Throwing Knives: The Wait is Over

by BD, Sports Show On Mute

If for some reason you don't know, the home run record fell last night. That's right, Barry Bonds sent #756 into the bleachers in San Francisco. I'm itching to get into that. But, first as usual you get the attractive female of the day. Today's comes from down under, it's Nikki Whelan. Fellow carnie Don recommended Nikki. And after giving her a look, she surely deserves to be a part of the developing stable we have here at Throwing Knives.

Barry Bonds is Officially the Home Run King
It's done, its over, it has finally happened. Last night Barry Bonds put Mike Bacsik on the short list of "guys who gave up the big ones." When he sent his 3-2 pitch into the San Francisco seats. I was just arriving at work last night when it was brought to my attention that Bonds was due up in the bottom of the 5th. As I clocked in for my shift I watched, without feeling, Hank Aaron officially fall to second place on the all-time list. I had to go about work after that, so I missed all the stuff that went on after he crossed home plate. Though, I've seen it all now.

A little over a week ago, we carnies were asked how we'd react to Bonds inevitable 756th home run. I was, and still am, conflicted about what happened just before midnight here on the east coast last night. As I said then, I grew up a Bonds fan, with only Ken Griffey Jr surpassing him on the ladder of my fandom. As I've grown older, even before steroids, I developed a distaste for Bonds and his entitlement attitude. He, like Jr had a father who played this game. He was raised around the game, never wanted for anything. Yet, Bonds chose to be the outcast, to separate himself from others. While Griffey did his job and was a generally good guy off the field. The reasoning behind Bonds' steroid use seems to be greed and jealousy. Two traits he wears well. The sheer thought that anything, or anyone could be bigger, or better than Bonds is atrocious to him. And that is what makes me sick. But, what happened leaves me feeling nothing but indifference. Wondering where Bonds might have fallen on the HR list had he not decided that he, and not McGwire, or Sosa had to be the guy everyone was talking about. It also leaves me pondering one question.

Where does Bonds fall in the lexicon of both baseball, and overall sports greatest players? Does the tainted #756 hold a candle to Gretzky's 802nd goal? Does that crack of the bat excite you the way Jordan's mid-range jumper to seal championship #6 did? Watching Bonds in his moment, would you ever put it in the same breath as Tiger walking the 18th, on the verge of his first green jacket? Were you as elated during Bonds' historic night as you were for any of those, or many like them? Or, like me, were you more relieved that it was over? That finally some other baseball stories could grab the headlines as Bonds slowly fades into obscurity.

A week from now many will still be talking about last night. But, in two weeks when the buzz has faded and the other stories can finally get some coverage. It'll be nice. Here's to hoping Ken Griffey Jr can stay healthy and play well into his 40's. Then, maybe we can get a chase worth remembering. A chase that features an untainted childhood idol for many of us. Otherwise, we'll be waiting for Arod. While quietly hoping that he's the guy we think he is. Rather than the guy who Jose Canseco "has something on."

All that said, last night I witnessed history and I'm unlikely to forget where I was when that happened. And whether I like him or not, Barry Bonds is one of the best of all-time. A first ballot hall of famer, and deservedly so. He differs from the other alleged steroid users as a 5-tool player, Bonds racked up the MVP's, Gold Glove's, and other accolades. Such as his standing as the only player to hit 500 HR's and steal 500 bases. McGwire and Sosa wouldn't have ever been anything without their alleged actions. Bonds, however, was one of the best in the game long before steroids and should be remembered for the player he was, rather than the person.

Brady Quinn Signs
His new teammates collectively shrug uncomfortably. Worrying which of them he'll be attempting to fondle as early as next week. A tip Brady, do not touch Kellen Winslow Jr.

Scoreboard - August 7th - 2007
MLB

National League
Philadelphia 11, Florida 1
Atlanta 7, New York 3
Cincinnati 4, Los Angeles 0
Houston 5, Chicago 2
San Diego 4, St. Louis 0
Colorado 11, Milwaukee 4
Pittsburgh 8, Arizona 3
Washington 8, San Francisco 6

American League
Seattle 10, Baltimore 3
Detroit 9, Tampa Bay 6
New York 9, Toronto 2
Kansas City 5, Minnesota 1
Cleveland 2, Chicago 1
Texas 8, Oakland 6
Los Angeles 10, Boston 4