How should Commissioner Bud Selig handle Barry Bonds breaking the all-time home-run record?

Answer 1

The easy response is to blow up about him being a cheater and a disgrace, as some people have. I don't like Bonds, I don't want him to break the record. However, the facts are that he will break the record and he has yet to test positive. As long as that holds true, Selig has to acknowledge the accomplishment. In my opinion, I would rather see the respectable thing done now. If we find out he definitely took steroids, then strip the title, keep him out of the Hall and ban him from baseball all together. Until then, we have to treat it like the accomplishment it is.

Answer 2

I don't think that Barry Bonds cares about what Mr. Selig does or thinks or says regarding the career home run record. Although I have never met Barry or anyone who has, I can't help but feel that Barry doesn't care for the record or the game of baseball other than a way to elevate himself. If Bonds really cared about baseball or the fans he should stop using the "no one can prove it so I must be innocent" reasoning and just give us all a real answer. If Bonds came out and looked into a camera and explained exactly what he did or did not take and why I think I could respect him much more.

Answer 3

This is not really a hard question. I am not a fan of Bonds, but I am a fan of baseball. Until someone has proof beyond a shadow of a doubt that Bonds did something wrong, he will own the greatest record in baseball. That is something no one can take from him now. No asterisk by the record. Bonds will break this record in accordance to the rules set by baseball. Until the commissioner rules other wise. I do not think Selig has enough fortitude to do so and if he chooses not to than he must celebrate this athlete setting an astonishing record. With that Selig should be at the game where the record is broken and should acknowledge the accomplishment that Bonds has made.

Answer 4

Until Jason Giambi is stripped of his MVP title, the commissioner has no other possible option other than recognizing Bonds' accomplishment.

The hierarchy of the MLB ownership has turned a blind eye to the steroid problem for years, in a sense speaking loudly through silence. Do you think that the added hoopla from all of the home run chases (Sammy & Mark) hurt the bottom line? Is MLB lining up to return $ to the fans, because the famed home run chase was surely tainted by steroids? The clear cut answer is a resounding "no."

Therefore, you must stay consistent--MLB would be far more hypocritical than any "using" player if they were to reap the vast rewards from the peak of the steroid years and then ignore Bonds when he breaks the record.

Now, just because that line of reasoning is logical (at least to me), does not mean that MLB will follow it. However, if they do ignore Bonds or slight him in any way, there will surely be backlash from some fans. Then again, if they go overboard on the celebration, there will surely be backlash from others who feel Bonds is a cheat.

Tough dilemma for Selig. Perhaps he should have considered this pickle when he was devilishly smiling during the 70+ HR years. I guess it's time to pay the piper.

I find the analogy between a player on steroids and MLB on steroids to be quite fitting--there are great rewards to reap (HR's/$), but just like the human body reacts with injury and sickness, it seems as though MLB will have to endure some "injury" and "sickness" for a while--and if that means that the fans turn on them, then apparently that is the consequence of their actions.

All actions have consequences, don't they? Or is that just for the common folk of the world?

p.s. have always loved and respected your work

Answer 5

I think it should be celebrated just like any other record that is broken. Everybody wants to talk about steroids being the only reason that he is going to break the record. I'm sorry, but steroids don't make you hit the ball. The guy is just a natural talent! As for the steroid controversy, baseball and anyone else that follows baseball avidly knew that most of the players were on the steroids. Everyone chose to turn their heads the other way because all of those home runs that were being hit were saving the game and bringing fans back into those seats. What do you think would have happened after the last baseball strike if there wasn't a home run chase by Mcgwire and Sosa who were both Roid Monsters too? Let it go people and enjoy the guys's talent. You might not see another guy like this in your lifetime.

Answer 6

Like a true commissioner! His frienship and loyalty to Henry should not stop him from celebrating what Barry Bonds has and will accomplish. Selig himself should chase Barry all over the country until the record is broken. What is to be said for the ruler of baseball to be home in bed the night that the record falls.If cares anything for the sport or his own pathetic legacy he will everything in his power to embrace this chase of history.How often can someone say in their lifetime"I was there the night the greatest record in all of sports changed hands". The answer is easy only about 45,000 people will be able to.If Selig wants to help baseball become the game it once was he should do everything in his power to ensure that this will be a night worthy of rememberance in the eyes of the world then and only then will baseball be revived in all of america.PS Bud black players are wanting to get more black children envolved in baseball well here it is being dropped off on your doorstep.Who better than to have break the halloed record, a black man larger than life with the quickest bat and most feared reputation as hitter in the last 100 years.I am not a black but if I were who do you think I would want to like if I were wanting to play baseball? Barry Bonds or some black dude that comes in late in games toi pinch run for somebody. Here is your chance Bud not only for the game today but also to ensure it for the future of all our race, the human race! Long live baseball!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 7

I think he should handle it with dignity and class. The sport needs to show the public it can handle adversity. Barry Bonds is well documented for his association with balco, steroids and just being a jerk. Selig has had his ups and downs; canceling the world series,no doubleheaders, its lack of progress with minorities, the all star game/world series home field advantage, the DH I could go on forever.I think it be foolish to have a blow out celebration all things considered, but should acknowledge it and make the historic moment a classy one weather you like Bonds or Selig or not. If Bonds is still in the league legally, and not banned then he really has not other choice but to honor him. Bond, McGuire, Sosa, and others made a ton of cash for the owners and baseball. The Home run record is a monumental moment and if for some reason Bond is not banned out of the league he has to open up the baseball hall of fame and gracefully allow the new HR king in. As much as it might kill him.

Answer 8

I think that the best thing to do is not concentrate on the single number, 755.

The number 755 represents the number of home runs Hank Aaron hit while the rest of the world was hitting 10-12 home runs a year.

Bonds' eventual 756 is the # of home runs he hit when everyone was hitting 20.

Thus, if you look at in this light, what Hank Aaron did is still more relevant than ever.
For 22 years or so, Aaron hit 34 home runs or 285% of the average.
Bonds hit the same #, but is only at 172% of the average player.

Now, who should be celebrating whom?

I think if you approach it in this light, you won't feel so bad about Bonds breaking the record.
Statistically, someone is BOUND to break it. If it's just the # you are looking at, you aren't looking as deep as you should.

Bonds certainly has out homered people in this era, which was a great deal more frequent than in Aaron's era.


BTW, Ruth hit either 34 a year (if you include the pitching years) or 42. Which represents about a 600% of the average player.

Don't worry, be happy. As home runs continue to rise, Bonds won't hold the record that long.

Answer 9

The Commissioner should be there to recognize the accomplishment. Ford Frick was not there (and made not attempt to be) when Roger Maris hit 61 homeruns which doesn't help his leagacy, tarnished by an asterick. Bud Selig would show an abundance of humility in celebrating a career-long accomplishment on a night that could be a turning point (again) for baseball and shine a positive light on the game when one of the most sacred and storied records in baseball history is broken.

It's time move out of the darkness baseball has been under in recent years! Who didn't get goose bumps when they heard Derek Jeter had passed Joe DIMAGGIO for on the all-time hit list as a Yankee. Baseball, unlike any other sport in the United States, has certain names like Ripken, Gehrig, Mantle and Ryan that can bring a smile to an old man's face and send goosebumps down spines. This respect should be shown from a commissioner who has been around great names and moments in baseball history, to the new all-time home run leader.

Answer 10

As the commissioner of baseball, Bud Selig needs to be there when Barry hits the record breaking home run. If he isn't, it could be seen as racist and a slap in the face to Bonds. He was there for McGwire when he broke the single season HR record and needs to be present for Bonds.

Also, I want to take Chris to task. The other day you said Bonds is the most hated player in baseball from last week's SI issue. However you failed to mention in the NL West Jeff Kent was hated more then Bonds (37% to 13%). As a Dodger fan, stop being biased against Bonds and protecting your boy Kent.

Kevin in Castro Valley (510 )