The All-Time homerun record: 756 and counting. It’s been called the most hallowedrecord in sports and Barry Bonds has finally broken it. Bonds can now place this accomplishment alongside the single-season homerun mark he already held with 73 round-trippers in 2001. Let’s call that the most hallowed record in sports 1A. For some reason whenever a player approaches any significant homerun milestone, the atmosphere becomes more Halloween-like than hallowed. Why is that?
It all starts of course with Mr. George Herman Ruth. (714 career HRs, 60 HRs in 1927) The one and only Bambino. There began what can only be considered a sinister trail of long-ball woe. This is the true “Curse of the Bambino”. If Babe could “keep” World Series conquests away from Boston for 86 years he surely was capable of making a plague out of all future homerun records. Unless you don’t believe in curses of course. Then we just call it “an unexplainable and coincidental string of bad luck that feels like it will never end”.
Most people admit that Babe Ruth was arguably the first ever superstar athlete. He was Hollywood while everybody was still watching silent films. He partied like a rock star before they existed. He lived to excess when there was little excess to be found. People loved him for it and created a legend not always fabricated from truth.
Did you know that Little George Ruth was placed in the St. Mary’s Industrial (i.e. reform) School for Boys at the age of 7 by his parents because he was “incorrigible and vicious” beyond their control? He lived there for the next 12 years of his life. It’s also where he learned to play baseball. If not for the Xaverian Brothers of the school, Ruth likely wouldn't have amounted to much. Even so his wild spirit was never tamed.
During his playing days Babe was just as famous for his gluttonous activities off the field as for his exploits on it. He was a regular visitor to the illegal speakeasies of the day during the era of prohibition. He lavished himself with expensive automobiles that were frequently wrecked in high-speed escapades.He was most likely an alcoholic as well as a serial adulterer. He thumbed his nose at authority and openly defied direct instructions from the commissioner of baseball resulting in suspensions. He publicly feuded with the legendary Ty Cobb and they often had to be physically separated from one another. The Babe was no saint. In fact I’d say he’d fit right in with many of the athletes of our modern day. The press was far different in his time though. Back then his antics were glossed over or ignored entirely. In our era the media would probably have torn Mr. Ruth in half.
Not surprisingly Ruth’s fame and fortune couldn't buy happiness. According to his daughter Linda, The Babe “died with a saddened soul and took the grief to his death-bed”. His only wish during the years after his retirement was to manage a team. How could a man with no self-control lead a group of players? No club ever gave him the chance to find out. In essence he was forsaken by baseball. The very same game that he'd once played with the privilege of a crown prince. Seems even the Babe had to pay a price for the glory of homerun records. A price that would be passed to many others. Consider these:
1932: Jimmie Foxx hit 58 homeruns. Oddly enough he lost 2 additional homeruns that year when games were called due to rain before becoming official. Technically the Babe was the record holder. Truthfully he should have shared the honor. Foxx became just another old-time slugger most have forgotten.
1938: Hank Greenberg tied Jimmie Foxx with 58 homeruns. The Jewish baseball star was stuck on this number during the final week of the season. He had long faced taunts and insults because of his heritage and this season was no different. The thought of a Jewpassing Babe did not sit well with many. It’s been widely speculated that some pitchers refused to give him any good pitches to hit. Greenberg was later quoted as saying, “When I was playing, I used to resent being singled out as a Jewish ballplayer. I wanted to be known as a great ballplayer, period. Lately though, I find myself wanting to be remembered not only as a great ballplayer, but as a great Jewish ballplayer.”
1961: Roger Maris was the first player to initially surpass Ruth’s single season homerun mark as he became famous for hitting 61 in ‘61. The abuse he withstood from fans who openly rooted for teammate Mickey Mantle was unmerciful. He not only persevered and broke the record but also won his second MVP Award in a row. The permanent side effects were the loss of his hair, aging ten years in one season and a heart embittered for the rest of his life.
1974: Hank Aaronpassed Babe Ruth with homerun number 715. Along the journey he handled death threats, racial epithets and hate mail with dignity and class. It certainly ruined the experience for him and his family, as well as robbed them of much-deserved happiness. Like Roger Maris, and probably worse, Hank was no doubt affected for the rest of his life. So much in fact that he showed zero desire to participate in Barry Bonds' controversial chase of his own record. Even 30+ years after the fact, once was enough for Mr. Aaron. Can you blame him?
1998: Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa engaged in an epic homerun race and were credited with “saving baseball” after player strikes and owner lockouts had infuriated fans across America. Big Mac clubbed 70 and Slamming Sammy stroked 66,as baseball was reborn. Along the way a reporter noticed a bottle of Androstenedione in McGwire’s locker (then legal) and one could say the “steroid era” officially bared its ugly head. Still unresolved, Mark and Sammy may find themselves permanently black listed from the Hall of Fame.
Yesterday 8/7/07:Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron’s all-time homerun mark. No more needs to be said other than most fans will NEVER recognize his achievements even if he is NEVER convicted of anything. That’s tragic.
Not so distant future: The Alex Rodriguez watch has officially begun. How ironic this is indeed. How can possibly the most openly despised and reviled baseball star ever, assume the mantel of “peoples’ choice” for homerun king? Personally I call it “Hatred-Displacement-Theory”.
Ahhhh…CURSES!!! Who knows why foul air has followed homerun chases throughout time? It’s worse than trying to figure out that Madden Jinx. Maybe “Chicks digging the long ball” wasn’t such a good thing after all. I remember a certain story about an apple in a garden somewhere that some chick really "digged" too. Yeah…that’s the ticket…let’s just blame it on women. Although for the record that never works either (Shrugs shoulders…sighs… walks away… but never stops wondering why).
There's no question that there are those who use the Babe's memory to smack around anyone who approaches any of his accomplishments. Strange thing is he was already gone decades before a lot them were even born. In that sense, the Babe became more idea than man and it is the idea of him that many lord over anyone who doesn't quite seem fit for the home run hitting pantheon.
It's too bad, too, because the game itself is bigger than any one player. It always has been and it always will be. To me, any fear that any one player might bring the game down isn't worth worrying about because no single individual has that kind of leverage.
Another Rivera classic. Consider me a regular subscriber.
Clearly things have changed since Ruth's day, including media coverage. I wonder if someone today could get away with the drinking and the womanizing Ruth did. Jeter seems to have that pretty nailed down, but he's a lot more subtle about things. He probably goes easy on the booze though. I can easily picture Derek drinking tonic water all night while slyly dropping roofies into the drinks of his prey.
Nooch---Well said on Ruth. So much of him and his legend was selective. The baseball Ruth we all know about. Babe the louse we seldom discuss. We don't want to mess around with American icons.
Even so I hope people don't get me wrong. I do not think that this makes Ruth a bad person. He was as flawed as the rest of us. When I see the athletes of today seemingly out of control it makes me remember that it's been going on for longer than we admit. Some guys are just better at hiding it.
I too agree that the game is not ruined. Bonds and others have perhaps sullied it a bit but so have many others. Tose passed and so shall this.
baf---I'll look into that book. Must admit I've never viewed it. Sounds interesting.
Also thanks for the positive review. I'll always remember your "constructive criticism" from NGS2. Truthfully I think it made me a better writer and as a result compliments from you carry some extra weight in my mind.
rev---I think that Babe would have to show more discretion today. In fairness to him America was in unchartered waters. A big part of what he got away with he probably only did cause he knew he could. Then again sounds like I'm making excuses for him.
As for Jeter, times have really changed. Nowadays the girls are probably trying to slip him roofies before he breaks out with some other groupie. Derek is one smooth dude though. His conquests are legendary. Tophatal should do a blog on Jeter's ex-girls if he hasn't done so already. I smell a re-mix in that case.
Thanks for subscribing to Sports Elongated. Leave your nickel in the coffee can by the door. Later man.
Ed---crown of thorns sounds like a good fit. I find it amazing all the pain and suffering people have gone through as a result of homeruns. It is rather "curse-like". Not to mention the lengths that it appears some guys will go through to get an edge. It will be interesting to see what we all have to say when we're in our 70s-80s and the young-uns ask us about this stuff. How will history define this all?
Excellent read Rivjo.
Didn't know Foxx lost 2 dingers in '32.
Greenberg was a beast of a player, and never got his just dues.
Aaron's a class act. Always has been.
The Mcgwires', Sosas' and Bonds' will always be tainted.
As a DIEHARD SAWX FAN I have no qualms in rooting for A-ROD who is a Yankee to bust up the HR record sooner than later. If A-ROD comes or goes after this season with the Yanks, I'm still pulling for him. Even though I have my Fav. team, I'm still a bigger fan of baseball itself.
Speaking of Yanks, your boys may have slipped up tonight but otherwise they have put together a nice little run here. This can only be good for my boys the SAWX. We've been too complacent. We're not playing badly just not up to our potential. We need a kick in the pants like this. Should be interesting.
I personally find the all-time homer record overrated. Give it ten years, I bet several more players add their names to the all-time list. It's just the times. Hitting 50 homers in 2007 is not like hitting 50 homers in 1957. What Mays did in his day was remarkable.
What I think, and you might agree, is that DiMaggio's 56 consecutive game hits record is the greatest record in baseball.
Who will ever break that?
Most fans are like most people - dumb and hypocritical. The same guy who says Bonds is a cheater probably cheats on his wife or taxes. The masses believe what the newspaper tells them to believe. The truth is Bonds is one of the best ever. Steroids or no steroids, the man is 43 years old and has a .500 on-base percentage. Give me a break. That's far more impressive than any home run.
socrates---Thanks for the visit. I always look forward to reading what you have to say. Like you said, the accomplishments of the big guys from this era will always be tainted. So much has been said and so many accusations leveled that their reputations are all but ruined. It almost doesn't matter anymore what new evidence comes forward cause the "damage has been done" as many like to say. I find this sad in many ways especially if what they really did has been blown way out of proportion. I doubt we'll ever find out.
As for the Yankees, last night against Toronto was quite the slip-up. Ugg...yuck. I can only hope that it was one of those bumps along the way. They have a ridiculously hard schedule this month. This is where a post season berth will be won or lost. Actually if they play .500 ball in August I think I will still like their chances.
trainon the ball---I agree with so much of what you have to say. Don't know that I would have chosen the word overrated but it's as good a word as any I guess. Homeruns have become far more common and that does make them much less special. If many can hit 50 dingers the record does lose some luster.
I would agree that Joe D's streak is more impressive. Maintaining hitting streaks has remained consistently difficult over time. Clearly not so with homeruns. It would not surprise me to see someone break it one day. He'll need to be a tremendous hitter, have great speed, probably a lefty due to more righty pitchers and be a hacker with a low walk total. An Ichiro type not that we have many of those.
It's clear we think alot alike on many things. I can't stand hypocrisy either. At one time we have all lied, cheated or acted in a way for personal gain. We're human. All we can do is learn from our mistakes and avoid them again. When someone starts getting all self-righteous I get real annoyed. As long as the only person some fool hurts is himself then let them live their lives.
Josh Q---Ever the optimist. You would think you'd be more sensible in your old age. That one moment of glory sure has had quite the intoxicating effect on your thinking.
Although the Yankees have a brutal August schedule. This is where the season has to be won.
You forgot the stories of Babe Ruth eating up to 10 hot dogs during the course o####ame and drinking gallons of lemonade. You're 100% correct. In today's game he would not have hit 100 home runs because he would have been suspended virtually from his first telling off of a manager which he did frequently and with great vigor.
Dusty---A lot of people buy into the belief that people are a product of their environment or their system. Whereas this holds some validity to me this is an easy way to minimalize the importance of individual choices. I think you would tend to agree on that one.
So what if the Babe was freakishly rich for his time and the biggest celebrity. He was just like many of the athletes we have today. However, there were other players back then making a good living who still lived life with some sense of normalcy. They didn't eat and drink like gluttons or have other vices to extremes. Same goes for our current time. I think if Babe lived today he would have to be more discreet but we'd still be reading about his shenanigans.
I have serious doubts that Babe would be as good now as he was then. Who knows? Just wondering.
Miracle---You are quite welcome. I always found it interesting that where homerun chases have been there has ALWAYS been controversy. Even as we saw with Foxx and Greenberg. Gehrig and the Babe had an epic race of their own the year he hit 60 I believe.
As long as he stays healthy I think A-Rod will catch Bonds. Then again how long can Barry play? As a DH he might be able to last 2-3 more years. Something tells me he isn't going to just quit and make it easier to be caught. He's proud of this record as he should probably be steroids or not.
I can't wait to see the day though. All the people who really despise A-Rod cheering for him cause they hate Barry more. Strikes me as hypocritically ironic beyond belief.
rivjo
Once again you've smacked one right outta' da' park ! With all that'll now surrounds Bonds' accomplishments and the ongoing controversy. It's hard to believe that any of the relevant records that've been reached will be treated with the respect they deserve. And yet the likes of Selig march around all pious, fully aware that the game is in a mess. As for Ruth, Mantle and the other kindred spirits of a bygone era. Unfortunately they're there and their own frailties were there for everyone to see , warts and all.
tophatal
Last edited by tophatal on August 9th at 10:18 PM.
Incredible post Rivjo. And you are correct. Put Ruth and Mantle in today's society and they would be the bane of the entire baseball world. These guys had zero self-control.
Great take on McGwire and Sosa. Can't agree more. Baseball was at its wits to get the fans back after a strike and a non-World Series. People don't seem to remember what these guys did for baseball. Although it is most likely they weren't 'legal'.
Then we have Hank Aaron. One of the true MEN of MLB baseball. He still has the most HALLOWED record in all of baseball though. "The most respectable man who ever played the game."
A big shout out for this post. VERY WELL DONE.
Last edited by Nostradomus on August 9th at 7:27 PM.
Guys I've a new post up if you're interested in reading it ? It's entitled 365 Days And Counting And It'll Be Here ! It's about the impending Olympics in Beijing in '08. Bearng in mind also that Fidel Castro has announced that boxers fromm the country of Cuba will not be paticipating in the Games, due to the fact of there being so many defections recently by members of the boxing team.
Three had defected after the Pan Am games were over in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil.
Riv - I saw this a few days ago and just finally got back to read it top to bottom. Outstanding read and you brought up some things that I was never aware of. Thanks...Great job.
ksp---Thanks man. Looks like we are on for Frank's show next week. It will be a big baseball bonanza.
I actually hope they never find anything on Barry. I still don't think it's fair that so many others get to walk. I'll just chalk up the last 15-20 years as su####ious and move on.
The Babe would probably have wound up being a 2-bit hoodlum or working for some gangster without his baseball career. Although maybe those Xaverian brothers put him on the right road. I think he would have found trouble personally but what do I know?
tophat---Thanks for the props. I try my best. As for these athletes they are just like us with expanded bank accounts. I admit that is a big difference but money does not fix the inherent flaws in human character. If anything it makes us worse. I guess we're all just a bunch of warty toads at one time or another.
Bud Selig will get his for something one day. At least I hope he does.
Nostradomus---The praise is always appreciated. It's all us freelance writing hobbyists have to go on!
I find it funny that Mantle and Ruth are American icons and this from a Yankees fan. Nothing against them cause I love to learn about their stories but they were VERY immoral men. Not to pass judgement but in my opinion excessive womanizing, massive egos and alcoholism are character flaws. Their images have been propped up whereas the images of others get torn apart by the media. This is obviously more of a modern media practice but I still find it hypocritical. For example Tom Brady can impregnate Bridget Moynahan and ditch her for a super model without much criticism but some other guy might have been crucified.
kellyscott---I look for all my blog photos over at Yahoo images or Google images. I type in a few key words and stuff just pops up. You would be surprised by lots of the cool things that you can find. I thought the Ruth newspaper clip was a perfect fit. Seems superstar athletes have been making "headlines" for decades. Vick, Pacman and all is not necessarily a new age phenomenon.
Flying Pig---So glad that you enjoyed. I got a chuckle out of you having to come back and read my blog from top to bottom. I swear I have often told myself to write shorter stories but I just can't do it. Maybe I'm more of an article type guy then a "quick hitter".
I'm probably preaching to the choir though. You write some top-notch stuff yourself that takes up more than a few paragraphs. Always something good from you.
On a side note seems like the Yankees and Los Tigres have alot of business to settle in the very near future. These upcoming 8 games could be HUGE. The pennant races are heating up. This is where it starts to get REAL good. Best of luck against the Indians but not against us. I am sure you understand. =)
Riv - I agree wholeheartedly. I write about the topic, but only out of obligation. I really don't think homeruns are all that impressive or "hallowed" as you've aptly described. It seems to be more of a sideshow than the main event.
A homerun is a cool thing but far from the most important part of the game. Just a long fly ball that clears the wall. The way guys hit them nowadays it is far less special. Almost like a glorified double that brings home an extra run. Like I said they they still are pretty cool and can become a sideshow as you described.
Thanks for stopping by. Read your new blog and I couldn't agree more.
rivjo
If this debacle goes on much longer then I don't know how they can allow him to remain the commissioner of the league. His name alone tarnishes the sport more so than Bonds or any of the other alleged cheats.
He stood by erstwhile and supposedly ignorant to what was going on. Either he had his buried up someone's a*s or he's a as big a fool as he no doubt looks. He's an incompetent buffoon. There needs to be a change at the top of the game and he ought to be the first to go. They need to bring in an outsider who has a real knowledge of the game and atthe same time knows how to communicate with people. That's soething Selig is definately lacking in on that score !
Guys for those of you who are interested there's a new post up under this guise titled
365 Days And Counting And It'll Be Here ! Make of it what you will and let me know what you think as to the merits of the piece. Also under the rampantfanatic guise there's Shake Your Moneymaker Like What God Gave Ya ! Not By Luda. There you'll find some delectable young females looking as fine as they wannabe.
Hey RIV, I've set out a little old bait trap for some Yankee fans over in my blog. I wouldn't want for you to get caught up in that mess. It could get ugly!
Oh and 5 1/2
Last edited by socratesofswat on August 11th at 3:41 PM.
First of all, I would have bet my left one that you were in my favrites. I saw earlier today that you had a post on the board, and I figured I'd check it out later. I'd just scan my faves and find you. No luck. I'm here to tell you that I'm a schmuck. You weren't there. You are now, but I still think I should be beaten about the head shoulders with a baseball bat for my oversight. As long as it's not an aluminum bat, that is. Those things hurt. Not that I would know or anything.
On to the post. Great job. Sometimes as one is reading one thinks of many things one wants to say. As I did while reading this. But suffice it to say that this was stellar. Great facts about Foxx, Greenberg, etc.
And now, if you'll excuse me, I have an unfortunate date with a Louisville Slugger.
Tophat---I don't think that anyone would be heart broken to see Selig go. Even if he not as bad as we ALL make him out to be, we ALL can't be that far off. I mean it's almost universal. I hope he steps aside soon. His tenure has gone on long enough. However if he is as stupid as we think, he may not even know that we dislike him.
You know the more I think about it the more I bet that is the case.
socrates---seems you've been stirring up some trouble on Yankees fans blogs. I saw that recent long spirited debate about what the biggest choke jobs were.
I'll be sure to check out what you've been doing on your own.
This is when the stuff starts to get real good I think.
Although in my humble opinion "hair-balling" TWO 14 1/2 game leads would trump anything that happened in 2004. I mean teams have 4 game losing streaks all the time. 14 1/2 game leads on the other hand are hard to give up... let alone twice.
socal---The Babe and Bonds were both all good with me. Both did things I would not have done and both were far and away 100 times the baseball player I ever was.
baf---Well said. The gravy comparison was a great match. Like gravy, writing is bad the "lumpier" it gets. It should be smooth and flow easily from the lips.
Ricko---No apologies necessary and the praise is most appreciated. You have my permission to use a whiffle ball bat for your transgression. Take a Sharpie and write Louisville Slugger on the trademark if it makes you feel better. Three or four whacks oughtta do the job.
The things that were socially acceptable then (when Ruth played) and what is acceptable now are 2 different things. Would he have acted the same in 2007? WHo knows but he wasnt doing anything that a lot of men of his time werent doing as far as drinking and running the street. That doesnt necessarily make it right but you have to be aware of the social norms of the time. My Grandfather's and even my Father's eras are much different than mine as far as acceptable behvior for men is concerned. Think about it, Bogart was slapping women on the big screen.
The are many differences on this page. The Babe was the media loved name of baseball. Maris wasnt so much hated as he was not the favorite. Aaron was a victim of race. Sammy and Mac revived the game for a short period of time only to be part of its black eye. Then there is Bonds. There are 2 things going against Bonds. 1. The whole black eye thing (steriods) and we know that he used them. 2. and it is his biggest problem, is that he is an a--hole. You cant treat the media and teammates like #### and expect not to pay for it. AROD will be fine no matter what Conseco says. Is he (Conseco) going to make allegations against everyone who hits more homers than he does?
If Selig is about to go anywhere it'll either be any place between heaven and hell. For all that he's done for the sport of baseball I'd like to think that there's a place for him along with the rest of his cronies.
Perhaps someone within this forum can suggest a place that would be suitable for him ?
buckeyezz---good points and I agree with most of them. However, this wasn't written to judge Babe at all. Although just because "other people did things" doesn't mean he should have too or that is was OK. There were plenty of respectable people who lived a "clean" life.
Anyway, that is not the point. I have no ill feelings toward Ruth, or Bonds for that matter. I never met them and do not claim to know what they are/were like. John Salley on Best Damn Sports Show Period swears that the Barry Bonds he knows personally is one of the nicest people he has ever met. I don't believe half of what the news media reports. I would place more stock in John Salley's words.
My only purpose of the blog was to point out the pain and suffering that has followed home run chases throughout baseball's history. I hope you enjoyed reading and stop by anytime.
I'm a special ed teacher by trade. Funny, I spend my day wanting to say shut-up to people and then do the same here. Just can't seem to. That would be rude and most uncivilized.
I like to write and never met a thought I couldn't continue. My blogs, like this bio, tend to be far too long. I can admit it. If you make it to the end of one of my "essays" there's usually a message that could have been written in half the time by a better writer than me.
Did I mention I was a finalist in NGS II? No really I was, further proving that theyll let anyone in this place. I came in 10th, which is better than 16th I guess. Other than winning the 4th grade graduation writing award it was the biggest literary accomplishmen t of my life. I still haven't gotten used to being famous.
record in sports and Barry Bonds has finally broken it. Bonds can now place this accomplishment alongside the single-season homerun mark he already held with 73 round-trippers in 2001. Let’s call that the most hallowed record in sports 1A. For some reason whenever a player approaches any significant homerun milestone, the atmosphere becomes more Halloween-like than hallowed. Why is that?
vicious” beyond their control? He lived there for the next 12 years of his life. It’s also where he learned to play baseball. If not for the Xaverian Brothers of the school, Ruth likely wouldn't have amounted to much. Even so his wild spirit was never tamed. 
when games were called due to rain before becoming official. Technically the Babe was the record holder. Truthfully he should have shared the honor. Foxx became just another old-time slugger most have forgotten. 
