Home run chase problematic Fans, media unsure about Bonds’ pursuit of Aaron’s record

As San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds closes the gap between himself and all-time homerun king Hank Aaron – Bonds currently has 745 homeruns, while Hammering Hank’s record stands at 755 – talk is rampant about the validity of Barry’s chase, based on all this steroid talk.

All this growth hormone stuff has pretty much worn most of us out, but the fact remains that there are legions of media types, fans, and players – past and present – who feel that negating the result of the chase will be just punishment for the supposed substance abuse.

With that thinking comes several problems, however.

Let’s start by thinking or asking who determines the beginning and the end of drug abuse, and which home runs were launched under the influence. That, in and of itself, creates all sorts of difficulties. Masking agents in the blood stream can thwart most tests. Granted, there have been numerous athletes who have demonstrated physical changes in their appearances, which have given pause for concern.

And there are many in the media who wish to put an asterisk beside records like the one Barry will attain, indicating that a controlled substance contributed to his success.

I’m not certain that type of notation will serve any purpose either.

Other media types are suggesting that fans turn their backs – literally – on the Giants slugger as he approaches Henry’s record. If anyone thinks Mr. Bonds loses any sleep over any of the aforementioned reactions or solutions, they should guess again.

The proverbial cat has been out of the bag for a long time on this issue, and unless someone comes up with a strict policy that can be retroactive, records will stand, and the game will survive like it always has.

Players such as Boston’s Curt Schilling are taking it upon themselves to wax brilliant about the proceedings. Schilling, who never saw a publicity opportunity he didn’t like, should keep quiet on the matter. It only serves to ignite the slugger and, of course, add more drama to the upcoming Giants/Red Sox Father’s Day weekend interleague play this summer.

Is Bonds’ chase of the all-time homerun crown impressive? You bet it is, but the fervor of such an accomplishment has been watered down considerably, and that may be strong enough punishment for any wrong doing.

Bonds may not be likeable, but scores of other stars in all sports wear similar mantles.

Baseball has survived other woes, and it will rise again to maintain its status as our true national pastime.

30-Second Time Out

All this racino bickering gives pause for one concern: What about the new Bangor Auditorium, which was to come from the profits made from the new gambling facility?

Political arguing could leave the City of Bangor in the lurch for the much-needed arena.

With the Class A high school basketball tournament now in Augusta, I have to wonder how long it will be before Classes B, C, and D take their post-season extravaganza elsewhere.

And that, dear readers, would be a shame.

BDN columnist Ron Brown, a retired high school basketball coach, can be reached at bdnsports@bangordailynews.net