A Giant Amongst Men

The 2011 Giants season will begin just as the Bonds trial is getting started - a collision of two Giants' baseball eras. The Bonds name has become taboo in AT&T Park, in San Francisco, and even among Giants fans. Some may want to forget his existence in a Giants uniform, too ashamed of his steroid sandal. At the same time it is impossible to erase the existence of one of the greatest Giants players to ever play and one of the greatest baseball players or even athletes. Over the years he became immortal in Giants history - a Giant amongst men.

It is very difficult as a Giants fan to root for or against one of their own, despite the circumstances. Everyone would like to believe that he never knowingly did steroids but very few will ever believe that. I think his place in history would be drastically different if he had handled his steroid scandal by taking responsibility for his actions and being an advocate against illegal substance usage in sports. I'm not sure what his motivations are for dragging out this court case and not settling but I can't imagine any true positive outcome no matter the jury's decision. The Hall of Fame has to be in the front of his mind and he might be viewing the case as the basis for the Hall of Fame decision. If he is exonerated, is it easier to vote him until the HOF? Not so sure. On one hand he artificially inflated his performance but on the other hand he was an automatic inductee before the steroid usage. This case will not set Bonds free and I continue to be interested in his decision not to retire.

What is the stuff that legends are made of? Is it purely statistics or are there intangibles that catapult mortals to immortal status? Bonds was the greatest player of his time but for some reason that wasn't good enough. He had to be the best, his name had to be at the top of all the records. He got what he wanted and he still thinks he has unfinished business. As I look at the autographed baseball on my shelf, it is difficult to comprehend what my favorite player has become. The antihero. His Icarian fate has reduced this fallen legend to a mere man amongst Giants.