Why Barry Bonds Is Becoming a Martyr

Of course, equally true is that comparing his numbers to those of other generations is meaningless. But I'd argue that's true of every generational comparison. How do we normalize stats generated against eight all-white teams with those generated against 16 integrated teams with those generated against the diluted talent of 30 teams?

And normalize we must for the comparisons to have any real meaning (and that includes considering the evolution of training, travel, salaries, etc.).

Here's the thing. I'm defending Barry Lamar from this particular attack and only this attack. I'll be the first to admit that there are many honest and valid reasons for disliking Bonds. By all accounts, he is an unbelievably objectionable human being. There are just too many stories from too many people who have too little reason to lie to doubt this allegation.

I don't think I've ever heard anyone argue differently—not even Krukow or Kuiper.

He is selfish. He is boorish. He is arrogant. He is dishonest and disloyal. He is, apparently, cheap despite being a multi-millionaire. That would indicate he ain't particularly bright.

Fine. All valid reasons for slamming the man and far better ones than the steroid nonsense. (The old adage in baseball is "if you're not cheating, you're not trying hard enough.") I wouldn't marshal even a token defense. The guy is easily the best, most valuable Giant of my lifetime and I still wouldn't consider picking him as my favorite.

Barry Bonds has made his bed through his abhorrent behavior. He continues to do so. It is the public's right to force him to sleep in it. Furthermore, the public should do so because it may discourage future stars from repeating his mistakes. But we should do so fairly, and for the right reasons.

And that's not what we're doing. We are forcing him to sleep in a much larger bed made by many more people. That is unfair and, as such, ineffective. Unfair criticism is easy to discredit and easier to dismiss.

Which is just what Barry and the rest of the superstars are doing.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?