"Hank Aaron, Brought to You by the Number 755"

In the world of baseball, today is the 31st anniversary of Hank Aaron's 755th (and final) career home run -- hit right here as a Brewer in former Milwaukee County Stadium.

For those that are unfamiliar, Hank Aaron is a Milwaukee sports legend, a current Baseball Hall-of-Famer, and without a doubt one of the best ballplayers to grace professional baseball. He began and ended his 23-year career in Milwaukee, coming up as a rookie for the 1954 Milwaukee Braves, playing for the Atlanta Braves from 1966-1974 (after the team relocated), and then returning to play for the Brewers until his retirement in 1976. His jersey number has been retired and hangs in the outfield rafters of Miller Park.

"Hammerin' Hank", as he was so fondly referred to, is known for many contributions to the game of baseball. Not only was he one of the most durable and versatile hitters in major league history, he is also a member of the elite 3,000 Hit Club, he played in 24 All-Star games, and he batted .300 or more in 14 of his 23 Major League seasons. He appeared in two World Series', owns one MVP award (1957), and eclipsed the legendary Babe Ruth's career homeruns (714) by 41. Aaron also broke ground for the participation of African Americans in professional sports (suffering greatly due to racist attitudes at the time).

He is, without a doubt, a hero to the game -- Soft-spoken, quiet, and enduring.

But change is in the wind, and it could happen this month. Barry Bonds, current left-fielder for the San Francisco Giants, is looking to eclipse Hank Aaron's 755 career homeruns. As of this blog post (July 20), Bonds sits at 753 -- three shy of a new record. With the Giants playing here in Milwaukee this weekend, history could be made yet again.

But, Bonds is no Hank Aaron. He may be good, but he's far less of a hero.

In fact, all statistics aside, Bonds is accused of taking steroids to enhance his play. He is also under investigation for perjury by a federal grand jury regarding his steroid-case testimony -- testimony in which he denied using performance-enhancing drugs. On top of that, he strives to consistently remain one of baseball's highest paid players ($189 million in his career so far), and he has withdrawn from the MLB Players Association's (MLBPA) licensing agreement because he felt independent marketing deals would be more lucrative for him.

Bonds is about making money, and getting as much recognition as possible -- two things the mild-mannered Hank Aaron preferred to avoid. Bonds enhanced his playing abilities... Aaron was nothing but natural self-taught ability. And, no matter what any Barry Bonds fan may say, suffering in the media spotlight is nothing like receiving racist death threats for being an African-American ballplayer during segregated times.

Oh, and, in case you haven't caught on yet... Barry Bonds is African-American.

So, this weekend here in Milwaukee will be an interesting one. The slugging Barry Bonds is in town playing against the Brewers -- and he's only three homeruns away from a new record. You can bet Miller Park will be standing room only.

Let's just hope he gets shutout. 755 is Milwaukee's number.

-Jon
posted by Jon at 11:22 PM  I   I  0 comments