Henry Aaron a coward? I think not

In his column today Rob Parker of the Detroit News called Henry Aaron a coward, a coward. And for what you ask? Not taking a stand by either accepting Barry Bonds or denouncing Bonds as a steroid user in Bonds onslaught in the most hallowed of baseball records, homerun king. Read the entire article.

To label Aaron as a coward and then point out everything Aaron went through as he chased the record seems a bit off base to me. Aaron dealt with hate, racism, bigotry and as Parker points out “critics claimed Aaron played in more games than Ruth, in smaller parks and against watered-down pitching”. All of these were used to diminish Aaron’s accomplishment. But in no way was Aaron ever accused of or was there any mention of a performance enhancing drug during his career. This is why Aaron will not be in attendance when Bonds breaks this record. I agree with Aaron 100%. Yes Bonds has never been caught taking steroids but the evidence that is out there is pretty clear, whether we choose to accept or not. Bonds has had help in compiling the numbers over the later part of his career. Bonds did not do this on his own or by simply working harder and longer than other players. Reaching this milestone is an accomplishment for Barry Bonds, no doubt, and it may never be broken in my life time, although A-Rod has a shot. The accomplishment is tainted and will always be looked upon as such. I applaud Aaron for taking a stance, even if a silent one. Bud Selig should join Aaron in his silence.