San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds wins record seventh NL MVP award

canada.com ^

[Freepdonia]

If there hadn't been a fall off in the numbers after MLB "cracked down" I might believe it ... but since there was (where are the 60/70 HR guys now) I'm sticking with the "juice" explanation. Signed Ken Caminiti

Other than Bonds, McGwire and Sosa were able to go over 60 homers due to expansion (which helped the hitters in '61 and '69, too).

[bootless]

Big time Giants fan here, too. I think the national MSM has a lot to do with Bonds' image - just look at the SI hack job that Rick (name?) did a few years ago. He's much more responsive to the local media (KNBR, Chronicle, CoCo Times, etc.).

Why should the national MSM be any different with regard to local sports? I've been to a lot of games over the years, and have a bunch more on tape (usually taped to watch later - I keep the good one) - it's apparent to me, especially as the years go by, that he appreciates the Giants fans and loves his family.

[Freepdonia]

This crap about not having proof he was on drugs is BS, the league is just afraid of the racial claims. As to McGuire, he admitted to using them, strike his records too.

Aren't you contradicting yourself here?

[bootless]

Good post. In other words, he doesn't carry the "Clinton Bible" around.

[AmishDude]

Until Bonds wins 20 games, he will never be better than Ruth.

[rightinthemiddle]

Edmonds is the best player in the league when he's on.

Albert really improved at first...he's a hitting machine.

Rolen...did not deserve the Phillie fans. I hope he's a Cardinal for the next 100 years.

[Primetimedonna]

"it's apparent to me, especially as the years go by, that he appreciates the Giants fans and loves his family"

The year we clinched the Pennant, Bonds was the one who led the Giants back onto the field after they had returned to the Clubhouse, telling his teammates that they should share the moment with the fans. When they came out with their champagne bottles spraying the fans, and walking around the entire field to thank the fans it was great! It was great seeing their excitement...like a bunch of kids.....reminds us that despite all the money, complaints and such it IS a game and should be enjoyed. I also disagree with those who says ALL his teammates hate him. I'm sure some do, but many admire him. Much of that bad press came from Jeff Kent and his loud mouth! Now there was a pompous a--!!

[oust the louse]

"The short of it is that Bonds will likely retire being hailed as the greatest player ever to play baseball. Steroids or no steroids, that's freakin' impressive."

I'm not impressed.He cheated and that's all that needs to be said.He probably can't even look at himself in the mirror,and that's not because his heads the size of a basketball,but because he knows his records are tainted....

[Mr. Jeeves]

WOW! Lots of angry people on this thread.

Jealousy causes that. ;)

[Gucho]

"The short of it is that Bonds will likely retire being hailed as the greatest player ever to play baseball. Steroids or no steroids, that's freakin' impressive."

Bonds lifetime batting ave. = 300 Babe Ruth = 342

Bonds lifetime on base percentage = 443 Ruth = 474

Bonds slugging percentage = 611 Ruth = 690

And to think the Babe put up these numbers on hot dogs and beer :)

[Poodlebrain]

If steroids were the sole reason why didn't Jose Canseco ever reach the 50 home run plateau? He was a much better hitter than either McGwire or Sosa?

Players were on the juice in the 1980's and early 1990's, but they weren't putting up the same type of home run numbers. It took something besides steroids, more likely in combination with, to account for the power surge. I'm willing to admit that many of the new ballparks are hitter friendly, and expansion diluted the pitching, but the increase is still too dramatic after the 1994 strike for there not to have been a more simple explanation. A tighter wound baseball travels faster and farther when hit, and more home runs was the best way to restore fan interest after canceling the 1994 World Series.

[Freepdonia]

Gucho, everybody hit .300 during the twenties and thirties. It wasn't a major accomplishment. Like today, the hitters are overrated, while the pitchers are underrated.

Ruth's average would probably be close to what Bonds has now if he had started his career during the eighties.

[FrankRepublican]

It's the ROIDS man!

[Freepdonia]

I'm not arguing that he is or isn't.

[Gucho]

"Gucho, everybody hit .300 during the twenties and thirties. It wasn't a major accomplishment. Like today, the hitters are overrated, while the pitchers are underrated."

Ok, then lets check ot Ruth's pitching record:

WL% .671 94 46 = AMAZING = the guy was multi talented.

[Gucho]

Babe Ruth loved baseball and did everything he could to promote it.

[bootless]

The year we clinched the Pennant, Bonds was the one who led the Giants back onto the field after they had returned to the Clubhouse, telling his teammates that they should share the moment with the fans.

I remember that - it was terrific. And unfortunately, Jeff Kent's colors have shown more and more over the years. He was very rude toward SF the last time the Astros came to SF (the Walk-a-thon, Chicken $$$$ series). I was rooting for the Cards all the way in the NLDS against them, mostly because of that. My theory? I think that if Bonds used steroids, that his godfather Willie Mays would kick the $$$$ out of him and, even worse, be very, very disappointed in him. Bonds having lost his father, I believe that Willie's influence and respect for him has taken on even more significance for him. That's what my gut says. What do you think?

[tx_eggman]

He held the Series record for consecutive shutout innings with 29 2/3 (1916, 1918) until Whitey Ford broke it in 1960,61,62.

He still holds the record for the longest complete game in Series history (14, 2-1 win)

[Freepdonia]

WL% .671 94 46 = AMAZING = the guy was multi talented.

That he was, Gucho.

[Freepdonia]

Babe Ruth is a hard guy to hate if you love baseball.