Diamond Gems - musings on baseball both locally and nationally
In a season of records three players reached significant milestones last weekend.
Alex Rodriguez hit the 500th home run of his career to become the youngest player ever to reach that mark. If he stays healthy Rodriguez has an excellent chance to end his career as the all-time home run leader.
Barry Bonds hit home run number 755 against the San Diego Padres to tie Hank Aaron for the most home runs in major league history. There were fears Bonds hitting the tying or record-breaking home run in an opponent's ballpark might lead to an ugly scene. The San Diego fans, however, were classy with some scattered boos mixed in among a lot of cheers. Baseball commissioner Bud Selig reacted with an expression that I would call quiet agony.
Selig has been a close friend of Aaron for many years and obviously would have liked for Hank to continue to hold the record. With the steroid controversy spinning out of control using Bonds as its focal point it was difficult for Selig, as the face of baseball, to acknowledge the feat. But at the last, Selig stepped up to represent baseball.
Bonds returned to his home park for a series Monday. At the time of this writing he is still tied with Aaron. I will be very interested to see the reaction in and out of baseball when the record falls.
Personally, while not liking Bonds much as a human being I have to respect the player he has been, the talent he has and the work ethic and drive he has shown throughout his career. I just wish, for baseball's sake if nothing else, that this record was free of any taint. The game deserves that.
Jim Sandoval can be reached at casandman@aol.com
