Bonds, Barrying the Records

Barry Bonds can be considered in several aspects as the best positional player to ever play baseball. He could probably also be considered in the top most hated players in baseball. There seems to be no middle ground on Barry, he's just a love him or hate him type of guy. Statistics however would show him among the best without a doubt. If he were to miss out on the Hall of Fame due to steroid allegations, the Board and Hall of Fame system of voting should be looked at.

Young Bonds began his career for the Pirates where he captured the hearts of their fans by showing them what he had in store for later in his career. By the early 1990s, Barry Bonds was already showing glimpses of dominance. Beginning with averaging at least 25 home runs a year, consecutive Gold Glove awards, and his first two MVP awards between 1990 and 1992. His career took off in 93 with his introduction to the Giants, signing what was then a record contract for $43.75 million for six years.

Through the next ten years Barry dominated all the pitchers and stadiums (as well as the record books), rocking the stands with home-run balls, amazing batting averages, and ridiculous stolen bases to compliment each other and make him the fear of pitchers everywhere. His defense was as fierce as the power he was consistently exerting. He has already accomplished many things over the course of his career. He is the only player to be in the 400/400 club and 500/500 club where you have hit at least 400 hrs and stolen at least 400 bases.

The 500 club is just the same, but poor Barry is the only person to ever do that in Major League Baseball. It must be lonely at the top. He holds season records for most home runs (73), consecutive games with walk (18), and is one of four players in the 40/40 club with 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases in one season. He holds career records for most MVP awards (7), most consecutive MVP awards (4), most walks (2, 439 and counting), most consecutive seasons with 30 or more hrs (13), and most consecutive seasons with .600 slugging percentage or higher (8). He is a 13 time all-star, 8 time Gold Glove winner, and 12 time Silver Slugger winner. All of these accomplishments are definitely first time ballot entry worthy, however the record he is now chasing is baseball's most prestigious record.

Fans everywhere, as well as Major League Baseball, have very mixed feelings about Bonds career home run pursuit. Hank Aaron himself has even said he will decline being at the game that Bonds breaks his all-time record 755 home runs in a career. Bud Selig has been on the fence whether he will be there to witness Barry beat history. Many have speculated whether it should count or even be considered because of the steroid allegations, but the fact is baseball did not have any outlaw on performance enhancing drugs until way after the fact that a number of former and present players admitted to using the drugs. Barry, even if he did take some drugs that were most likely to help him recover more efficiently from serious injuries, never broke any rules, only records.

And in the next couple months we will see the greatest record of them all be conquering by arguably the best all around player (besides being able to pitch) to ever play the game. If Bud Selig isn't there to watch, it will be a disgrace. How can u proclaim to be the almighty of the MLB and not have appreciation for greatness, even if you do not agree with the way in which it was achieved. I do not believe he cheated in anyway. It would be like a dean, punishing a student for finding a way to achieve higher results while studying under the influence of an "attention enhancing drug" by not being there for his specific graduation! It is complete disrespect to the game and everything he stands for.

Passing this record would give Barry even more right of passage to the Hall of Fame than his already outstanding resume. If he were not to make it within even his second vote, it could be considered a travesty. Please show respect for the game and all of Barry's accomplishments whether you agree with his methods or not. The man is a hero and to be put down in the dirt like the media and Major League Baseball has, must be disheartening when you've dedicated your life to the one thing you've always loved and strove to be a major part of. Bonds should and hopefully will get the credit he deserves, but until then we can all do our part in understanding he is not at fault and his achievements will be honored as they should be.