Being at SBC/AT&T Park last night when Barry Bonds blasted his 710th career home run made me feel like a part of sports history. The home run came off of New York Mets right-hander Steve Trachsel. The flashing cameras, the neon flickering of 710 on the jumbo screen and above the lower levels, it was what many of the 35,775 fans came to see. The second inning blast lit up the park like fourth of July. There were no fireworks but fans sure sparked to life.
The Giants lost the game 4-1 against the Mets, but the excitement of possibly seeing another blast before the end of the night kept many Giants fans sticking around on a chilly windblown night near the bay. The Giants would not score another run but it didn't take away from that feeling of watching history be made. For those who haven't had the pleasure, watching Barry Bonds at bat is a sporting event in itself.
As for the controversy surrounding Barry, I don't think anybody at the game was wishing Barry would leave the game of baseball to save its integrity. Whether you want to except it or not, Barry Bonds is a baseball legend. The oral stories that fans tell after a player has retired is what makes a player a legend. Everyone who watched Barry's 710 Blast last night will have a story to tell for years. Still think he's not legendary? Go to a Giants game and experience it yourself.
Watching Barry struggle through the pain of running makes you wonder if he's playing for the record (Which he claims he's not) or playing for the chance at a championship. Either way he's demonstrating his toughness and his desire to win. Watching a guy tough it out like that has to do something for team morale. Maybe that's Barry's way of being a team player, by demonstrating his will to win.
Keep it going Barry! Keep it going!
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