Quote:
Originally posted by Carlton
As for him passing Aaron, seems like a no brainer, but I for one will look at Aaron, Ruth and Mays in a different light.
I will see Barry as I see Billy Hamilton, the old leader of walks and runs. Looking at Hamilton he too, was an amazing player, but he really wasn't. He took advantage and was the best at a COMMON thing during the 1880-1890 era. Scoring runs and stealing bases
Barry Bonds is the best HR hitter in the greatest HR era...not exactly a stamp of approval for greatest player ever.
Can I change history...I wish I could.
I wish the 1994 strike never took place, the baseball people in charge were NOT in charge and we didn't have some "genius" say "Hey what we need is a tighter ball, lower the mound a little...and boom HR records breaking will bring the fans in...cause chicks dig the longball."
I would have liked to see Barry hit those 35 HRs a year maybe pop some 45 or even a 50 hit .310...maybe even beat the HR record or come close to it with 61-65...70 ugh...73 double ugh.
It's really not Barry's fault that when he beats Aaron's record it won't mean anything. It really won't. Not to any knowledgable baseball fan.
And for that MLB heads and officials should be shot, but Selig is still on top playing his violin, whil ethe Huns come and baseball burns...I hope baseball like 100 times before overcomes this adversity...
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You're right- those of us who acknowledge Barry's feat for what it is must not be "knowledgeable " baseball funs. I feel confident that appreciating the greatest player I've ever seen does not in any way detract from my knowledge of the game- in fact, I could say that curmedgeons who live in the past probably lack the proper context to claim knowledge.
Just for fun btw:
Billy Hamilton: OPS+ of 141
Ty Cobb: OPS+ of 167
Barry Bonds: OPS+ of 179
I think Cobb is a lot closer to Hamilton than Bonds ever was....