Barry Bonds and the Home Run Record

I’ve been doing some thinking lately about the all time home run record that Barry Bonds is about to break in Major League Baseball (MLB).

I used to be completely anti-Barry. I never wanted him to have the record because of his attitude and his apparent use of performance enhancing drugs like Human Growth Hormone and an offshoot of steroids.

However, in recent weeks, I have come to reverse my opinion. Now, I want him to break and hold the record for most home runs. No asterisk or anything.

I believe at this point, that MLB is reaping exactly what they sowed. They turned a blind eye to these kind of drugs in the late 80s and 90s. They did not acknowledge them or want to ban them because the drugs meant more home runs, more offense, and more butts in seats.

MLB pulled a Faustian deal in order to gain revenue in the short term.

And now, Bud Selig, the current MLB commissioner, cannot decide whether or not he wants to be present when Bonds breaks Hank Aaron’s home run record. I say, no demand, that he be present. He has to. He is one of the ones who have done nothing to stop the use of drugs in the game today. If he refused to do anything about the drugs then he should be there when the record is broken.

He cannot have it both ways. He cannot have the ability to refuse to ban the drugs and then try and make a statement about them by not showing up. No, if he wanted to make a statement about the drugs, then he should have done so years ago.

So, I am looking forward to the media storm that will accompany Barry Bonds as he breaks the home run record. Since, MLB has done nothing to stop the use of drugs in your and others careers, then enjoy the fruits of your labor. Savor the home run record. You will have earned by the rules of baseball. Congratulations.