Bonds Chasing Babe: So What?

Photo courtesy SI.com


Barry Bonds is about to tie Babe Ruth for second on the all-time home run list, and the media is throwing a celebratory circus. Anchors, personalities and analysts are all weighing in on the significance of prospective #714, and ESPN is so anxious for the blast that it interrupts its programming to show his plate appearances live. But why?

People seem to be under the impression that Bonds is setting some sort of record; homer #714 will do nothing of the sort. When that impending shot launches off of Bonds’ bat, it will bring him into a tie for second place. So, by a slight modification the old saying, this should feel to Bonds like a big kiss -- with his second-hottest sister.

With all due respect to the magnitude of “the chase” and the iconic Bambino, it seems people are having trouble seeing through the dense cloud of hype that looms over Bonds. All the buzz about baseball's most glamorous record may be infectious, but it's sure not rational.

In what other scenario does a tie for second place command the spotlight of the entire sports world? It doesn't -- not even elsewhere within our national pasttime. Remember the weeks of tension preceeding Roger Clemens' 4,136th strikeout, which tied him for second all-time with Steve Carlton? Or that historic save that boosted Trevor Hoffman into the career two-spot? Record chases in other sports are equally nondescript. I bet you don't remember the day when Karl Malone tied Elvin Hayes for the second-most career NBA minutes, or when Brett Favre passed John Elway to become the second-most prolific passer in NFL history. Yet as Bonds stands one homer away from tying the Babe's career mark, the world stands still.

For being such harsh critics of bonds, the media is playing right into his hand on this one; the commotion is diverting the spotlight from Bonds' inflated physique back to his (almost) Ruthian achievements. And for the first time ever, Bud Selig and the MLB have made the best possible decision -- not to celebrate #714. For everyone else, it seems, the festivities have already begun.

Of course Barry Bonds is one of baseball's greatest hitters regardless of the steroid scandal, but the suspicion looms largest over his huge power numbers. While his talent as an elite hitter is undisputed, one need only look at his career stats to see the making of a homer-hitting monster. In 1990, Bonds stole 21 more bases (52), than he hit home runs (33). And in 2001, nine years after passing his expected prime, the number 73 sticks out like a sore thumb amongst the hard-wrought records of old -- impressive, yes, but so obviously plastic that it's an immediate turn-off.

But honestly, it's not even about the steroids. And contrary to what Barry would have you beleive, it's not because he's black. It's not even because he's one of the least likeable sports figures I've ever had the displeasure of watching. It's because, regardless of the significance of the statistic, enough is enough. Because, like Terrell Owens last year, I'm just sick of seeing his face, hearing his voice, seeing his manager talk, and hearing other people talk about him. It's because I dont want keep watching his every ground out on national TV. I'm just Barry-ed out. Aren't you?

I'll accept the commotion if and when Bonds approaches Hank Aaron's actual first-place record, but hopefully Barry just hits #714 soon for all our sakes. Let's not even think about waiting for #715.