Puff Cigar Discussion Forums

NCRadioMan · 07-22-2007, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floydp

Its ok Greg I got this one, hit him in the head with a golf club!

I think I just ruptured something!

CigarGal · 07-22-2007, 02:06 PM

[SIZE="6"]GO Giants!!![/SIZE]

[SIZE="7"]Yeah Barry!!!!![/SIZE]

The Professor · 07-22-2007, 02:07 PM

Not sure where I fall on this; but I'm tempted to side with this guy:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...071601290.html

billybarue · 07-23-2007, 01:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Professor

Not sure where I fall on this; but I'm tempted to side with this guy:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...071601290.html

The overall malaise of that article is right on point. It is simply a number now and there is nothing noble in Bond's illegitimate pursuit of the record. And, more sadly, there might not be much that is noble in the game anymore.

icehog3 · 07-23-2007, 04:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billybarue

The overall malaise of that article is right on point. It is simply a number now and there is nothing noble in Bond's illegitimate pursuit of the record. And, more sadly, there might not be much that is noble in the game anymore.

I saw an ad for the new season of Costas Now on HBO. The first episode (July 24th) concentrates on the current state of ML Baseball.

Quote:

Originally Posted by HBO.com

Show focuses on major league baseball, looking at some of the year's biggest stories, including the Barry Bonds drama.

Commissioner Bud Selig is among the guests scheduled to appear, and Costas will go one-on-one with Boston Red Sox hurler Curt Schilling. Joining Costas in the popular and unpredictable roundtable segment will be Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith and comedian Chris Rock

The ad looked like it had some candid comments from Schilling, and some defensive ones from Selig. Might be an interesting watch.

FlyerFanX · 07-23-2007, 08:33 AM

I'm still hoping Bonds shreds his knee rounding the bases on number 754. Then I will know all is right in the world.

The Professor · 07-23-2007, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by billybarue

The overall malaise of that article is right on point. It is simply a number now and there is nothing noble in Bond's illegitimate pursuit of the record. And, more sadly, there might not be much that is noble in the game anymore.

I think, perhpas, you got something else from the article that I didnt.

To me it's not that there's nothing in the number, but that we shouldn't put *too much* on him or any other sports figure. It's "just a number" insofar as *any* sports record is: a great achievement that should garner praise but not idolatry. While it may be the "Church of Baseball," we'd do well to remember that it's a metaphor and have always had better role models out there on which to pin our collective aspirations.

At least ... that's what I got out of it.

billybarue · 07-23-2007, 11:50 AM

For me Baseball was once pure and I did have my idols. They happened to be third baseman and catchers mainly. Top of the list was Brooks Robinson, down the line was George Brett, Mike Schmidt, Johnny Bench, and "Pudge" Fisk. I did worship them and idolize them. I would have my brother hit "fungo" grounders to me until my glove hand was sore through the leather, just to be like George Brett. Some were even noble in their failings, Mickey Mantle perhaps tops that list along with Ruth and perhaps Joe Jackson and Pete Rose (after his playing days).

The malaise I refer to I guess is what you characterize as a reminder that it is just a game and there are more important role models to consider. For me, I am saddened to see the deterioration of the game and the "church's" reputation sullied. I want my idols back, and it is/was a big part of the game for me. Without them I feel a malaise that I think resonates with the truth that breaking the record means very little with how Bonds has done it. And with it comes the sad reminder (for me, anyway) - that it is just a game. I want back to a time when it was more than just a game.

I appreciate the memory of an aging Aaron, still a potent hitter, but fading and faltering as most heroes do as they progress. And beyond him the mythic "Bambino" approving of the struggle Aaron achieved. I can't stand the view of Bonds (steroid enhanced) as a foil to the story and vision of those players. Were they perfect; no, not by a long-stretch, but I felt they were pure to the game of baseball. I like the analogy of myth and the struggling heroic figure. I guess in myth there is always the anti-hero. Perhaps I should let Bonds play that role for me. But in so doing, I have to take a more sterile, uninspired view of the game and perhaps Baseball's greatest record that you point out is not worthy of idolatry. I don't want that view, and that is what I find so sad - especially for a game that was once our national past-time.

BillyBarue

Mister Moo · 07-26-2007, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnoon

Nope.
DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak is the greatest milestone in baseball.

Ruth's home run record; Gehrigs consecutive game streak; DiMaggios hitting streak; Aarons home run pinnacle; Roses bets placed and lies told; Cansecos largest overhanging brow development in one off-season; Bud Seligs decade-long debasing of the recordbook streak; and Barry Bonds I'm gonna slip one by everyone if only Balco keeps quiet streak are all records made to be broken.

Bonds home runs?

(I make here the snoring emoticon only because I cannot insert a loud farting noise.) Under the keen and watchful Selig eye the disintegration of the game I loved more than all the others put together is complete. It's the same as wrestling now. When the future of baseball needed a Judge Landis or a Branch Ricky and a big set of solid brass oversized cajones it got Bud Selig. Barry Bonds is just one more Bud Selig marketing creation - no more, no less. I don't wish Bonds ill; he just woke up one morning with a lot of natural talent, worked very hard and extended it beyond what any pre-prednisone era player could have possibly done. The whole thing is just pathetic - makes me want to cry, really.

pnoon · 07-26-2007, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

(I make here the snoring emoticon only because I cannot insert a loud farting noise.)

Would a smiley do?

Corona Gigante · 07-26-2007, 11:09 AM

Did you all see that sign the fans held up at one game?

"BABE DID IT ON HOTDOGS AND BEER"

virginia_dave · 07-26-2007, 11:11 AM

Bonds will only hold the record for a couple of years. As a person it would be hard to find anyone that defends him, but this is baseball so as long as he hits teams look the other way.

I hope he ends being indicted and goes to federal prison for tax evasion and has to room with a 350 lb aids infected white supremacist that wants to make Barry his boytoy.

Mister Moo · 07-26-2007, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnoon

Would a smiley do?

Yes, Peter. Thank you. You are a good person. Maybe along with "FZZBBRRRRaaaap!" for emphasis and clarity.

Whereas: anyone who thinks this Bonds situation is bringing anything remarkable to the game has to be a brain dead weenie cake - and I mean that in the kindest and most respectful way.

Chicken dancing. Right up there with MLB statistics.

icehog3 · 07-26-2007, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

Yes, Peter. Thank you. You are a good person. Maybe along with "FZZBBRRRRaaaap!" for emphasis and clarity.

Whereas: anyone who thinks this Bonds situation is bringing anything remarkable to the game has to be a brain dead weenie cake - and I mean that in the kindest and most respectful way.

Chicken dancing. Right up there with MLB statistics.

MMMMMM.....Brain dead weenie cake......MMMMMMMM

Please please Barry....break your leg in the shower today....