Just a short while ago, Barry Bonds set a new Major League Baseball record with his 756th home run to break the record of 755 home runs set by Hank Aaron in 1974.
Whether you love him or hate him, it is amazing to see this record be broken as this was one of the records that many people thought would never be touched. Those that remember Barry from earlier in his career likely feel there was no way that he would have set this record without the assistance of steroids.
However, I feel that this is an impressive feat regardless of his use of steroids. We will never know how many of his home runs were hit while he was not consuming supplements of one variety of another but does it really matter? Purists will say that it does but in the end I don’t think it really matters because I don’t think he’ll hold the record for very long.
That’s right…I have a feeling that Alex Rodriguez will eventually surpass the number of home runs hit by Barry Bonds. In my opinion, the only thing that will prevent that from happening is if he has a career-ending injury or decides to retire while still in his prime ala Barry Sanders.
For the time being, I will applaud Barry Bonds as the new home run king even though I don’t particularly care for him. In addition, whether his record is ever beaten or not, I don’t believe there should be any asterisk associated with his record.
What do you think? Asterisk or no asterisk?
Credits: Source of photo unknown. Received via email.
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
i wonder how he can run for home if his legs are like that on the photo…
I don’t see a need for the asterisk, but I don’t believe that he is the record holder either. He most obviously cheated, but right now there isn’t a thing that can be done about it. It’ll be interesting to see how this is all handled later down the road.
@SELBOY :: That was before he bulked up! 😉
@Erik :: Not that what he has done is right but I am sure he has faced quite a few pitchers that were cheating as well. The game has certainly changed from years ago and it will be interesting to see the long-term reaction to this milestone.
I lived in Pittsburgh many years ago where Barry Bonds began his career. I became a huge fan and was very disappointed when he went to S.F. And while it is very likely he cheated later in his career, I can’t help but still like the guy.
Yeah, the asterisk will be there, but he still gets a certain amount of respect from me. I just wish he hadn’t decided to bulk up and go after the home run record. He probably still would have been a hall of famer.
I think there will be an asterix needed. There is no way that these records are set in a legal way…
Too bad there will be an asterisk next to this record until ARod breaks it.