Ahhhh! WTF? Who left the italics door open? What were you born in a barn or something?
littleLebowski, I was merely saying that there was precedent on both sides of the ceremony/no ceremony issue, if someone felt they needed it. I was trying to illustrate that Selig had his mind made up as part of the whole authority kick he's on these days. You're right: those mitigating factors were all a part of why the "661" party went down, and you know? A lot of how these ceremonies happen is site-specific anyway. And nobody, least of all Bonds himself, is "demanding" anything from MLB. I really, really hope he does it at home, though. The hate elsewhere would be too much for maybe even a curtain call, and frankly, this is an achievement that deserves a little dap, at least.
I'm not calling for a major game stopping celebration, but I am calling for an acknowledgement by MLB that a historic marker has been passed. That Selig publicly snubbed Bonds before he breaks Ruth's record is a pretty clear sign to me that Selig wants to use Bonds as his 'roids scapegoat to try and keep the stink of off himself. And Bud Selig just doesn't like Barry Bonds (or Pete Rose, who should, without a doubt, be in the HoF). How else could he have tried and found Bonds guilty before even the findings from his investigation?
Hey a mods there is a definite problem here. Either that or we are all being transformed into uneducated trolls. Arrrrgh!!!!!!!!
Celebrating Bonds passing Ruth for second place is like having a junior high school graduation. What's the point.
chico - It just sounded like you and others (fenriq, for example) were clamoring for some kind of official hoopla, without justification, IMHO. I still don't agree with any argument I've seen that baseball owes Bonds anything for passing 714 - much like they don't owe any other player any celebration/acknolwedgement for a similar situation. And although I personally won't clap my pinkies together when Bond passes anyone, even if he hit 715 into my front yard - I don't begrudge any individual who wishes to acknolwedge it ... and, I totally agree, but only for the sake of baseball, I hope he does it in SF. Otherwise, it unfortunately wouldn't be limited to a "silent disapproval" by the local fans - I'm sure things would get ugly.
Its so pretty in here, it looks like a wedding invitation.
straighten up, y'all.
I'd go so far as to hope that if he gets to 713, Felipe Alou would pull him and only play him in home games until he hits the next two. Otherwise, I'd genuinely fear for his safety.
Maybe that's why they've been sitting him a lot early on -- to throw off the scent for a scenario like that. Good call, chicobangs.
chicobangs, an interesting and good thought. I see opposing managers and pitchers walking him to avoid being the guy who served up #715. Has MLB stepped up security for Bonds yet? There's only been one other throwing incident that I can remember. But there are also some crazy ass rabid mofo baseball fans out there. And, thanks gspm. I was getting cockeyed there.
I'd go so far as to hope that if he gets to 713, Felipe Alou would pull him and only play him in home games until he hits the next two. That would be a smart move. straighten up, y'all. I think everyone's up straight now.
Has MLB stepped up security for Bonds yet? There's only been one other throwing incident that I can remember. But there are also some crazy ass rabid mofo baseball fans out there. I remember some dolt on this site making some vague threats about some group of St. Louis fans planning "something big" when Bonds came to town. His comments gave the impression that the syringe throwing incident would be small potatoes compared to what he "had planned". Sadly, the comment (and probably the moron who wrote it) have been removed from SpoFi. It originally resided in this discussion.
I remember that. Can't say I'm sad about it being missing though. Forgive me, I'm not a baseball fan (yet, but the spofites are working on me), but how often do they actually stop a game to recognize someone breaking a record? or moving up a ladder? I haven't seen that happen in the sports I follow. It's always a pregame or postgame thing. (well, except for hat tricks, but that's only to pick the hats up off the ice)
Forgive me, I'm not a baseball fan (yet, but the spofites are working on me), but how often do they actually stop a game to recognize someone breaking a record? or moving up a ladder? They used to save the celebration for after the game (like Maris' 61st home run), but I think the first time I can remember them interrupting the game was when Hank Aaron passed Ruth on the all-time HR list (and was greeted by a crowd of people, including his mother). The big turning point for mid-game celebrations would be Cal Ripken's "stadium celebration lap" for passing the Iron Horse for consecutive games played. That lasted a very long time (but was in no way boring). Since then, MLB has had no problem interrupting the game to do a celebration (McGwire, Ichiro, Palmeiro, etc). I can't remember cleary, but didn't the NHL do a quick celebration when Gretzky passed Howe in the all-time points category?
grum, that lap of Cal with the never ending flash bulbs going off is one of the best memories I have of the game of baseball. It still gives me goosebumps. I remember the St. Louis fan with the plan. I hope they've reconsidered. Bonds was awesome tonight. Playing in pain or no, the man can hit.
Hey, grum, I remember that guy -- he went on in a subsequent post to proclaim the many wonderful vices you can find in Key West. Obviously, his big "sting" was a nationwide operation. Fortunately, it was not supposed to happen until September -- he should be in prison by then. And I have to be honest about the Cal thing. I'm a big baseball fan, and my brother (a big baseball and Red Sox fan, in that order) and I were both living in DC at the time, and we both had the same reaction. After months of regional media overhype and Tom Boswell basking in the glory that is Cal, the actual celebration was confectionary sugar on top of a dessert that was already too sweet. I acknowledge that Cal's achievement contributed greatly to baseball's recovery from the 1994 strike, and I'm pleased about that, but that "lap dance" was just nauseatingly long and drawn out for me. I don't think that will be a concern with Bonds, though. I don't see Barry taking laps and high-fiving the fans. Not his style.
Ahh, Bullpenpro, I'd been drinking all afternoon and was in the bar with a good pal. And I'd probably gotten laid the night/morning before.
but that "lap dance" was just nauseatingly long and drawn out for me. Hey, a lap dance is always better if the stripper is crying. As for Bonds passing the 714 mark I just cant see any reason for a game stoping celebration. I did actually enjoy watching Cal share his moment with the fans, even if it was a bit long.
bishop- obviously you have never read any of my other posts. I live in the Bay Area and have been a Giants fan since the season they moved into Candlestick Park. I have always felt that if MLB or the government goes after Bonds, they should also go after McGuire, Giambi, Sheffield, Palmeiro, and anyone else who might have cheated. And that goes for any athlete in any sport that uses any substance to enhance their performance. It's pure bullshit that they aren't guilty just because their particular enhancement wasn't illegal at the time. It still diminishes not only the player and their accomplishments, but the entire sport. and bishop, I have never subjected you to a personal attack, but any time you want, I'll take a ladder and knock a hefty bag of nickels between your eyes, and do it without any juice.
I'm free thursday at 6:45 am. Meet me at the airport in Philly?
