In 1961 , Roger Maris hit 61 home runs, bypassing Babe Ruth's single season record set in 1927 by one. Baseball Commissioner Ford Frick, to protect the "sanctity" of Ruth's record, ruled that due to the new 161-game schedule (up from154), Maris' record would be recorded in the books with an asterisk, supposedly holding Maris' record in question. This gave Frick notoriety among fans that has lasted until this day. This action is the one he is best remembered for, although he would probably wish differently.
Now it is 80 years past the Babe's record season, and a new controversy has struck baseball. Barry Bonds bypassed Hank Aaron's lifetime home run record, hitting a total of 762 to his 755. There is no question that he hit them, any more than there is any controversy that Maris hit 61 in 1961.
But maybe an asterisk should go by this record as well, or maybe it should not be in the books at all. Bonds was indicted for use illegal performance-enhancing steroids. If he is guilty, he cheated. There is no two ways about it. If he did it, he deserves to be given the same treatment by baseball Pete Rose got - he should be banned from the game for good. He should not be spending time on the field, but doing time in prison.
We know all about Bonds's arrogance and bad attitude, but these are not criminal actions. Using illegal steroids is. I don't know whether he is guilty or not. That is for the courts to decide. But I hope that there will be no miscarriage of justice in this case. Let him be found innocent if he is. But if he is guilty, let his "record" be given the notorious asterisk.
I have a question. I read of "Vino's" exit from the Tour de France. I don't understand why blood transfusions would cause the ouster of a racer.
I have no sympathy or patience with those who use drugs to get a "leg up" on the competition. People like that don't deserve to compete.
I make no pretense of having great medical knowledge. So why outlaw blood transfusions?
