2007 MLB General News Thread

[AYHJA]

Greatest player ever..? He'd certainly get my vote...Considering the fact that baseball guys routinely play into their 40's, pending he doesn't get bitten by a bad injury bug, he'll be tossing up almost every major record there is...

[trashtalkr]

Bonds Ties Hank Aaron's HR Record

For better or worse, Barry Bonds, whose charge toward baseball immortality has been tainted by allegations that he has used performance-enhancing drugs, moved one home run away from becoming baseball's new home run king.

Bonds' homer in the second inning of Saturday's game against the Padres in San Diego was the 755th shot of his 22-year career. The blast tied Major League Baseball's most hallowed record that had been held by Henry Aaron for 33 years.

Bonds swung, took a half-dozen steps and clapped his hands. With no trace of a smile but a strong shot for all the doubters, he caught Aaron and tied the career home run record Saturday night with an opposite-field drive to left field.

The seven-time NL MVP's rapid ascension on the home run ladder ties him a fourth all-time record: Bonds is the game's career leader in total bases, walks and intentional walks. His 71 multihomer games are second behind Babe Ruth's 72, and he is second all time in extra-base hits and fifth all time in RBIs.

Commissioner Bud Selig watched and was on hand for Friday's 4-3 loss to the Padres in which Bonds went 0-for-4 with a strikeout. Selig spent Thursday home in Milwaukee and missed the Giants' series finale at Dodger Stadium.

Bonds, who holds baseball's single-season home run record of 73 set in 2001, has hit 579 home runs in 15 seasons with the Giants. He had 176 homers in his first seven major-league seasons, all spent with Pittsburgh. In the last five seasons alone, Bonds, 43, has 142 home runs.

Slowed by injuries the last three years, it took Bonds almost three years to make the final push to 755. He hit his 700th home run in September 2004 and tied Ruth's 715 homers for second all-time in May 2006. His 734th homer, on Sept. 23 of that season, broke Aaron's NL record.

Aaron has embraced neither Bonds nor his run at the record. Aaron said earlier this season he would not celebrate the occasion when it came and, as Bonds crept ever closer to the mark, said in May he would not reconsider his decision.

At the time, when asked what he might be doing when Bonds broke the record, Aaron said, "I have no idea, probably playing golf somewhere."

Bonds indeed has long been a polarizing figure among baseball players, former players and fans alike. But his legacy became forever clouded when it was revealed in late 2004 that he testified to a grand jury that he used a clear substance and a cream given to him by a trainer who was indicted in a steroid-distribution ring. Bonds said he didn't know the substances were steroids.

Source: ESPN

[Jgrrrr]

Amazing feat@

[gmsnctry]

now I find myself rooting for ARod to hit 60 dingers a year to erase BBonds from the record book- I'm a Cubs -Tribe fan, so I rarely root for a NYY player

or Maybe Griffey will find a fountain of youth (legally) :twisted:

[trashtalkr]

I would love for A-Rod to break the record. But yea...if Griffey wouldn't have gotten injured, then he would be at the record right now instead of Bonds. Damn...

[ruffriders23]

Griffey was on pace, but his conditioning killed his career. He didn't take care of his body like he should have.

We can only hope A-Rod does break the record. Otherwise my jersey that reads "Bar-Roid" is going to be infamous!

[trashtalkr]

Barry Bonds Sets New Homerun Record

Barry Bonds raised both arms over his head like a prize fighter in victory, fists clenched -- and then he took off.

It was over at long last.

Like him or not, legitimate or not, he is baseball's new home run king.

Bonds hit No. 756 to the deepest part of the ballpark Tuesday night, and hammered home that very point. He broke Hank Aaron's storied record with one out in the fifth inning, hitting a full-count, 84 mph pitch from Washington's Mike Bacsik.

"I knew I hit it," Bonds said. "I knew I got it. I was like, phew, finally."

Bonds sent the ball arcing high into the night, 435 feet into the right-center field seats.

"Thank you very much. I got to thank all of you, all the fans here in San Francisco. It's been fantastic," he said shortly after crossing home plate, his godfather, Willie Mays, at his side.

"I've got to thank my teammates for their support," Bonds said. "Through all of this, you guys have been strong, and you've given me all of the support in the world and I'll never forget it, as long as I live."

After thanking his children, he said: "I'm glad I did it before you guys went to school."

To the Nationals, he said: "Thank you for understanding this game. It means a lot to me."

Conspicuous by their absence were the commissioner and Hammerin' Hank himself.

Though he was on hand for the tying homer three days ago, deciding to put baseball history ahead of the steroid allegations that have plagued the Giants slugger, Bud Selig wasn't there for the record-breaker.

Instead, he sent two emissaries, Major League Baseball executive vice president Jimmie Lee Solomon and Hall of Famer Frank Robinson.

"I congratulate Barry Bonds for establishing a new, career home run record. Barry's achievement is noteworthy and remarkable," Selig said in a statement, released after he spoke to Bonds by telephone. "While the issues which have swirled around this record will continue to work themselves toward resolution, today is a day for congratulations on a truly remarkable achievement."

As for Aaron, he said all along he had no interest in being there whenever and wherever his 33-year-old mark was broken. He was true to his word, but he did offer a taped message of congratulations that played on the stadium's video board during a 10-minute tribute.

"It is a great accomplishment which required skill, longevity and determination," he said.

"Throughout the past century, the home run has held a special place in baseball and I have been privileged to hold this record for 33 of those years. I move over now and offer my best wishes to Barry and his family on this historic achievement.

"My hope today, as it was on that April evening in 1974, is that the achievement of this record will inspire others to chase their own dreams," he said.

A woman who answered the phone at Aaron's home in Georgia shortly after Bonds' homer said that Aaron was asleep.

"When I saw Hank Aaron that made everything," Bonds said. "We've always loved him. He's always the home run king."

With a long, satisfied stare, Bonds watched as the ball sailed over the fence and disappeared into the scrum in the first few rows. Then he raised both arms over his head like a victorious prize fighter, fists clenched, and took off.

His 17-year-old batboy son Nikolai was already bouncing on home plate as Dad rounded third and ran the final 90 feet to make it official. After a long embrace, the rest of the family joined in -- his mother, two daughters and wife. And then there was Mays, who removed his cap and congratulated his godson.

Bonds saved his most poignant words for last, addressing his late father, Bobby.

"My dad," he said, looking to the sky and choking back tears. "Thank you."

Bonds had wanted to break the record at home, where he would be assured of a friendly crowd. They were all right, unlike in San Diego where some fans held up signs with asterisks indicating that his power was steroid-induced.

Bonds has always denied knowingly using performance-enhancing drugs.

Bonds had already doubled and singled before hitting the solo home run. Bacsik put his left hand to the back of his head as soon as Bonds connected.

"I dreamed about it as a kid, but when I dreamed about it, I was the one hitting the home run and not giving it up," Bacsik said.

"I didn't really want to be part of history as a bad part, but I am," he said on ESPN. "I'm OK with it."

Bacsik later spoke with Bonds and got an autographed bat from the Giants star.

Bonds took his position in left field to start the sixth, then was replaced and drew another standing ovation.

A fan wearing a Mets jersey wound up with the historic ball. Matt Murphy of New York emerged from the stands with the souvenir and a bloodied face, and was whisked to a secure room.

Even with Bonds at the top of the chart, fans will surely keep debating which slugger they consider the true home run champion. Some will continue to cling to Aaron while other, older rooters will always say it's Babe Ruth.

"It's all about history. Pretty soon, someone will come along and pass him," Mays said before the game.

Aaron held the top spot for 12,173 days after connecting for No. 715 to pass the Babe on April 8, 1974.

Bonds homered exactly three years after Greg Maddux earned his 300th victory at the same ballpark. It's been quite a week of baseball milestones -- over the weekend, Alex Rodriguez hit his 500th home run and Tom Glavine won No. 300.

A seven-time NL MVP, the 43-year-old Bonds hit his 22nd home run of the year. Bonds broke Mark McGwire's single-season record by hitting 73 in 2001 and while he's no longer such a force, opposing pitchers remain wary.

Bonds and Giants management bickered in the offseason over contract issues. This big night was the main reason owner Peter Magowan brought back the star left fielder for a 15th season in San Francisco, signing him to a $15.8 million, one-year contract.

Bonds' once-rapid quest for the record had slowed in recent years as his age and balky knees diminished his pace. He hit 258 home runs from 2000-04, but has only 53 since then.

While steroids have tinged Bonds' pursuit, it was race that was the predominant issue when Aaron broke Ruth's mark in 1974. Aaron dealt with hate mail and death threats from racist fans who thought a black man was not worthy of breaking the record set by a white hero, the beloved Babe.

Former commissioner Bowie Kuhn watched Aaron tie the record but was not present for the record-breaker, a slight that bothered many fans of Aaron. Selig is a close friend of Aaron's and offered Bonds tepid congratulations when he tied the record.

"I think Hank is his own man," Mays said. "I think if he wanted to be here he would be here."

"When he hit 715, the commissioner wasn't there," he said. "You may not blame him because he wasn't represented the right way."

Bonds was destined for stardom at an early age. The son of All-Star outfielder Bobby Bonds and the godson of one of the game's greatest players, Bonds spent his childhood years roaming the clubhouse at Candlestick Park, getting tips from Mays and other Giants.

"I visualized him playing sports at a high level. He was 5 when he was in my locker all the time," Mays said.

In a matter of years, Bonds went from a wiry leadoff hitter with Pittsburgh in 1986 to a bulked-up slugger. That transformation is at the heart of his many doubters, who believe Bonds cheated to accomplish his feats and should not be considered the record-holder.

There are plenty of fans already hoping for the day that Bonds' total -- whatever it ends up -- is topped. Rodriguez may have the best chance, with his 500 home runs at age 32 far ahead of Bonds' pace.

Source: ESPN

[ruffriders23]

BBBBBOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[trashtalkr]

Former Pitcher Rick Ankiel Makes It To Majors As Outfielder

Rick Ankiel is back in the major leagues -- as an outfielder.

The St. Louis Cardinals on Thursday purchased the contract of the 28-year-old pitcher-turned outfielder. Team spokesman Brian Bartow said Ankiel will be in uniform Thursday night when the Cardinals host San Diego.

Considered one of baseball's most promising young pitchers before uncontrollable wildness that emerged in a 2000 playoff game derailed his career, Ankiel last appeared in the major leagues in 2004.

Ankiel was hitting .267 with 32 homers and 89 runs batted in 102 games at Triple-A Memphis. He also struck out 90 times and had an on-base percentage of .314. Defensively, he had seven errors.

"The path he has taken to get back to the major leagues has been a long and difficult one," Bartow said. "I know there will be a lot of people around here with goose bumps. He's been one of the most popular players in the clubhouse and around the organization since he first arrived."

The Cardinals hope the left-handed-hitting Ankiel provides a boost for a team that finds itself only six games out of first place in the NL Central despite a 52-59 record. The Cardinals have not yet announced a roster move to clear a spot for Ankiel.

Ankiel was drafted in the second round in 1997 and appeared on the verge of becoming one of baseball's best young left-handers when he went 11-7 with a 3.50 earned run average and 194 strike outs in 2000, his rookie season. He earned the start in Game 1 of the playoffs against the Atlanta Braves.

In one painful afternoon, things fell apart.

Pitching with a big lead in the third inning, Ankiel walked four of eight hitters and threw a record five wild pitches, some bouncing off the backstop. In another playoff game that season against the Mets, he threw four more wild pitches in a brief appearance.

He never recovered as a pitcher, going 1-2 in 2001 while trying to work through the wildness. After that, he pitched just 10 more innings in the major leagues.

Source: Sports Illustrated

[trashtalkr]

Bonds' 756 Homerun Ball May Not Be Sold

Matt Murphy could become $500,000 richer if he sells Barry Bonds' record-breaking home run ball.

The college student, however, may just want to hang on to it -- even if he's hit with a whopping tax bill.

"Part of me wants to keep it. It's the greatest American sports accomplishment in history," Murphy said Thursday on NBC's "Today Show." "Part of me might want to sell it, but I really am leaning towards keeping it. It's just too valuable, sentimental."

Selling the ball for that amount would instantly put Murphy in the highest tax bracket for individual income, where he would face a tax rate of about 35 percent, or about $210,000 on a $600,000 ball.

Even if he does not sell the ball, Murphy would still owe the taxes based on a reasonable estimate of its value, according to John Barrie, a tax lawyer with Bryan Cave LLP in New York. Capital gains taxes also could be levied in the future as the ball gains value, he said.

On the other hand, he said, if the ongoing federal investigation into steroid abuse among professional athletes takes a criminal turn for Bonds, the ball's value could go down -- which would likely allow Murphy to claim a loss.

Murphy said he and his friend, Amir Kamal, nearly missed Bonds' historic at-bat because they were getting crab sandwiches at AT&T Park.

"We were back in time," Murphy said. "We hustled."

They attended the game because they had a layover in San Francisco on the way to Australia. A third friend, Ryan Breslin, is the brother of Abigail Breslin, the young actress who received an Oscar nomination for her role in "Little Miss Sunshine," and she's shooting a movie in Australia.

Murphy and Kamal bought Giants tickets about three weeks before the game as they were planning the Australia trip.

"Well, it started off, 'Let's spend the night in San Francisco,' to 'Let's go to a Giants game,' to 'He's getting pretty close, what if?"' Murphy said.

Breslin turned down an invitation to attend the game because he was finishing up classes in Washington, D.C. Is he kicking himself for that decision?

"I absolutely am," he said.

Also feeling pangs of regret must be the San Francisco cab driver who drove Murphy and Kamal from the airport to their hotel. Hoping to get out of the $55 fare, they told the driver that if they caught Bonds' record home run ball, they'd give him a couple thousand dollars.

"He turned me down, man," Murphy said.

The ball "took a lucky bounce," Murphy said, and set off a scrum -- with him at the bottom.

"Longest minute of my life," Murphy said. "I think one gentleman kicked me in the back of the head. There were people on top of people on top of people, which I didn't really understand. The San Francisco Police Department really helped me out by getting there quickly."

Murphy wore the jersey of Mets All-Star shortstop Jose Reyes to the game.

"Just had to represent my home team," he said.

But after making the catch, he asked the grounds crew for some Giants gear, thinking he might face some malice for wearing a Mets jersey.

Murphy declined to reveal where he's keeping the ball, but said it's not coming to Australia with him.

"When I get back, I'm going to sort things out," he said.

Source: Sports Illustrated