Barry Bonds is the all-time career home run leader. Most fans are convinced that many of his home runs, especially those he hit during the latter part of his illustrious career, are tainted.
Others, however, wonder if it matters since some—possibility a majority—were hit against pitchers were aided by substances those in power frown upon.
Future Hall of Fame left-hander Tom Glavine, who has had to contend with Bonds as an opponent most of his career, has definite views.
"I have my suspicions like everyone else, but that doesn't take away from what he has accomplished. These days everyone is guilty until proven innocent. If that's the case, why is he able to do things the others can't?"
Glavine makes an excellent point.
When Bonds hit 73 home runs in 2001, Sammy Sosa was second with 64 and Luis Gonzalez hit 57. While Sosa and Gonzalez's accomplishments are impressive, they pale in comparison to those of Bonds, who averaged one round-tripper for every 6.52 at-bats.
In 2001, Bonds had a .515 on base percentage. Larry Walker's .449 was second.
Bonds set a single season slugging average with .863. Friend Sammy Sosa finished second by slugging .737. The best Babe Ruth did was .847.
Bonds also drew 177 walks in 2001, which broke the Babe's record of 170 set in 1923. Sosa finished a distant second to Bonds with 116 walks. In 2004, Bonds set a record that boggles the mind when he walked 232 times and had a .609 on base average.
Until recently, Alex Rodriguez was ranked as baseball's top player. A-Rod admitted using steroids from 2001-03 while a member of the Texas Rangers.
Let's compare A-Rod from 2001-03 with Bonds for those seasons.
Rodriguez hit .305 with a .395 on base average and a .615 slugging average.
Bonds hit .345 with a .542 on base average and an .808 slugging average.
We have a situation in which an admitted steroid user wasn't close to Barry Bonds for the three seasons he used steroids.
In this great country, one must be presumed innocent until proven guilty unless one is accused of being a terrorist.
Thus we must presume that Bonds is innocent until the end of his current trial for perjury. Even if he is found guilty, his 2001-03 seasons were vastly better than those of Alex Rodriguez.
If Bonds did use substances to enhance his skills, Glavine's point must be acknowledged. Why couldn't those using steroids match Barry Bonds?
If Bonds didn't use steroids, his achievements become even more remarkable. Once again, Glavine and the New York Times point out that many pitchers Bonds faced were being helped by performance enhancing substances.
The real problem, which neither baseball nor society will acknowledge, is that some methods of enhancing performance are acceptable while others are not.
Alex Rodriguez works out strenuously daily. That is admirable.
Barry Bonds worked out strenuously daily. That is admirable.
But Mark McGwire took androstenedione when it was not a banned substance. It helped McGwire to improve his skills and set a new single-season home run record. But since androstenedione is a testosterone precursor, it has been banned.
When it was discovered that McGwire was using androstenedione, the reality that money overrules honesty was again demonstrated.
Commissioner Al Selig and MLB Players' Union head Donny Fehr told the media, "In recent days there have been press reports concerning the use of certain nutritional supplements by major league players. The substances in question are available over the counter and are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. In view of these facts, it seems inappropriate that such reports should overshadow the accomplishments of players such as Mark McGwire."
In other words, let's celebrate McGwire's accomplishments and milk them for as much money as possible.
Current manager of New York's other team, the New York Yankees, chimed in.
"He's not doing anything illegal. He's just doing things to help his body. We all do things to help our bodies, take protein. It's a health-conscious sport."
Those who violate societal values must be punished.
Rodriguez and McGwire admitted steroid use. Bonds and Clemens did not. The former have been embraced by baseball and most fans. Bonds and Clemens, while not necessarily friendly individuals, are facing perjury trials.
Be a good boy and all will be forgiven. Be an uppity individual and face the consequences.
References:
What kind of history is bonds making? (2007, New York Times (1923-Current File), pp. G2. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/848084830?accountid=46260
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