Jameson Singer

I am well aware that my main purpose on this site is to write about poker, however, I have to talk about the new home run "King", Barry Bonds. Perhaps I can relate it to some experiences in poker.

As I watched Bonds belt his record-breaking home run into the deepest part of AT&T Park, all I could think about was the lack of emotion I felt for the whole event. When I ponder how to react to this historic(whether it be negative or positive) event, I've come to this conclusion.

The first thing that comes to mind is how I reacted to guys like Robert Varkonyi, Steve Dannenmann, and others who made final tables or won events in which I didn't feel they deserved it. I appreciated and acknowledged the fact that it's an accomplishment to make it that far into a big tournament, but I still don't respect the players.

My situation regarding Barry Bonds is very similar. I understand that I'm witnessing one of the most, if not the most, significant moment in sports, however, I still absolutely refuse to acknowledge Barry Bonds as the all-time home run champ. The record IS tainted, it IS tarnished, and it certainly should come with an asterisk. Bonds is easily a hall of fame player and easily one of the greatest players to ever play the game, but like Varkonyi didn't deserve the title of best poker player in the world, Bonds doesn't deserve to be the best home run hitter in the world.

Now, people who disagree can argue that nothing has been proven, but seriously, how much proof do you actually need? The moment he started working with Greg Anderson his body turned into Ben Grimm from Fantastic Four and his home run output more than doubled. Oh yea, not to mention Anderson was convicted for giving athletes steroids. Oh yea, not to mention Bonds basically admitted to "unknowingly" using the steroids cream. Oh yea, not to mention the year before, McGwire went on a steroid tear, allegedly, and broke the home run record.

So, with all this information, please do baseball a favor, and treat Bonds like all those poker players who have accomplished great things, but had a lot of help along the way to do so.