Active Team Sports: Sport-wide Standards

*!http://active.typepad.com/teamsports/images/2007/06/14/law_2.jpg!http://active.typepad.com/.shared/image.html?/photos/uncategorized/2007/06/14/law_2.jpg
Barry Bonds* is about to break one of the most coveted records in all of sports. As Bonds??? career home run count increases, so does conjecturing as to whether Bonds belongs in the Hall of Fame. Hank Aaron said he will not be at the game in which Bonds hits his 756th home run, and Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig has not announced if he will be present. The integrity of baseball is at an all-time low.

It is ironic that what is now drawing jeers and criticism from fans is what brought the fans back to the ballpark after the 232-day strike in 1994 that resulted in cancellation of the Word Series. Baseball returned, but many fans did not. It took the long ball (and steroids) to bring attendance and revenue back.

Major League Baseball???s stance on drug use has changed drastically in recent years. Prior to 2003, players didn???t have to worry about drug testing. Steroid accusations that once fell on deaf ears have now made their way into Congressional hearings. Now, at the risk of losing fans again, sport-wide standards are a must to restore credibility.

Barry Bonds has never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs but his legacy is likely to never recover from the controversy. As in the ongoing metal-versus-wood bat debate in New York, regulation consistency is needed in sports today to reinstate integrity. I hope in the near future baseball returns to its original form; that fans return to baseball to see the sport free of steroids and records without controversy.

What do you think -- should Barry Bonds have a spot in the *Hall of Fame*?

Tags: baseball, hot-topics, trish-oberhaus

Add a comment Leave a comment on this blog post.

Jun 15, 2007 5:59 AM Reply

arthur lapointe

in 1994 i just started to watch baseball again. due to the fact i was in the army and couldn't watch it live. then comes the strike. well istopped watching the game til a couple yr's ago. and bonds should be kicked from the game.for his use of steriods. and don't even think about putting him in the hall of fame. i'd probably stop watching the game for good. don't do that to me . the wife and i enjoy it. we don't like bond's.

Jun 15, 2007 10:44 PM Reply

Scott Snyder

I have mixed emotions on the topic of "enhanced medications". The obvious abuse of any such medication is an issue. If its a matter of recovering from an injury/illness, then we are all guilty.

I have followed Barry Bonds career for many years. Each and every time I watch him play, he does something special.

No matter what media hype or issues are with the Commissioners office, it seems to me that if there was evidence of abuse, he would not be playing.

I feel he may have been subject to the suspicions of others who may not have faired so well in the sport who did abuse those remedies.

He is a player who deserves a fair shake and a home in the Hall.

Jun 18, 2007 8:21 AM Reply

Travis Hellums

Who cares if he never tested positive for steroids? He has been tried and convicted in the media as well as the court of public opinion. It's a true shame that there are a lot of people out there that can't appreciate that one of the greatest players of all time is still playing the game. Rather than admire his accomplishments and appreciate what he has done, there are those who would rather banish him for what they assume he has done to achieve his level of greatness. It amazes me that a simple investigation could turn into a witch hunt so quickly. Nevertheless, Bonds has showed that he above the low life individuals who call themselves reporters, experts and fans, who could care less about the game of baseball. Of course Bonds belongs in the hall of fame. Has there ever been a more stupid question regarding baseball? Any person that would stop watching MLB because of their dislike for Bonds, is not a fan that baseball needs anyway.

Jun 18, 2007 8:37 AM Reply

Ron

Give the man a break! Modern science can prove if Bonds is guilty of using performance-enhancing drugs. Only accusations have been circulated to date. Bonds is not able to play at his full potential and is still in the game.

All things being equal, records are made to be broken and that is one of many aspects that attracts fans to any game. Let's enjoy this one and any that follow - AND - get back to enjoying the games.

Jun 18, 2007 11:04 AM Reply

chongator

Did anyone test Hank Aaron for steroids? I do not recall Barry Bonds testing positive for steroids or being adjudicated as a steriod user by any governing body, baseball or otherwise, or even punished by the League for steriod use.

Aug 8, 2007 7:12 AM Reply

randy foss

Barry Bonds is an icon of our time. I wish him the very best because he desirves nothing less.signed R.FOSS