A moment of greatness

On September 17, 2004, the Paladia Gazette hit the stands with this front page headline: 'Now He Belongs To The Ages.' I confess -- and I'll bet I have a lot of secret confederates out there -- that when Barry Bonds hit his 700th homer, I quietly chuckled an "in your face media" sort of laugh.

The drama began quietly, then catapulted into a crescendo as history took center stage.

With California as the backdrop, fans poured into SBC Park for a game between the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants. But unlike other games, this one was special. They had come to witness history. Surprisingly, they would not be disappointed.

Facing right-hander Jake Peavy, Bonds led off the third inning. As the drama mounted, Peavy, who was named National League Pitcher of the Month for August threw a 0-1 pitch. Around came the 40-year-old wrists, still quick, extraordinarily powerful. And there went the ball ...going ... going ... GONE! NUMBER 700. Baseball had its third entry into the 700 and over home run club, which includes Hank Aaron (755)and Babe Ruth (714).

As anticipated, it was a time for superlatives in words, in deed and bravado. The crowd gave Bonds a standing ovation complete with screams and catcalls.

Following the game, which the Giants won by a score of 4-1, the cagey left-fielder was clearly emotional as he basked in the adulation.

"It's just unbelievable," he quipped. "Like I said you can't put into words what it's like to be in a class with those great players. It's hard to fathom that it's really 700. But I don't want to get satisfied and get caught up in it all."

Bonds' statement reflected the momentum of the occasion. A moment no one will forget.

Nonetheless, despite his athletic feats, Bonds still has a rocky relationship with the media. Reportedly, the California native rubs some press members the wrong way. They argue that he is brash and intimidating. Holy Muramba! The last time I checked, Bonds signed a contract to play baseball for the San Francisco Giants, not kiss the media's butt.

As a sports enthusiast I like to explore all aspects of the sporting perimeter, including my assessment of Bonds and the media. Thus, it has been noted that superstars leave their own personal mark on the game, sometimes changing the face of it forever.

Such a man is Barry Bonds. Not only has the charismatic left-fielder become the latest member in an exclusive club, he has shown the world that you don't have to cow tow to the media.

In maintaining his individuality, Bonds confirms that you can maintain your dignity without losing your soul. This is a lesson that all athletes should adhere to. If they did, there would be less showboating and more emphasis on being true to one's character.

In paying tribute to baseball's new king of swing, the words come easy. He is soul and ice. He is sound in motion. He is poetry. He is peerless. An exquisite diamond whose brilliance cannot be ostracized by criticism or controversy.

He is a not a myth destined to transcend those who have preceded him. He is simply Barry Bonds, the slugger who toppled the baseball rafter with 700 home runs and counting.