The Finch Formerly Known As Gold

8 August 2007

The definitive word, I think

On the subject of Barry Bonds' 756th, from the man who first hit 755:

[Hank] Aaron ... said all along he had no interest in being there whenever and wherever his record was broken. He was true to his word, but he did offer a taped message of congratulations that played on the stadium's video board during a 10-minute, in-game tribute.

"It is a great accomplishment which required skill, longevity and determination," he said.

"Throughout the past century, the home run has held a special place in baseball and I have been privileged to hold this record for 33 of those years. I move over now and offer my best wishes to Barry and his family on this historic achievement. My hope today, as it was on that April evening in 1974, is that the achievement of this record will inspire others to chase their own dreams."

I like that.

(Seen at Outside the Beltway.)

Posted at 6:51 PM to Base Paths


I always did admire Hank for his grace and style as well as his gift for hitting home runs! I wish Bonds had an iota of the class Hank has.

Posted by: Kay Dennison at 8:19 PM on 8 August 2007

Hmm. Overall Aaron handled the whole thing rather churlishly.

Posted by: John Salmon at 9:33 AM on 9 August 2007

I'd be churlish too if a record I sweat blood to achieve was broken by an obnoxious jerk and his pharmacist.

Posted by: Akaky at 1:32 PM on 9 August 2007

So...I guess Bonds never testing positive means nothing? Why bother with the testing?

Oh, we know from illegally-leaked grand jury testimony...something. Bonds may've used, didn't know it, did know it...what?

Bonds is a surly black man, which means he's a bad guy, which means he cheated, which means he doesn't deserve the record.

Posted by: John Salmon at 2:07 PM on 9 August 2007

Please note that I haven't been brandishing any asterisks.

Posted by: CGHill at 3:38 PM on 9 August 2007

Barry Bonds has hit a lot of home runs.

Hank Aaron is a bottomless well of tact, poise, and sportsmanship.

I know who is still my home run king.

Posted by: Tam at 9:04 PM on 9 August 2007