Ruth, and to a lesser extent Aaron never had to face the best pitchers at the time, and amphetamines, the only thing Bonds has definitely used, were used in Aaron's time. They didn't have to face the likes of Satchel Paige, or Pedro Martinez. Who knows what would have happened if baseball was desegregated and a global game throughout it's history? Why I can't wait for him to break it? For one, I loathe Bud Selig, and it's his nightmare. Two, none of the people coming out against him were against it in '98 when McGwire and Sosa were chasing the single season record. I think if it was McGwire right now, people still wouldn't care. The whole investigations and such started because Bonds was going to get the record, and he's an asshole. If he was media friendly and such, I don't think this would have ever been as big a deal as it is. Three, he's never once tested positive for steroids so I don't think it's fair to condemn him for it. And finally, I like seeing history being made.
Well, the only point I can argue is the one about McGwire. I was TOTALLY against him, for the same exact reason. (And truth be told, I hated McGwire more than I've ever hated Bonds. At least Bonds tries to deny everything. Mac's attitude was always "Yeah, so?") Your point of Ruth and Aaron never facing the best pitchers is sort of lost in this conversation. The best of the day is the best of the day. I understand your point, but we can only speculate on how Negro League pitchers would have fared in MLB. And if you think about it, today's players don't necessarily face the best pitchers of today either. There are guys Castro wouldn't even consider allowing to play here. I just watched a documentary on ESPN a couple weeks ago that showed how many players of incredibly high caliber are being detained in their countries after being duped into illegal immigration schemes. It could also be argued that the best pitchers of today are at a disadvantage since the ball is "juiced." Besides, we can only speculate how successful Ruth would have been against the best of the best, just like we would have to speculate about Bonds in the same situation. (Hell, Ruth and Aaron never got the opportunity to hit at Coors Field...) I agree with you on Selig. I hate that slimey bastard. But in all fairness, he's an owner, and should never have been made commish in the first place. That was a position move made by the owners, so we have them to thank for him. Him never testing positive is BS, IMO. He even admitted he used something, but claimed he didn't know what it was. I understand your position on that though. He wasn't caught, so innocent until proven guilty applies. I never had a problem with him personally, to be honest. Actually, I ADMIRE his attitude towards the media. All they want is a story, and he's always refused to give them that. That's why they vilify him. He's always been amicable to the fans, and that's all you can ask of an athlete, IMO. As for history being made, that's the best argument of all. If you're a baseball fan, it's good for the sport (unless, like me, you feel that the sanctity of the sport is violated with the steroid use, but I also stayed away for a long time because of the strike, and in 20/20 hindsight, the players were right. Though I still think the WS should have been played.) Fair enough man, you answered my question. We differ on opinion, but you presented your argument. Thanks.
