In his first at bat against the Padres’ Chris Young Wednesday night, Barry Bonds hit a solo shot to left center for his first home run of the year and 735th career blast. And so it begins. Will he break Henry Aaron’s all-time home run record? Will Bud ‘the slug’ Selig be in attendance when/if he does? Will he get booed or will he be in the comforts of Pac Bell/3 Com/AT&T Park? How much steroids did he have to use to get the record, about a half cup (copy write Will Ferrell in Blades of Glory)?
How about this line of thinking: he shouldn’t even be playing this year. No team wanted him this past offseason, yet the Giants basically outbid themselves for his services. While credit is due for them ridding him of his large entourage and various other “privileges”, the Giants just wanted to sell more tickets this year for the All-Star Game. So yet again he’s back for another year, haunting us every step of the way.
Bonds needs 21 more dingers to pass Hammerin’ Hanks’ record. Let’s start the voting now. Be as creative as you want in your explanation of how he will or will not break the record, now’s the time to hammer him at all costs so go for it. Being as objective as possible, he had a solid spring training and his legs look fresh in the first two games (he stole a freaking base in the Giants’ opener) at both the plate and the field. So, I reluctantly say yes, he will break the record. I know, I know, boo me, but I’m being objective.
