The Truth

BY; DR. FOREST LEWIS

If anyone truly believes that Barry Bonds has been steroid-free as he marches toward dismantling "Hammerin" Henry Aaron's home run record of 755, you had better put down whatever it is that you are smoking!

This guy is a cheat, pure and simple!

It is not humanly possible for someone to hit over 70 home runs in a single season without the help of some "Strong Medicine." In Bonds' case, that strong medicine was steroids.  Face it, Bonds is nowhere near Hank Aaron or Mickey Mantle in terms of baseball prowess. Folks, don't you believe that if man was made to hit more than 70 home runs in a season, Aaron, Mantle, Willie McCovey, Roger Maris, Babe Ruth, Ernie Banks, Willie Mays, the late Roberto Clemente or even Frank Robinson would have done it long before Barry Bonds? Bonds couldn't have carried Hank Aaron's batting practice bat. However, he is poised to become the all time "Home Run King." What the hell has happened to America's favorite pasttime sport?

To be fair, Bonds isn't the only one who performed herculean tasks in modern baseball times, without the aid of an enhancement drug. Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa each hit a ton of four baggers less than a decade ago.  In 1999, Sosa had 63 homers. In the year 2000, he fell off quite a bit, hitting "only 50 homers." However, the next year, 2001, Sosa had "64 home runs." For his part, Mark McGwire had 65 four baggers in 1999. Testifying before a Senate panel investigating steroid use in baseball, McGwire wouldn't answer any questions on the subject. Hmmm....I wonder why?

Folks, I have been a fan of baseball for more than five decades. I have had the chance to see the really greats, and not the cheats!

If Sammy Sosa could perform such a superhuman feat during the years, 1999, and 2001, why is it this guy "Couldn't Buy A Home Run After That?" Why is it that Barry Bonds has never come close to hitting 73 homers like he did in 2001? Are you starting to smell something? By the way, take a look at some of the old films of Bonds fifteen years ago, before he "bulked up." The guy looks like a "T-bone Hercules, compared to what he looks like now."

As Bonds approaches Aaron's home run record, there are some who have already started playing the race card. I read a column recently written by a fellow by the name of Dave Zirin.  Mr. Zirin says Bonds has "been subjected to criticism when white players with reputations of steroid use haven't gotten nearly the heat he has."

Zirin points to the Roger "The Rocket" Clemens as having suspicions swirling around him and possible steroid use. Zirin says Clemens hasn't received the type of attention that Bonds has received either in the media or to use his words, "investigative scrunity."

Zirin says he has appeared on Black radio, where at least one caller asked him, "Do you think Bonds will be physically harmed?" The fact that he was asked this question makes Zirin wonder how did we get to this dangerous point in our society?

Relax Mr. Zirin.  I doubt if anyone has threatned to harm Barry Bonds. He has already "harmed himself." When Hank Aaron was chasing Babe Ruth's record, there were some wackos who indeed threatned him. Bonds is "chasing" the record that is held by a "Black Man."  It does not compute that someone would threatned to cause Barry Bonds physical or psychological harm because he will soon break Henry Aaron's record.

The threats to Barry Bonds are probably all in the head of one Dave Zirin. By the way, Mr. Zirin have you seen Roger Clemens body? The man is far from being Mr. Universe material. Roger Clemens is in his mid-forty's and is getting set to pitch for the Yankees next Monday. Roger has won a roomful of Cy Young awards; and it is my opinion that he did it with his God given talents!

Barry Bonds is another story. He will no doubt shatter "Hammerin" Hank's record. But to me, Henry Aaron will remain the home run king until someone breaks his record, the old fashion way; by using their blood, sweat and tears.

It is unfortunate, but Barry Bonds is indicative of our society today.  From presidential contenders on down, the message that is sent to our young people is this. If you cheat, you are a winner. But, if you work your ass off, you are a damn fool!

I would rather leave this planet "As A Damn Fool" rather than an unctuous thief!

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