Wednesday, July 16

Desired target in homer assault: Ruth

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Associated Press


CHICAGO -- Barry Bonds keeps climbing the home run charts, edging closer to Willie Mays' mark and drawing more and more questions about whether he will break Hank Aaron's record.

Bonds, however, is also taking aim at The Babe.

“ In the baseball world, Babe Ruth's everything, right? ”
— Barry Bonds

The San Francisco slugger leads the majors with 30 home runs at the All-Star break and has hit 643 in his career, putting him just 17 shy of matching his godfather -- Mays -- for third on the all-time list.

"Willie's number is always the one that I've strived for," Bonds said before Tuesday's All-Star Game.

"And if it does happen, the only number I care about is Babe Ruth's. Because as a left-handed hitter, I wiped him out. That's it. And in the baseball world, Babe Ruth's everything, right? I got his slugging percentage and I'll take his home runs and that's it. Don't talk about him no more."

Ruth hit 714 home runs, a mark that stood for many years until Aaron came along. Aaron finished with 755, but Bonds said "755 isn't the number that's always caught my eye."

At 38, Bonds' drive to reach Aaron has been slowed a bit by his high walk total. With each year, the daily grind of playing left field might take its toll, too. Bonds has said recently that he would welcome playing for an AL team -- he's specifically mentioned the Angels -- as a full-time DH once his contract with the Giants is up.

"The toughest thing about getting older is playing defense. That is where you get hurt. Guys can hit from a wheelchair," said Cubs manager Dusty Baker, Bonds' former manager. "I always thought someday Barry might be a first baseman or a DH."

To be honest I really don't know what to say about this. Does anybody know when his contract with the Giants is up?

I could see how Bonds may be a little annoyed by Babe Ruth, I mean, how Ruth was so famous/good. But I don't think Bonds should've attacked Ruth like that; that was something he should've thought, and not said.

I've watched Bonds a little for the past few years, and despite his success, there was something I didn't like about him; and a few days ago, my father told me that Bonds used to have a problem with his big mouth. I KNEW there was something.

Strength enhancing drugs such as steroids, etc where probably not around in Babe Ruths day. It seems to me Mr Bonds looks a little bulked up these days. If he breaks Ruths numbers I wonder if it will be done in a natural way?

Barry Bonds needs to get over himself... really.

Originally posted by Miss Karly
Barry Bonds needs to get over himself... really. Couldn't have said it better, Karly! :D

Originally posted by bandito
Strength enhancing drugs such as steroids, etc where probably not around in Babe Ruths day. It seems to me Mr Bonds looks a little bulked up these days. If he breaks Ruths numbers I wonder if it will be done in a natural way? The Babe's strength enhancers were hot dogs, beer and women. Not necessarily in that order.:)

I think the guys cocky.







ks

Originally posted by bandito
Couldn't have said it better, Karly! :D

Thank ya! :)

Originally posted by Kitt
The Babe's strength enhancers were hot dogs, beer and women. Not necessarily in that order.:) That's not a bad trio! :lol:

Originally posted by Kitt
The Babe's strength enhancers were hot dogs, beer and women. Not necessarily in that order.:)

That's an excellent point Kitt. Babe never took care of himself and was still able to do what he did. I doubt Bonds could live Ruth's lifestyle and still be successful.