Did everyone consider him the "Greatest Player of all Time" the years prior to his steroid use?
Not that I recall either. The truly only thing I remember about Bonds' Pirate days was the fact that against the Bravo's in the playoffs, he didn't produce, and people were complaining about that. A great player...no doubt. Best of all time? Only time will tell. No Brainer...hall of famer 1st ballot, easy!
Just a thought--To all who think that steroids don't help a baseball player
become a better hitter/player, please give us a rational explanation for taking them otherwise. They certainly don't make ya pretty
.
become a better hitter/player, please give us a rational explanation for taking them otherwise. They certainly don't make ya pretty
.
Simple Question:
If "roids" make you that good a player why aren't ALL the players taking them ?
As for numbers and asterisks Maris never had over 40 HR's in a year except for his big "61" year --nobody questioned his "sudden" emergence.
Also--look at videos of Roger Clemens when he came into the league and the process his body went thru---and he calims it was his "workout regime"--you know what-- I believe him
If "roids" make you that good a player why aren't ALL the players taking them ?
As for numbers and asterisks Maris never had over 40 HR's in a year except for his big "61" year --nobody questioned his "sudden" emergence.
Also--look at videos of Roger Clemens when he came into the league and the process his body went thru---and he calims it was his "workout regime"--you know what-- I believe him
Pete Rose bet on baseball and we all the know what followed. Barry Bonds and others cheated baseball and we all know what followed. Rose was banned from the game and rightly so in my mind. Bonds and the rest of MLB are on notice that it will not be tolerated anymore and there will be testing. In my mind using performance inhancing drugs that are illegal by the way taint the game just as much as betting on baseball. The punishment should fit the crime. Being suspended for a few games when you test positive? Are you kidding me. How about being suspended for a few games if you bet on baseball. Does that sound fair? The only way you are going to stop this is to ban the players that test positive and treat them the same way you would treat a player that caught for betting on the game. It creates an unfair playing field. It also puts immense pressure on younger players to partake of these substances in order to keep up with the ones who do. It has nothing to do with wether you like someone or not. It has nothing to do with them being a superstar or an average MLB player. Is about the integrity of the game. Its about protecting the legitimacy of the game. Its about sending a message to all the players HS College and Pro that it will not be tolerated at all.
Alot of MLB players are taking roids and other growth enhancing. No one knows the exact number because MLB is too afraid to test everyone for everything.
Best punishment for the cheaters, annouce who failed the tests and suspend them. Just loook how much abuse Giambi and Bonds are getting
Best punishment for the cheaters, annouce who failed the tests and suspend them. Just loook how much abuse Giambi and Bonds are getting
TR writes
Some are more concerned with their long-term health.
And I know you may find it hard to believe but some people follow rules and believe in fair play even when no one is watching them.
English Philosopher Edmund Burke so accurately said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing”.
TR, for the good of the young kids coming up, get on the right side of this issue and “Do something”.
quote:Simple Question:
If "roids" make you that good a player why aren't ALL the players taking them ?
Some are more concerned with their long-term health.
And I know you may find it hard to believe but some people follow rules and believe in fair play even when no one is watching them.
English Philosopher Edmund Burke so accurately said, “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing”.
TR, for the good of the young kids coming up, get on the right side of this issue and “Do something”.
I believe that steroid use in MLB was far greater than anyone can imagine and IMO it would be impossible to try to sanction or penalize players for previous use. I think that the only solution "moving forward" is testing with stiff penalties.
Back in the mid to late 70's, steroid use was commonplace at the college level. I knew many, many athletes that used them. Without exception, when they stopped using steroids they got smaller. I am not suggesting that Bonds did or didn't take them, but unlike Giambi and others, he hasn't lost body mass. I find that curious... Does that mean that he is still taking them? ...or did he find a different kind of steroid? I'm serious about this question because he does not look like the typical "ex-user" that I am familiar with.
As far as Bonds is concerned, I am in the Beenthere camp. Since most of the Giants games are televised late on the east coast, I watched most of them. He is the greatest hitter that I have ever seen. He is simply unbelievable...
One last observation and this is strictly a different opinion than most offered here, but I watched Bond's interview several times yesterday and I thought he was outstanding... So many refer to him as a jerk, etc. and I just didn't see it. I like the fact that he does it "his way". Maybe I'm too much of a Sinatra fan, but Bonds refusal to bow down to the media is refreshing to me. JMO.
R.
Back in the mid to late 70's, steroid use was commonplace at the college level. I knew many, many athletes that used them. Without exception, when they stopped using steroids they got smaller. I am not suggesting that Bonds did or didn't take them, but unlike Giambi and others, he hasn't lost body mass. I find that curious... Does that mean that he is still taking them? ...or did he find a different kind of steroid? I'm serious about this question because he does not look like the typical "ex-user" that I am familiar with.
As far as Bonds is concerned, I am in the Beenthere camp. Since most of the Giants games are televised late on the east coast, I watched most of them. He is the greatest hitter that I have ever seen. He is simply unbelievable...
One last observation and this is strictly a different opinion than most offered here, but I watched Bond's interview several times yesterday and I thought he was outstanding... So many refer to him as a jerk, etc. and I just didn't see it. I like the fact that he does it "his way". Maybe I'm too much of a Sinatra fan, but Bonds refusal to bow down to the media is refreshing to me.
JMO.R.
The best defense is a good offense.
I don't think many here are acting "starry-eyed" about baseball players, in general, or Bonds, in particular. Most people recognize that the major league baseball players are just a cross-section of society and that many of its players reflect society’s “unfortunate” side. Major league ballplayers aren't necessarily the best people, just the best players of their time. Most people want to see the nice guy finish first and the jerk fall on his face, that’s human nature and part of any sport’s entertainment value…AND, professional baseball is an “entertainment industry.” As such, IMO, it doesn’t have much “integrity” to lose.
Sure, Bonds is a jerk, but they haven’t been giving ANYBODY personality tests to determine who’s worthy to play ball and Bonds has no monopoly on "lying, cheating, and criminal acts"…that stuff has been going on since the game began (e.g., Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Pete Rose). I don’t think Bonds has killed anybody, yet…at least, that we know about. Compare Bonds to Cesar Cedeno, who was fined 100 pesos for “involuntary manslaughter” in the Dominican Republic. That incident occurred on December 11, 1973, and Cedeno was back in the US in time to start spring training. How much was 100 pesos worth in 1974, about $12.00?
I'm sorry, and I don't mean to offend anybody, but where are the righteous among us supposed to draw the line?
Sure, Bonds is a jerk, but they haven’t been giving ANYBODY personality tests to determine who’s worthy to play ball and Bonds has no monopoly on "lying, cheating, and criminal acts"…that stuff has been going on since the game began (e.g., Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Pete Rose). I don’t think Bonds has killed anybody, yet…at least, that we know about. Compare Bonds to Cesar Cedeno, who was fined 100 pesos for “involuntary manslaughter” in the Dominican Republic. That incident occurred on December 11, 1973, and Cedeno was back in the US in time to start spring training. How much was 100 pesos worth in 1974, about $12.00?
I'm sorry, and I don't mean to offend anybody, but where are the righteous among us supposed to draw the line?
Callaway
I am in accord with you
I also wonder why nobody talks about the Maris stat I brought up--only one year over 40 HRs and that was the "61" year---odd isnt it--I guess that was one of those career years--they do happen with all the right circumstances in line
Also I think people do not realize that todays sthlete is bigger and stronger to start with and then when you involve better diet and excercise regimens you can quite possibly have a body that looks like Bonds---can we say Roger Clemens!!!!
I am in accord with you
I also wonder why nobody talks about the Maris stat I brought up--only one year over 40 HRs and that was the "61" year---odd isnt it--I guess that was one of those career years--they do happen with all the right circumstances in line
Also I think people do not realize that todays sthlete is bigger and stronger to start with and then when you involve better diet and excercise regimens you can quite possibly have a body that looks like Bonds---can we say Roger Clemens!!!!
In his last post Beenthere refers to Bond's incredible intentional walk numbers for the past 4-6 years. Very true - but how often was he intentionally walked prior to 98? What else coincides with this same period? Could it be the cream and the clear??
Numbers don't lie, people do. Anyone name any athlete in the history of sports (Senior golf tour excluded) who has made substantial or even any improvement after age 35. I have asked this question before and never seen a response.
Bond's is probably best hitter ever, however, the hr numbers of he and many others in this era are suspect to say the least.
Numbers don't lie, people do. Anyone name any athlete in the history of sports (Senior golf tour excluded) who has made substantial or even any improvement after age 35. I have asked this question before and never seen a response.
Bond's is probably best hitter ever, however, the hr numbers of he and many others in this era are suspect to say the least.
Maris belted 61 homeruns alot had to do with 4 new expansion teams in the MLB and having mantle hitting behind him. Maris was MVP in 1960.
Clemens is throwing harder now than he did back in the 1980's with the Reds Sox
Clemens is throwing harder now than he did back in the 1980's with the Reds Sox
Again-Why take steroids if not to enhance performance? 
Watched the press conference. Bonds is what he is. A modern day superstar who when asked the tough question dances around it or blames the situation on someone else.
George Foreman.quote:Anyone name any athlete in the history of sports (Senior golf tour excluded) who has made substantial or even any improvement after age 35.
Bonds will have a great career in politics
.
.
DRIVEL
with his money why would Bonds go into politics?
Besides everyone dislikes him now
with his money why would Bonds go into politics?
Besides everyone dislikes him now
Watching the interview, I just thought it was alittle over the Top to say that all media were liars, each and everyone of you. I do agree they are like a bunch of sharks in a feeding frenzy. When there is a hot story, they stay on it forever it seems like, but to say they are liars, and make stuff up? Come on, some may be, just like "some" baseball players take steriods. He is just blame shifting like most kids do. I happen to think he is a great hitter, I don't particularly like that he won't run out a pop up, but hey. Baseball will survive the steriod scandal, just like they survived the "Black Sox" scandal. One other thing, just because Jose Cansicko is a snitch, doesn't mean he is a liar.
TR, HMm maybe because politicians are great at avoiding direct questions, lying and giving creative answers just like Barry Bonds.
For a little different look at all this, I notice in this thread and many others that have been on this site and in the media, etc. the comment that Bonds is the greatest hitter EVER (ever is a pretty long and all inclusive time 
.
The comment is made routinely as if it is just accepted fact. Just curious what that belief is based on-stats, observation, media hype
By way of a comparison, at random I looked at the stats of Stan Musial. Musial rarely gets mentioned in discussions of the greats-Bonds, Aaron, Ruth etc.
Bonds is not in the top 100 career leaders in Batting average. He is 49th in hits and 19th in doubles (just behind Craig Biggio for some historical perspective). Bonds is not in the top 100 in triples. He is 12th in RBI.
Musial is number 30 in career BA. He is number 4 in hits, number 5 in RBI, number 3 in doubles and number 19 in triples. Other than homeruns, he far surpassesses Bonds in most every hitting category. the same can be said for Ruth, Aaron, Clemente, Mays (and others) vs. Bonds. As I noted in an earlier post, in his 6 years with the Pirates, Bonds was out hit by Bobby Bonnilla in most every category each of those years.
Beyond the stats, having seen Mays, Clemente, Aaron and others play and the competiton they played against, I don't get the seemingly accepted comment that Bonds is the greatest ever. EVER
I'm always left with the images in my head of Drysdale brushing back Mays as opposed to barry and his body armor seeing nothing even remotely inside, except a pitch or two from Mark Prior a year or so ago.
Aaron, Mays, Ruth, Mantle, Clemente, Musial, Dimaggio, Williams... over the life of their careers, I'd take any of 'em before bonds.
. The comment is made routinely as if it is just accepted fact. Just curious what that belief is based on-stats, observation, media hype
By way of a comparison, at random I looked at the stats of Stan Musial. Musial rarely gets mentioned in discussions of the greats-Bonds, Aaron, Ruth etc.
Bonds is not in the top 100 career leaders in Batting average. He is 49th in hits and 19th in doubles (just behind Craig Biggio for some historical perspective). Bonds is not in the top 100 in triples. He is 12th in RBI.
Musial is number 30 in career BA. He is number 4 in hits, number 5 in RBI, number 3 in doubles and number 19 in triples. Other than homeruns, he far surpassesses Bonds in most every hitting category. the same can be said for Ruth, Aaron, Clemente, Mays (and others) vs. Bonds. As I noted in an earlier post, in his 6 years with the Pirates, Bonds was out hit by Bobby Bonnilla in most every category each of those years.
Beyond the stats, having seen Mays, Clemente, Aaron and others play and the competiton they played against, I don't get the seemingly accepted comment that Bonds is the greatest ever. EVER
I'm always left with the images in my head of Drysdale brushing back Mays as opposed to barry and his body armor seeing nothing even remotely inside, except a pitch or two from Mark Prior a year or so ago.
Aaron, Mays, Ruth, Mantle, Clemente, Musial, Dimaggio, Williams... over the life of their careers, I'd take any of 'em before bonds.
Bonds, in his last several years, (don't know the exact number) is THE most feared hitter of all times.
Why?
Because he is the best hitter of all times. Again, during these last several years.
IF your standard is "entire career" he will rate very high but maybe not the best.
But, in his prime years, he is far and away the best ever.
Why?
Because he is the best hitter of all times. Again, during these last several years.
IF your standard is "entire career" he will rate very high but maybe not the best.
But, in his prime years, he is far and away the best ever.
As I asked yesterday, “Why do some normally reasonable people whiff when the subject turns to Bonds”?
A few people in addition to myself asked some pretty, seemingly easy questions that would force anyone that answers them to reveal how much of a Barry apologist they are. They continue to go unanswered.
Here’s one question. One old time poster has already risked his credibility on this one last fall. Anyone else care to join him and look silly?
Who doesn’t believe that, “A player can improve their hitting by becoming stronger”?
A few people in addition to myself asked some pretty, seemingly easy questions that would force anyone that answers them to reveal how much of a Barry apologist they are. They continue to go unanswered.
Here’s one question. One old time poster has already risked his credibility on this one last fall. Anyone else care to join him and look silly?
Who doesn’t believe that, “A player can improve their hitting by becoming stronger”?
SBK
But, my question is by how much? I saw very few of Bond's HR's barely clearing the wall. So how do you so easily dismiss them as simply "enhanced" homeruns that would have otherwise been flyball outs?
Some may just watch his ESPN highlights and rationalize that his HR's are manufactured by juice, but if you watch each AB or even most during the season, you soon realize that there has never been anyone like him.... and I can't attribute his ability to see the ball as he does to steroids. JMO.
That's a reasonable question and I can't imagine anyone would argue that strength doesn't improve hitting.quote:Who doesn’t believe that, “A player can improve their hitting by becoming stronger”?
But, my question is by how much? I saw very few of Bond's HR's barely clearing the wall. So how do you so easily dismiss them as simply "enhanced" homeruns that would have otherwise been flyball outs?
Some may just watch his ESPN highlights and rationalize that his HR's are manufactured by juice, but if you watch each AB or even most during the season, you soon realize that there has never been anyone like him.... and I can't attribute his ability to see the ball as he does to steroids. JMO.
Knowingly or unknowingly, Bonds took steroids. Given that his talent is as Herculean as his defenders here say, he certainly didn't need to, so that begs the question of why he continued said supplements.
What disturbs me is that here, on a site dedicated to young baseball players (many of whom hope to play professional ball one day), Bonds has so many defenders. No concern that a ballplayer could be duped into taking an illegal drug with the potential to cause health problems (I had to type that fast so that I didn't choke on the words), no concern that his celebrity encourages the taking of such supplements by our sons in order to be successful, no call for the banishment of the offenders.
When your son sees your admiration of a player like Bonds, does he ever ask you if that means you condone steroids? Or are you just teaching by example?
What disturbs me is that here, on a site dedicated to young baseball players (many of whom hope to play professional ball one day), Bonds has so many defenders. No concern that a ballplayer could be duped into taking an illegal drug with the potential to cause health problems (I had to type that fast so that I didn't choke on the words), no concern that his celebrity encourages the taking of such supplements by our sons in order to be successful, no call for the banishment of the offenders.
When your son sees your admiration of a player like Bonds, does he ever ask you if that means you condone steroids? Or are you just teaching by example?
Sooner or later I'm afraid I will explode on this subject. Just want to be sure the timing is right. Guess I want to see what happens and just how long those who took steroids live. The initial case studies are not looking good. Who really cares about the records or how they happened.
The worst thing about Canseco's book is not who he is accusing. Or even if it's true or false. It's the fact that he actually seems to condone the use of steroids.
In the meantime, great post Orlando... that needed to be said!
The worst thing about Canseco's book is not who he is accusing. Or even if it's true or false. It's the fact that he actually seems to condone the use of steroids.
In the meantime, great post Orlando... that needed to be said!
Orlando
My son's can certainly see that, so the message to them must be crafted carefully. IMO, it would be hypocritical and transparent to say that Bond's never would have been great had he not used steroids. I simply don't believe that and neither would they. The message that I want them to understand is that there are significant long term risks involved with using steroids and that the risks are not worth the short term rewards.
The problem is that guys like Arnold S., Canseco and other "successful" users are out there with little to no visable negative effects. It makes it difficult for a father to argue the point. Whenever I see steroid specials on TV that show the horrors associated with use I make sure that they see it. There is a REAL downside to steroid use and that message has to be clear.
I have seen a lot of press recently about the increase of steroid use in high schools and even middle schools. Particularly in states like TX that have easy access to Mexico. It's pretty scary stuff and as parents of athletes, it's something that we really have to educate our kids about.
Steroid use is a real problem and deplorable. That message is conveyed to my sons frequently. I can not, however, dismiss Bond's abilities. They are also real.quote:When your son sees your admiration of a player like Bonds, does he ever ask you if that means you condone steroids? Or are you just teaching by example?
My son's can certainly see that, so the message to them must be crafted carefully. IMO, it would be hypocritical and transparent to say that Bond's never would have been great had he not used steroids. I simply don't believe that and neither would they. The message that I want them to understand is that there are significant long term risks involved with using steroids and that the risks are not worth the short term rewards.
The problem is that guys like Arnold S., Canseco and other "successful" users are out there with little to no visable negative effects. It makes it difficult for a father to argue the point. Whenever I see steroid specials on TV that show the horrors associated with use I make sure that they see it. There is a REAL downside to steroid use and that message has to be clear.
I have seen a lot of press recently about the increase of steroid use in high schools and even middle schools. Particularly in states like TX that have easy access to Mexico. It's pretty scary stuff and as parents of athletes, it's something that we really have to educate our kids about.
If you look hard enough, and it is not that hard in reality, you can find web sites where you can buy steroids with the simple use of the credit card.
PG
The fact that steroids are truly a "black market drug" and those using it are not apt to fess up makes it difficult to get a true medical study on the results.
I would also like to see it but I don't think it is there nor will it ever be until enough users "fess up" and agree to be monitored.
PG
The fact that steroids are truly a "black market drug" and those using it are not apt to fess up makes it difficult to get a true medical study on the results.
I would also like to see it but I don't think it is there nor will it ever be until enough users "fess up" and agree to be monitored.
The message to my kid that the long term effects are too dangerous is not going to do it for me. There are tons of risks in sports, kids that are driven to be the best they can be could care less about what might happen to them when they are 50. Most of them think that at 50 you are so old it wont matter. The message that works for me is that it is wrong and it is cheating. And it is illegal. And do you really want to make it and never know for sure if you could have done it the right way? Hey kids slam into kids at full speed on the football field do you think they are worried about the long term effects or injuries? Is your son worried about a 90mph fastball hitting him in the head when hes hitting? They are willing to take risks that is what makes them so competitive. When I was 18 I thought I was invinceable. I thought I was always going to be young. I could careless about how I was going to be effected down the road. The fact is neither do these professional athletes that are useing steroids untill they are 50 and they start breaking down. Then they go on 60 minutes with a *** story. Or they are out of the game and need to make some money so they write a book.
I don't know about other HS players, but at the school my son attends, there have been a few athletes that others have suspected to be using steroids. What I've seen is that most of the other athletes think these guys are cheaters and kind of regard them as losers, even though they've been fairly successful athletes. Most of the other players don't gravitate toward them or want to emulate them. I say this because I think it illustrates that if we keep putting the message out there about steroid dangers, we'll reach far more kids who will make good choices than those who will make bad choices.
Steroid use among young ahtletes isn't really a whole lot different than smoking, or drugs. A few kids are going to make bad choices, but overall (at least out here)the majority of kids that have heard about the downsides of these things make the good choices and stay away from substances that will harm them. Steroids are a danger, but so are other drugs and smoking and alcohol. If we can get kids to do the right thing in the overwhelming mojrity of cases with these other things, we can also do it regarding steroids.
I think the most important thing we can do, especially as coaches, is to keep putting the message out there. But, in doing so, we can't become so overbearing about it that we turn kids off. Some of the players I coach in summer are 18, so its legal for them to use tobacco, and one or two dip. I realize that I can't control them all the time so what I've done is talk to these players in small groups and discuss making good and bad choices. I've told them that I think they are being stupid about the choice, but they're now adults and if their own parents can't make them stop I'm probably being a bit idealistic to think I can make them stop either. What I do have though, is a policy that none of that stuff is allowed at all while they are wearing my uniforms. These kids know that if I catch them with tobacco while in uniform they won't play and it isn't a problem. We had a new kid on our team who is 18, and the first time he shows up he has a can of Copenhagen with him. I didn't even need to deal with it, one of the veteran players on the team, an 18 who uses snuff when on his own time, told the new kid to toss the stuff in the trash. He told the new player that I don't allow it and not to show up with it again while in uniform. It went in the trash and wasn't an issue to anyone at that point. I didn't even have to get involved as the players know and generally respect the limits I've set. I guess the point I'm trying to illustrate is that we need to set boundaries, discuss our values with our players, and intelligently enforce our rules. Even good kids will make bad decisions, our job includes steering them back on track and helping them make good decisions as they go forward.
Steroid use among young ahtletes isn't really a whole lot different than smoking, or drugs. A few kids are going to make bad choices, but overall (at least out here)the majority of kids that have heard about the downsides of these things make the good choices and stay away from substances that will harm them. Steroids are a danger, but so are other drugs and smoking and alcohol. If we can get kids to do the right thing in the overwhelming mojrity of cases with these other things, we can also do it regarding steroids.
I think the most important thing we can do, especially as coaches, is to keep putting the message out there. But, in doing so, we can't become so overbearing about it that we turn kids off. Some of the players I coach in summer are 18, so its legal for them to use tobacco, and one or two dip. I realize that I can't control them all the time so what I've done is talk to these players in small groups and discuss making good and bad choices. I've told them that I think they are being stupid about the choice, but they're now adults and if their own parents can't make them stop I'm probably being a bit idealistic to think I can make them stop either. What I do have though, is a policy that none of that stuff is allowed at all while they are wearing my uniforms. These kids know that if I catch them with tobacco while in uniform they won't play and it isn't a problem. We had a new kid on our team who is 18, and the first time he shows up he has a can of Copenhagen with him. I didn't even need to deal with it, one of the veteran players on the team, an 18 who uses snuff when on his own time, told the new kid to toss the stuff in the trash. He told the new player that I don't allow it and not to show up with it again while in uniform. It went in the trash and wasn't an issue to anyone at that point. I didn't even have to get involved as the players know and generally respect the limits I've set. I guess the point I'm trying to illustrate is that we need to set boundaries, discuss our values with our players, and intelligently enforce our rules. Even good kids will make bad decisions, our job includes steering them back on track and helping them make good decisions as they go forward.
This is wwwwwaaaayyyyy too deep for me.
Not a single professional baseball player is a "role model" for me or anyone in my family.
I go there to watch them showcase their skills on a diamond; have a couple of hotdogs and cokes; talk with my sons; and, go home.
No philosophy of life.
Just baseball. S
Simple enough game to enjoy in the summertime.
You go, Barry.
Not a single professional baseball player is a "role model" for me or anyone in my family.
I go there to watch them showcase their skills on a diamond; have a couple of hotdogs and cokes; talk with my sons; and, go home.
No philosophy of life.
Just baseball. S
Simple enough game to enjoy in the summertime.
You go, Barry.
Didn't say "role model"; said admiration.
If a father shows admiration for scantily clad, well-endowed females, he's sending a message to his son about attitudes toward women. If a parent praises (or denigrates) the President, military, IRS, whatever, they're sending a message to their children about political beliefs. Nothing to do with role models or philosophies of life....just simple messages as to what's acceptable to you.
If Bonds were the only talented hitter in the bigs, we'd have no choice. But there are plenty of players (and with the magic of video tapes and ESPN Classic, even more) to enjoy, rather than someone who needs so much defending.
If a father shows admiration for scantily clad, well-endowed females, he's sending a message to his son about attitudes toward women. If a parent praises (or denigrates) the President, military, IRS, whatever, they're sending a message to their children about political beliefs. Nothing to do with role models or philosophies of life....just simple messages as to what's acceptable to you.
If Bonds were the only talented hitter in the bigs, we'd have no choice. But there are plenty of players (and with the magic of video tapes and ESPN Classic, even more) to enjoy, rather than someone who needs so much defending.
Beenthere,
You say that you and your family don’t look at athletes as role models. That’s just great. Do you think they have any influence with your family? They do in mine and it’s getting expensive.
If major leaguers all started to wear white shoes this year, what color shoes do you think kids will start wearing?
If Britney Spears started showing her belly button, how long do you think before a lot of young girls start doing it? (Bad question, I’m too late, I should have asked this a few years ago)
And what happened when Ken Griffey Jr. would wear his hat backwards?
If Barry Bonds said that his secret for hitting was to eat Bon-Bons before every game, what do you think a lot of kids would be eating?
Athletes and Entertainers have a lot more influence on our kids than most of us care to admit, both good and bad.
You say that you and your family don’t look at athletes as role models. That’s just great. Do you think they have any influence with your family? They do in mine and it’s getting expensive.
If major leaguers all started to wear white shoes this year, what color shoes do you think kids will start wearing?
If Britney Spears started showing her belly button, how long do you think before a lot of young girls start doing it? (Bad question, I’m too late, I should have asked this a few years ago)
And what happened when Ken Griffey Jr. would wear his hat backwards?
If Barry Bonds said that his secret for hitting was to eat Bon-Bons before every game, what do you think a lot of kids would be eating?
Athletes and Entertainers have a lot more influence on our kids than most of us care to admit, both good and bad.
SBK, love your sig line (it's always been a favorite of mine as well).....but Burke was Irish.
I'll give you British, but don't even GET me started on those politics!
I'll give you British, but don't even GET me started on those politics!
Orlando,
How about it now?
It's Friday afternoon, the sun is shining, I'm just trying to get along. Have a nice weekend!
How about it now?
It's Friday afternoon, the sun is shining,
I'm just trying to get along. Have a nice weekend!
Go raibh maith agat. Slainte! 
Thanks.... I think?
My dad was my hero I wanted to be like him. Why? Because of the way he lived his life and the values he taught me. I never wanted to be anyone else other than myself and be like my dad. I can never remember wanting to be another ball player. I wanted to be the one others admired. As a coach I dont want to be compared to other coaches I want them to be compared to me. I as a father wanted to set the standard for my kids. I wanted them to have the core values that I was taught. I wanted them to have that inner pride and self esteem and confidence in themselves. My kids dont want a jersey with some athletes name on the back. They want a jersey with their name on the back. I am my kids role model. They can look up to athletes for their athletic ability but thats where it stops. Make others want to be like you. Dont let others make you want to be like them. Did I admire Mantle Heck yes I did. But I can never remember a day that I said I wish I was Mantle. I wanted people to watch me play and say Man I wish I could play like him. Hes one tough ***. Im not knocking anyone here ok. This is just philosophy my opinion.
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
Simple Question:
If "roids" make you that good a player why aren't ALL the players taking them ?
As for numbers and asterisks Maris never had over 40 HR's in a year except for his big "61" year --nobody questioned his "sudden" emergence.
Also--look at videos of Roger Clemens when he came into the league and the process his body went thru---and he calims it was his "workout regime"--you know what-- I believe him
Interesting post in light of yesterday.
Great Post Coach May!!! 