#756

There isn't anything to write here that hasn't been written before. We're all familiar with stigma that will forever cloud the number 756. There are many, I'm sure, who will refuse to acknowledge this accomplishment. Many who say they don't care. There are plenty who believe that #756 should come with a caveat, an asterisk or a footnote.

Say what you will. Believe what you'd like. But trust that Barry Bonds is indeed one of the greatest ball players you have ever seen. Period. In an era where every time you turn around Bonds' contemporaries are joining him in the ranks of baseball's elite. Sosa with 600 homeruns. Griffey Jr., Frank Thomas and A-Rod with 500. Thome, Ramirez and Sheffield right behind them.... Bonds, despite the controversy has outshined all of them.

My hat goes off to Barry Bonds. Congratulations.

That said....

Taking nothing away from Hank Aaron and all that he has accomplished, I can't help but think that a part of him has just died. A part of baseball lore has just been overshadowed by a new kind of story. A story filled with controversy, conflict, "clear" cream, and complaints.

The story of the good guy, overcoming adversity and fear to dethrone a not-soon-forgotten and beloved hero is no longer at the fore front. Instead, it is the story of the villain stealing the kingdom from the beloved King. A new King who will live in infamy as someone to be feared, admired and revered all in the same breath.

Despite all of this, there is one thing that can be said about the character of Barry Bonds, and that is his ability to persevere. Yes, Aaron's homerun chase came at a time when a black man was less accepted in society. A time when race riots were still common place. A time when men like Martin Luther King were needed to inform the ignorant people of the world that blacks were just as capable. A time where in some places in the country, it was dangerous just to black. So I continuously applaud Hank Aaron for his bravery, perseverance and longevity. His legacy has not died in my mind. Unfortunately, his legacy will not be the same for our posterity. There is a part of Hank Aaron's legacy that has died tonight.

Fortunately, times have changed. Barry Bonds did not have the weight of an entire race on his back. Barry Bonds was not fearful of his life at visiting stadiums. (Well...maybe he was considering the receptions he would receive) Though Barry Bonds still persevered through all of the naysayers, the disbelievers, the unrelenting media, and the under-appreciative jury of public opinion. He had to deal with a stubborn commissioner, an indictment, and the cold shoulder of baseball fans and historians everywhere. But he has persevered.

In light of the controversy, his longevity in the game of baseball is incredible. He has played the game for 21 seasons. He has performed at a high level well after his 43rd birthday. He has consistently put up impressive numbers, year after year. In his 20 completed seasons to date he has averaged 41 homeruns, 108 RBIs, 121 runs and 28 stolen bases. All this while compiling a .299 career average.

You can't hit 756 homeruns, win 7 MVPs, 8 Gold Gloves, appear in 14 All-Star games, win 2 batting titles, steal 500 bases, collect nearly 3,000 hits, and win Rookie of the Year on performance enhancing drugs alone. Barry Bonds is an excellent baseball player. Period.