Bonds, Respect, and the Typical Fan
Barry Bonds does not endear hiimself to the typical baseball fan. Because of this, as he is on the threshold of passing Babe Ruth on the all-time home run list, there is not much praise for the man, save Joe Morgan.
Bonds has not had a good relationship with the press throughout his career. That does not matter to the typical fan. Steve Carlton shunned the Philadelphia press for most of his career and was loved by fans. Bonds does not enjoy that same relationship.
On Costas Now this week, Hall of Famer Joe Morgan said that race was involved with what is happening with Bonds. Perhaps. But I think the Luddite Morgan does not understand, perched in the broadcast booth, the typical fan.
The typical fan likes to go to the game, get a hot dog, buy a pennant, and root for his team. It is an event and for the typical fan, going to a game hearkens back to when times were more simple and youngsters joined their parents at the park.
That is certainly how I read Carlos Oliveras. Mr. Oliveras is in the Air Force and is stationed at McGuire. He and a buddy went to the Giants v. Phillies game last night. Despite all the negativity that surrounds Mr. Bonds, Oliveras is a fan. He sat out in right field and took in the game.
In the sixth inning, Phillie starter Jon Leiber served up home run #713 to Bonds. The slugger crushed this ball off the facing of the upper deck at Citizens Bank Park. The ball fell into the stands below, bounced, and leapt into Mr. Oliveras’ hands. Everyone scrambled for the ball as Carlos placed it between his legs.
Eventually all, including the Phillies personnel realized Oliveras had the ball. They invited him down into the press room after the game.
A reporter asked Bonds if he would sign the ball. The future Hall of Famer said he wouldn’t. Then the Bonds’ fan, a man serving our country in time of war, asked if he would sign the ball. Dan Gelston of the AP reported the response:
Bonds smirked and said nothing.
But there was an autographed had last night. Mr. Bonds sought Mr. Oliveras’ John Hancock. Why? Bonds needed the release so the press conference could be aired on his reality show.
This is why the typical fan is disgusted with Barry Bonds.
Also blogged on this date . . .
- Bury the Survivor - 2008
- The Wonderful World of Web 2.0 - 2007
- Irish Misrepresents His Company to the World - 2005
- Murder Mystery - 2004
- Pink Floyd - 1988
By Bull Moose on May 9, 2006
That intimation by Morgan is stupid. If Bonds breaks Aaron’s record, it will always be a black mark on baseball to me. And it ain’t because Hammerin’ Hank is lilly white. (Granted, being a Milwaukee baseball fan, I probably am a little more protective of that record than most.)
I don’t like Bonds because, borrowing a phrase from Judge Judy, he wants to pee on the collective leg of baseball fans, and then tell us it’s raining. I didn’t particularly care for it when McGwire was doing the same thing, but you’re right, a little personality would go a long way. If he signed a couple of balls, or in any way pretended like he gives a damn that the fans are there, he might not be getting such a hard time from the fans.
By Bob on May 9, 2006
Bonds will retire, I suspect, before he reaches Aaron. I believe he has stated that Aaron’s record is safe.
By Bob on May 21, 2006
Mr. Bonds hit #714 yesterday. According to Fox News, Bonds wants the ball. Some guy caught it. He apparently doesn’t want to give it up. He would rather sell it.
Isn’t that justice? Perhaps if Bonds had taken a different approach to the game, this would diferent too.
I suppose the reality show is being jilted.