756 homeruns...hmmmmm...well, i guess cheaters can finish first. But in this case, I still think 755 > 756. To his credit, yes, Barry Bonds did achieve something big. Even with performance enhancing drugs, 756 homeruns is an incredible achievement. But is it fair? Of course not. Barry Bonds was probably always headed for the Hall of Fame, but now it will be with the dreaded asterisk beside his name, figuratively if not literally. Of course, he has never been proven to have taken, and penalized for taking, steroids, but come on!!! How can a pretty good hitter all of the sudden go on such a torrid homerun streak so late in his career and blast 70+ homeruns in 2001? He slammed 258 homeruns in a 5 year period between 2000 and 2004. Most players develop into contact hitters as they mature and gain experience. It is extremely rare that they develop into power hitters as they near 40 years of age. Bonds took steroids and it resulted in more homeruns. It's ridiculous to think anything otherwise.
Of course, the Babe faced controversy over corking his bat, but the media liked him so he was forgiven for a lot of his less desirable characteristics. No such luck for Barry. He is not very well liked, and has brought that upon himself. He would have had a lot less grief if he were likable and respected, but he has never earned it. When you cheat and you're an arrogant ass, you get what you deserve.
On the other hand, the great Hank Aaron never faced questions about corking his bat or taking steroids. There have never been any allegations questioning his integrity or natural ability. He played in a tough time for African American athletes and he still excelled.
Bonds' reputation is tainted and he is definitely no Hank Aaron. So hats off to Hank as the real and true homerun king. Bonds is not even in the same league. I may only be a puppy, but I know the difference between winners and losers.
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