigger. Don’t you shrink when you stop taking them?
Actually, half of the 40 year old guys I know have a big head and a wide butt.
Help me here.
faraway on August 8, 2007 at 1:48 AM
Way cool. Is your uncle still whole? (I see that he is 88.) If so, give him a congratulation for his achievements from me. If not, kiss him on his forehead with the same thoughts in mind.
baldilocks on August 8, 2007 at 1:48 AM
I understand your point. And I agree with your second point that I didn’t c/p. The game changed that year forever.
But when has Bond’s opened up about anything? That’s not his style, so to expect him to open up on this is not at all surprising. As far as the physical changes he underwent, his explanation is plausible actually, considering how he changed his style of play from a 30/30 guy to a heavy hitter. It would be remarkable, but within the realm of possibility, except for the increased head size.
I don’t know how anyone gets around that. That’s a testosterone or HGH issue, unless I’m missing something big.
Spirit of 1776 on August 8, 2007 at 1:51 AM
forged rite on August 8, 2007 at 1:46 AM
My mid-section is my belly and I dont hit any faster because of it:)
Seriously though, you will not increase your bat speed unless your hips rotate faster - period.
faraway on August 8, 2007 at 1:51 AM
faraway; I have a feeling that even if Bonds admitted to juicing you would have no problem with him. If that’s the case the whole thing is a moot point.
186k on August 8, 2007 at 1:53 AM
Bud Selig**
Barry Bonds*
Many, MANY more*
nationspatriotcom on August 8, 2007 at 1:56 AM
Nancy Pelosi*
Harry Reid*
186k on August 8, 2007 at 1:57 AM
Oh and for the “election fraud” moonbats…
George Bush*
186k on August 8, 2007 at 1:57 AM
186k, that’s a different situation. He has 13-consecutive 30-HR seasons and won 7 MVPs - so he’s a pretty decent player. I am no great fan of his, but he’s a good hitter.
faraway on August 8, 2007 at 2:00 AM
Maybe that’s why he’s keeping quiet. There are some special, double-secret Iron Head exercises that Barry doesn’t want to let the world in on.
He promised his guru …
progressoverpeace on August 8, 2007 at 2:00 AM
Scott Thomas Beauchamp *
TNR *
John Kerry *
Bill Clinton *
faraway on August 8, 2007 at 2:02 AM
Yes Bonds is a great player, it’s just too bad he has cast such a shadow over the game and himself.
Go A-Rod ! only what… 250 or something to go?
186k on August 8, 2007 at 2:05 AM
I will be sure to pass that on to him and yeah he is still all there even at his age…probably more so than I am at my age. lol
EnochCain on August 8, 2007 at 2:13 AM
Haha. That was funny.
It is a remarkable achievement, drugs or no. If he took steroids, for him to keep himself together and productive through abnormal physiological changes is extremely impressive…I mean, compare him to RBI machine and excellent home run hitter Juan Gonzalez. I don’t remember which year it was, but he came back significantly bigger and he could never escape back trouble after that.
Spirit of 1776 on August 8, 2007 at 2:14 AM
That Karl Rove….He’s such an ingenious busy dude!
According to the Goracle, B.B.’s extraordinary size differential over the years is due to….you guessed it!
GLOBAL WARMING!!
SouthernPride on August 8, 2007 at 2:17 AM
Actually it very well may be global warming since the average ballgame is played in temperatures on average 2 deg. higher than games played 10 years ago which in turn means the ball is 2 deg. hotter thereby increasing the size of the ball ever so slightly and making it easier to hit.
It is also believed the 2 deg. temp. increase also causes the molecular activity of the ball to increase thereby making it more responsive on impact. Plus Bonds bats are all “new groath timber” Hammerin’ Hank had to use good ole’ “old growth” heavy lumber.
186k on August 8, 2007 at 2:29 AM
Ah interesting theory. That explains why the average body temperature is now 100.6 degrees instead of 98.6. Oh, it’s not? Oh, nevermind then. ;)
Night, all.
Spirit of 1776 on August 8, 2007 at 2:37 AM
I say take Barry’s arm guard away and see if his HR production falls off.
csdeven on August 8, 2007 at 2:38 AM
I prefer to keep my Baseball innermost thoughts and beliefs focused on those who play the game with what seems to be honesty, sincerity and love of the Game.
Craig Biggio of the Houston Astros recently joined the 3000 hits club. How much attention was given to his achievement? Natta, or little.
The guy looks like a Little Leaguer when he goes up to bat. When he hit the 3000th, his wife and kids came to the field to celebrate with him. He’s a little guy and has stayed that way thru out his almost 20 year career.
In Houston, he is known as a good family man who loves the Game. Everyone loves him. But, does he get the media attention? Nope. That’s fine.
Craig Biggio will not be in the record books with an asterick by his name….and for good reason!
SouthernPride on August 8, 2007 at 2:39 AM
My mid-section is my belly and I dont hit any faster because of it:)
By mid-section, i meant abdomen, hips and thighs. Your hips don’t rotate by magic, it’s done with muscle, so the stronger you are in those areas the faster your hip rotation will be. And that means quicker bat speed and more power overall. Look at this picture of Barry, it’s a good example of how your power comes from the mid-section.
forged rite on August 8, 2007 at 2:42 AM
It depends on how you take steroids and the workouts you do. Bodybuilders cycle on and off steroids they don’t defla
e like a leaky beachball do they? No.
When the steroids bruhaha broke what happened to Bonds performance at the plate? Oh yeah he tanked all of a sudden, hmmm. Then he suffered the post steroid injury hmmm… What have his numbers been since the big steroid inv
estigations hmmm… Say how many homeruns does he have this year?
Aaron broke the record on consistency. What was the most homeruns Hank ever hit in a season? I’m gueesing it no where near 60. Help me here.
Prove it? Give me a break next you’ll tell me OJ found the real killer. The evidence is “clear”. If it isn’t when can expect my mid-thirties growth spurt?
Strength does not help you pick up the ball what it does do is turn a linedrive or a pop fly into a homerun. Am missing something? McGuire swing was a line drive swing them all of a sudden those outs started becoming homeruns. But steroids aren’t going to have an effect right?
Barry’s swing changed dramatically with the extra size. His long looping swing became far more compact. The bat that was heavy enough to draw his hands away from his body was now light as a toothpick. He got his looping swing back at the exact same time the steroid investigations started. Then gradually got it back, sort of. At least to the tune of what 22 this year? He had to recover when he got off the juice. Just like most of the major league. All the hitters were in the tank for the first half of that season then their numbers went back up as their bodies adjusted to not having the steroids.
Does Bonds not stand out as an eggregious example of cheating? Maybe you’d have a point if every team in MLB had a killer at the plate that blew up over night. His use is conspicous. Raphael did’nt turn into the Hulk. At least McGuire quit. Sammy dropped out of the homerun craze. Bonds looks you in the face and tells you the record is not tainted. I will love to hear his interviews after being kept out of the Hall of Fame for oh 10-15 years.
Theworldisnotenough on August 8, 2007 at 2:44 AM
I think when people say “steroids” they are referring to all “performance enhancing substances.”
If Bonds is clean, why is his trainer sitting in jail. He is protecting Bonds and is not talking. If there is nothing to hide, why take a fall for that?
PES not only build mass, strength, etc., they increase recovery time and allow a player to avoid fatigue over that length of a season. That’s a pretty key component for an “older” player. You think Bonds could stay fresh and hit as many homeruns if he was tiring as the year went on? I don’t think so.
Mallard T. Drake on August 8, 2007 at 2:44 AM
Everyones swing starts at the rear foot and progresses from there. I know, I coached a daughter into a top college softball program. Overall body strength helps with bat speed, but mechanics is more important for consistent contact. I have no clue how Barry’s arm guard works, but if it helps with his mechanics, I see it as an unfair advantage.
Other considerations for the swing is, as mentioned, hip position, wrist roll, and keeping your hands inside the ball. One thing that cannot be discounted is seeing the ball. Every still picture of any decent hitter will show his eye looking right at the ball. This will account for contact but power developed through mechanics is key. There is no doubt Barry is a great ball player and there is also no doubt that increased body mass will help with power and bat speed.
I have no problem with surgeries because they are designed to repair that part of the body back to its maximum natural functionality.
Barry’s arm guard is POSSIBLE an un-natural mechanical advantage and therefore, I think it should be studied.
csdeven on August 8, 2007 at 3:09 AM
I weighed 175 to 180 until I was about 27… now I weigh 250 at 33… no steroids, no wieght lifting and very little fat…
mmm I must be doing something illegal…
where is the proof? innocent until proven guilty? nope that was long ago… now you’re convicted in a court of public opinion long before the trial…
Kaptain Amerika on August 8, 2007 at 3:39 AM
oh yeah and OJ Simpson was found innocent!
but still convicted in the court of public opinion…
do you hear me? no you don’t… because you made up your mind with out the facts…
you people sound like democrats…
Kaptain Amerika on August 8, 2007 at 3:42 AM
Meh. This is why I watch the NHL. There seems to be more classy guys (you do get a Rick Tocchet on ocassion though), the craziest psychos you’d think are suffering from roid rage are littler guys (Sean Avery, Gary Roberts, etc), and the players with all the records are finesse guys (Mario, Gretzky, etc). You take steroids in hockey and your just going to end up being another goon.
Also it’s not totally f’ing boring like baseball.
AndrewGurn on August 8, 2007 at 3:58 AM
He has just earned himself a get-out-of-jail-free card
…’roid raaage!
SilverStar830 on August 8, 2007 at 4:19 AM
Comment pages: [1] 2 »