Childhood, baseball, and the quest for 71

Every kid has a dream. I know I did.

I remember it well.

I was probably seven years old, and I didn't know much, but I knew one thing -- I loved baseball.

My dream was to become a professional baseball player. I had a passion for the game that was unrivaled.

I was never very good, but I always relished any opportunity to get in the batter's box or stand in the outfield. The connection that I have shared with baseball is unlike any other I have had. I remember watching baseball on TV day and night, and wearing my old "Baseball is Life" shirt, which I know I still have somewhere.

Until something terrible happened -- the strike.

I know that I am probably going to get tons of mail for appearing as a half-hearted fan, but when the strike arrived, in my eyes, the game lost something.

The bickering between two groups of people over things like salaries that involve more money than I will ever see, really alienated me from the game I once truly loved.

As the years following the strike passed, I grew, and adopted a myriad of interests outside of baseball. However, baseball has always had a special place in my heart.

Last night, as I was watching ESPN's SportsCenter, I noticed that Barry Bonds had hit his 55th homerun. This means that he has exactly 16 to go before he breaks Mark McGwire's record of 70 homeruns in a season.

I know I am pulling for him. I think that it would be great if Barry accomplished this feat, because in doing so, it may be possible for fans, like myself, to once again take interest in a game that alienated them just a few years ago.

Maybe by setting the record, Bonds will start to rekindle the love that I once had for baseball. I must admit that with his chase, my awakening has already begun.

I hope that you will join me in supporting Barry on his quest for 71, because every kid has a dream. I know I did.