Why We Really Hate Barry Bonds (and it isn’t because of steroids)

The Beast — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 03:19:02 +0000

While Barry Bonds steps out of the batter box and inches toward home plate he is greeted by the Los Angeles crowd with loud, echoing boos. As the infamous slugger’s quest toward becoming the all-time home run king nearers the anti-Bonds feelings are at the highest ever. However, are the anti-Bonds feelings to passionate because of his alleged steroids use? If this was the case then why isn’t Jason Giambi, Rafael Palmero, and Jose Canseco, as hated as Bonds. All three of these players have been found guilty of steroids use or admitted to it.

1. He plays for the Giants:
What makes Bonds difficult to cheer for is the fact that he plays for the San Francisco Giants. The Giants aren’t the lovable losers like the Cubs or Devil Rays, and they have rivals in multiple cities, Los Angeles, Oakland, and New York. One of the reasons that has made Ken Griffey Jr. an easier player to root for is the fact that he has played for the Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds. Fans of other teams usually don’t have a problem cheering for the Mariners or Reds but the Giants tend to bring up more hard feelings. People seem to either love the Giants or hate them.

2. Everybody loves Hank Aaron:
Hammerin Hank is one of baseball’s most beloved players for his dedication and character. While Aaron chased the all-time home run record, he did it with grace and courage as death rates were made toward his family. Because of his actions, he is still beloved by baseball fans and certain commisioners.

3. Bonds’s Ego is bigger than David Wells:
Fans love the hard-working, modest players with Tony Gwyn and Cal Ripken Jr. being prime examples. Bonds isn’t that team first guy. He has been known by many players to be a distraction in the clubhouse. Bonds became notorious for feuding with former Giant teamate Jeff Kent. Throughout his career he has had trouble being the team guy. Is it any coincidence, free agents are flocking to come play with Bonds. If I was a free agent hitter in 2002, would there be a better spot in the lineup than batting third in front of Bonds.

He has also been a jerk to the young baseball fans. When kids have brought baseball cards for Bonds to sign, the Giants slugger has been known to either refuse to sign or to rip the cards up. Nobody likes a big jerk and Bonds surely acts like one.

4. Bonds represents Goliath
Bonds fits the hated goliath role better than anyone else. From 2001-2005, he was the most feared hitter in the entire game of baseball. Nobody cheers for the all-mighty goliath. Each time he stepped up to the plate, all baseball fans east of San Francisco cheered for the opposing pitcher to strike out the great slugger.

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The Beast — Wed, 29 Aug 2007 02:59:20 +0000

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Why We Really Hate Barry Bonds (and it isn’t because of steroids)

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