"I think EVERYONE was arguing under the assumption that Barry was going to break the record."
THAT is so totally NOT the point.
There were [and are] those who resented the accomplishment, condemned the man who did it, had him guilty throughout, and now who bunch all ballplayers in a lump as greedy cheaters. Sounds like very sour grapes; and I won't waste any more time defending Bonds: He doesn't need it.
However, my hat gets tipped to the following:
-Hank Aaron, whose image being projected on a huge screen, delivered a gracious acknowledgement of the new record holder and invited future generations to strive to achieve their highest dreams;
-The Giant fans, who gave Bonds a rousing and long standing ovation, good, solid fans of a non-contending club, sharing their exhuberance over an amazing feat by an athlete of rare skills;
-Barry Bonds, who thanked the fans, at home AND on the road [a classy touch], his teammates, the Washington team for challenging him & giving him his shot; his family and, of, course, his Dad;
-The Giant team who swarmed Bonds like fans themselves, to a man;
-Mike Bacsik, for challenging Bonds and decidedly going after him, then in an interview being "cool" with being forever linked with Bonds [and delighted to have an autographed bat from Bonds, saying, "To Mike, God bless, Barry Bonds;"
-The Wahington team, like the San Diego team before, and the Giant team, standing on the dugout steps in anticipation of the record, like kids waiting at the Players' Exit for autographs & kind of reminding us that they are still the boys of summer;
To Dave O'Brian who just had to get in his "reservations" shot again; and to Commissioner Bud Selig, whose tepid congratulations are as bland as his leadership, they matter as little as their commentary.
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