Elvis Has Left the Building

Barry Bonds' has squared a round bat to a round ball 756 times. How the ball went as far as it did is still up to debate, but no one can deny how difficult it is to make two round things meet squarely.

ESPN, which has been junk for years, tossed around some images of Bonds in a Pirates uniform followed by some rather telling stats. Bonds had about 1000 ABs in the black and gold. During that time he went yard once every 20 ABs. He has had double the ABs in San Fransisco. That practice has paid off as he was able to homer once every 10 ABs, a staggering stat. Bonds hit approximately 100 less HRs in the 8 seasons he played from age 35 on than he did in the 14 seasons he played before turning 35.

I often wonder what things would have been like had Bonds stayed in Pittsburgh after 92. For argument sake, let's say he is still in a Pirates uniform today. The record would have fallen at least a year ago as PNC/3 Rivers are much more friendly to hitters than the strong winds and deep proportions of Pac Bell/The Stick. Bonds would not be nearly as welcomed by the fans as he is now. San Fransisco is one of the nations largest melting pots of ethnicity, culture, and morals. Those traits make San Fransisco the perfect setting for understanding, forgiveness, and embracing one of their own. Pittsburgh is fiercely loyal, but only to those who do things the Steel City Way. Once the allegations started swirling, Bonds surely would not be as loved in Pittsburgh as he is in San Fran. That fact alone may have been enough to keep Barry from playing as long as he has... however, he has been dealing with that same hate half the season when he plays on the road and it did not deter him.

I'm on the road for business, which makes it difficult to put together a detailed post. My thoughts on Bonds were detailed earlier this year. This record does not change things.

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