Far be it from The Heckler to not admit when he was wrong. A while back (CLICK HERE to refresh your memory) I took Hall of Famer Hank Aaron to task for telling everyone that — in no uncertain terms — he had no plans to follow Barry Bonds around as the controversial Giants slugger attempted to break Major League Baseball’s all-time home run mark.

Even by tape, Aaron stood dignified as Bonds breaks mark

At the time, I felt it to be a gutless way out — and I said so. Say what you will about Barry Bonds (and believe me, there’s been plenty said here, see links at bottom of story) the fact remains that he is now wearing the crown as baseball’s all-time home run leader, regardless of how may he hit while allegedly under the influence of steroids of other performacne-enhancing drugs. The fact is that they weren’t illegal in baseball until a few years ago - case closed.

Any debate is of a moral or ethical nature, and is separate and distinct from the bottom line: Barry Bonds has now hit 756 home runs. Period. No matter what taste it leaves in anyone’s mouth, that fact will not change. He is the leader, and probably will stay that leader until, perhaps, Alex Rodriguez retires and breaks everyone’s records.

But for today? Bonds reigns supreme. BaseballBigMouth.com offers up its congratulations to him for doing so. We also heartily salute the outgoing king, Hank Aaron, classy in life and classy as he was bumped to number two, a videotaped tribute playing for all to see. Hank took the high road, and didn’t lower himself to put any doubt into Bonds’ achievement. Instead, he rose above it, and looked for the positive. We can all take a lesson from that. Way to go, Barry. And way to go, Hank.

Let us not forget those who came before us. Here is a nice tribute to baseball’s former home run king, Hammerin’ Hank Aaron!

Photos used with permission of Early Era Baseball Photos.com

CLICK HERE to read Punch’s take on Bonds’ bashing

CLICK HERE as Punch puts things in historical perspective 

CLICK HERE to read The Hecklers’ take on MLB waffling on recognizing feat)

This entry was posted on Wednesday, August 8th, 2007 at 10:04 am and is filed under Baseball History, Baseball Videos, MLB photos, Baseball News and Views, Heckles All Around, Baseball. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.