Barry Bonds, the Anti-Ruth

Joseph Sobran column ^ | 12-09-04 | Sobran, Joseph

[Theodore R.]

Sean Hannity's radio program on Monday (with a substitute) had a wonderful story about a man named "Andrew" (can't recall the last name) who emerged as Roger Maris' greatest fan. What a tremendous story that was. It sort of fits in with this Sobran column.

[Pharmboy]

He’s the son of a major-leaguer — and the godson of a joyous Hall-of-Famer, Willie Mays, none of whose ebullience has rubbed off on Bonds’s sullen personality.

Those testosterone like hormones ("steroids") can have some pretty impressive effects on one's personality.

[Arthur McGowan]

If only we could get rid of steroids--they are the source of all evil in our society.

[Buck W.]

"Bonds is the anti-Ruth. He isn’t larger than life, merely larger than he used to be..."

What a great line.

[InvisibleChurch]

i guess maybe i'll start cheering for Ruth since he slutted around all the time and got loaded every day and smoked tobacco ... wow, what an inspiration

he's not unlike billxxxlinton who got the good write-ups from a fawning press

[Spok]

We idolize people for what they do, not who they are-human beings as craven images.

[Poser]

"On the contrary, he specialized in performance-depressing substances, which by the way were illegal during most of his career."

As did Mantle and Maris. Maybe there's something to this.

[PBRSTREETGANG]

Won't dispute what you say about Ruth...but he came by his records honestly.

Ballplayers shouldn't be idolized anyway.

[painter]

When Hank Aron (sp) hit his 755th home run,He did it with 2500 additional at bats more than Ruth.

It make you wonder.If Ruth would have half way layed off the booze and lived somewhat healthy lifestyle he might have hit a 1000 home runs.

[Oystir]

Ruth himself changed the game without performance-enhancing substances.

Hot dogs and beer have always enhanced my performance.

[mak5]

Bonds was a jerk when he was a skinny young outfielder in Pittsburgh, before the 'roids. He comes by that naturally.

[Hillary's Lovely Legs]

Hot dogs and beer have always enhanced my performance.

[thombo]

Yes steroids can affect personality, but in Barry's case the "sullen" attitude is the result of being a member of an opressed minority.Some of the statements attributed to this prima donna show outright contempt for the fans, and our society in general. Willie Mays, Hank Arron, those days are gone. Baseball is all about $$$$, and doing (taking) whatever it takes to make it to the top. Kinda like the prevailing attitude of our culture.

[gura]

Steroids have become the "demon weed" of this decade, despite having a myriad of legitimate medical uses.

[Pharmboy]

I was not aware that he was a pre-steroids jerk. Thanks for the info. And, to show individuality in response, both Mark McGuire's and Sammy Sosa's personalities were fine on 'roids--even sweet. So, it does depend where you start.

It's interesting to note that in the prescribing info for male hormones sometimes given to women with advanced breast cancer, the side effects are, essentially, those of turning the woman into a short-tempered man.

[Tax-chick]

Excellent article. Sobran's a noodle, but this is very well done.

[foreverfree]

bump

[GOP_Raider]

but in Barry's case the "sullen" attitude is the result of being a member of an opressed minority.

It has more to do with the fact that his father was treated like horse manure when he played than any steroid use.

[N. Theknow]

Yes steroids can affect personality, but in Barry's case the "sullen" attitude is the result of being a member of an opressed minority.

What minority would that be?

Lucky Sperm Club
A$$ on Shoulders Club
Best Player On The Team, If You Don't Believe It Just Ask Him Club
Show Me The Money Club
Screw The Fans Club

Everybody sing it now: If you knew Barry, like I knew Barry, Oh, Oh Oh What A Jerk.

You obviously have never met or talked with anyone who ever played on the same team with him.

[bruin66]

The thing I really detest about Bonds (besides being a jerk) is his standing around, admiring his handiwork, after hitting a home run. Did I say he was a jerk...