Aaron Distances Himself as Bonds Closes In

Hank Aaron has made it clear that he wants nothing to do with festivities surrounding Barry Bonds' inevitable breaking of the all-time homerun record. It is very easy to chalk that sentiment up to bitterness and jealousy. If the circumstances were any different, most may even feel that was the driving force behind Aaron's aloofness. Since it is Barry Bonds, most people haven't batted an eyelash at Hammerin' Hank's stance. Most even share it.

We all know the reasons we're not supposed to like Barry Bonds. He comes off as arrogant, smug and self-centered. He doesn't seem to care much for the fans that pay his salary. Not to mention the large elephant that's always in the room with Barry, the ongoing steroid saga.

There are, however, reasons to celebrate this homerun chase. It has been over thirty years since Hank Aaron hit his 715^th career homerun to pass Babe Ruth as the all-time homerun king. These types of records don't fall every day in the world of sports. But, how can we get behind Barry Bonds if the man whose record stands to fall isn't?

Hank Aaron represents everything that used to be great about baseball. He was a soft-spoken player who consistently played hard and put up strong numbers. He never had a jaw dropping homerun year, 47 was his career high, but he was solid every year. He stood strong against racial threats as he chased down Babe Ruth on the homerun list. He went about his business in a professional manner, never bringing any attention to himself. He was the anti-Barry Bonds.

Aaron has stated that he doesn't wish to travel to attend a San Francisco Giants game. This is certainly understandable, given that Aaron is a fifty three year old man. But when asked what he would do if Bonds were to break the record near Aaron's home in Florida, Aaron said he would go on a vacation. That is as close to speaking out against Barry Bonds, as you'll hear Hank Aaron get.

A few years ago, Bonds and Aaron did a television commercial together. It was a lighthearted piece for Charles Schwab. It featured Aaron suggesting that Bonds retire. What seemed like a joke then, is now what Aaron seems to actually feel and who can blame him.

Over the last few years, the integrity of baseball has plummeted amidst a steroid scandal. Although Bonds has never been directly linked to the scandal, he has been pegged as the poster boy for juiced up big leaguers. The scandal has left such a sour taste in the mouths of fans that what should be an incredibly exciting chase toward a record is not even marketable. What a shame.

That is why Hank Aaron wants nothing to do with this homerun chase. It has nothing to do with jealousy or bitterness. It has everything to do with the game of baseball. Hank Aaron, apparently, remains a fan of the game. Like most fans, Aaron can't get behind Bonds in his pursuit of this record. Who can blame him?