I haven't decided for sure, yet, how I feel on this issue, but I'm sure we will discuss it on the podcast tomorrow.My instict is to say that this is bad form on the part of Selig...
Two competing thoughts come to my mind.
One, there is the "race card" argument to be made... that a recognition of Ruth is, somehow, a chide on Aaron because we make a big deal about Barry passing the beloved (and white) Babe Ruth.
Second, there is the simple argument that we didn't make a huge deal with, say, Roger Maris when Barry passed 61 on his way to 73.
Still, the 700 mark and 714 is a very big number in baseball history, much like Lou Gehrig's games played streak. I suspect that if another player came up who matches and passes Gehrig's straight game streak that there would be recognition for that.
As Babe Ruth is the measure upon which we measure all baseball players even still, I think it honors the Babe and does not at all disrespect Hank Aaron by making a big deal when Bonds hits 715.
My feeling is that Barry is so disliked by even ther powers that be in baseball management that they don't want to give him the recognition. I think it was Dr. Rub who made the point that if this was someone else, like a Ripken or a McGwire, that there WOULD be a big deal made... this, then, is a shame, in my opinion.
A big deal will be made here... well, at least a headline on the front page, for sure.
