Or will he still live in the shadow of Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth despite breaking the record?
2007-07-28 14:48:29 · 18 answers · asked by Anonymous in Sports ➔ Baseball
Great polarizer and great cause for loss of interest in the sport. That at a time when America had gained respect for it just a few years prior.
2007-07-28 14:52:20 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 0⤋
Think if you can name any civil rights leaders. There's one BIG name, and several others that jump to the fore.
Now, think if you can name any, oh, Klan Imperial Dragons (or whatever they're titled). Nah. Well, that one guy who wound up in Congress for a while, maybe.
Haters never win, not in the long term, not when there's enough people around to counter them or ignore them. Hatred is a losing strategy. (This historical trend, however, does not keep it from the occasional resurgence of popularity, because people never learn.)
No matter how much acid, bleach, and solvent the haters try to pour upon Bonds' legacy, it will shine through in time.
I don't think in terms of "better than" unless its for the expressed purpose of ranking over the long reach of history, and even then it's something of a hairsplitting exercise once we move down to #2 (Ruth holds #1 by virtue of his awesome hitting combined with his excellent pitching -- no one matches that). And no matter how much the haters scream and roil, there is no denying that Bonds has been a phenomenal hitter -- not for his power, which has been quite good, but because of his preternatural plate discipline, his massive walks totals to small strikeout totals, which has gotten better as he's aged, and which no claim of "steroids!!!" can explain.
He's showing his age, but at his peak -- which was quite long -- he waited for his pitch, and when it arrived he clobbered it. And if it didn't arrive, he was willing not to fight it.
His 2004 OBP of .609 was simply jaw-dropping. Not even Ted ever posted that.
So. In time, Bonds will, regardless of whatever footnotes are amended in later, stand beside Ruth and Williams and Gehrig and Mays and Aaron and be in the right place.
2007-07-29 00:46:04 · answer #2 · answered by Chipmaker Authentic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes - but.....
He will but not primarily be remembered because of the HR record. The steroids will always overshadow and have a more polarizing effect on his legacy.
Plus, Bonds will only hold that record for the next decade or so before Arod passes him.
He will forever be the face of the "steroid era" Bonds will be the first name out of anyone talking about the last 20 years of baseball!
2007-07-28 21:57:54 · answer #3 · answered by voodoo 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Bonds will be remembered in much the same way as Pete Rose, the all-time hits leader -- as someone whose desire overruled their better judgment.
And Mark McGwire, the only batter to ever hit home runs more frequently than Babe Ruth.
Let's not forget how disliked BB is among his fellow players. No other superstar is willing to be on his team. This makes the decision to pitch around him much easier. Sure, it boosts his walk total, on-base percentage and OPS. So what? It doesn't help his team win. Oh oops... my bad. I forgot winning isn't as important as BB's stats.
Good question with some good answers. You get a star from me.
2007-07-29 05:17:30 · answer #4 · answered by harmonv 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He will be up there with the greats but I don't think people will put him above Babe Ruth or Hank Aaron because of the whole steroid issue. In my book he should be up their with them.
2007-07-28 21:53:52 · answer #5 · answered by Blake P 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Sadly, he could have been, always a great athlete with solid numbers year in and year out, he probably would still be in the chase for the record. I'm sure he wouldn't be this close right now, but at least, he would be close enough without the tainted rerutation he has brought on himself. Plus, his BAD personality just doesn't let people like him. Just too damn arrogant. Oh well Barry , what could have been.
2007-07-28 22:07:02 · answer #6 · answered by bella767676 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No because of his steroid use. If he never use steroids, then he is probably the first human to continue growing past his 25th birthday. His head is larger now than 10 years ago, and he is size 13 shoes now, he use to be 11. Or he may have a rare genetic disorder. Personally I believe steroid use is the most likely cause of his strange condition.
2007-07-28 22:01:51 · answer #7 · answered by rmrndrs 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Most Home Runs for a Steroid Abuser
until the next one
2007-07-28 22:00:41 · answer #8 · answered by Dr. Nightcall 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
he will be remembered as one of the best players of all time because he is. BUT the steroids thing will downplay the HR record. steroids didnt affect his fielding or base stealing which he is one of the best at. actually they probably affected that part of his game negatively. with or without em hes in the top 10 all time.
2007-07-28 22:13:52 · answer #9 · answered by George C 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes . His skills and accomplishments earn the right to be remembered as a great ballplayer. However he will not be remembered as great and Honorable man. Respect as a man and as a human being are MUCH more important than respect as a ballplayer.
2007-07-28 21:55:06 · answer #10 · answered by jim h 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋