It has been said that hitting a home run off a major league-caliber pitcher is the hardest accomplishment in any sport. That is why I have spent the last few days in unbelievable awe at what Aaron accomplished. For 22 years, Aaron was the standard of what can be accomplished by discipline, determination, God-given talent and grace. Aaron not only holds the major league home run record (in my opinion and everyone else’s), but also still holds the record for RBIs, extra-base hits and total bases. It was also not revealed until a few years ago that Aaron endured an enormous amount of bigotry, racism and death threats because he was an African American about to break a famous white man’s record. Aaron would not reveal this during the chase because he was a gentleman, and he did not allow the hatred to distract him from his goal.
Aaron has continued to show his class by refusing to comment on Bonds’ accomplishments, let alone showing up to witness the feat. I continue to be awestruck by this decision, which is far more mature than anything I would have done. While Bud Selig putters and frets, reaping the steroid scandal both he and Don Fehr sowed by ignoring the problem for years, Aaron continues on his business speaking out for more minority ownership in baseball and running his Chasing the Dream Foundation to help inner-city children.
If my kids need a role model one day, I will point them to Hank Aaron. And if they need an example for cheating and the danger of drugs, then I will thank Barry Bonds again. See you at the Grand Jury, Barry!
For the record, here's Barry in his rookie year (21 years old) and today (43 years old):
More Info: SI's excerpts from Game of Shadows
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