Hank Aaron, Still the King

Last night, I saw history being made.

On August 7, 2006, Barry Bonds broke the all-time home run record. However, in my mind (and the minds of many others), Hank Aaron is still the "Home run King."

There is a HUGE difference between Hank Aaron and Barry Bonds. Hank Aaron was an advocate for racial diversity in a time when the game needed an African-American athlete to step in after the death of Jackie Robinson. Hank Aaron was so consistent. He was a great outfielder, a great teammate, a great leader, and passionate about the game of baseball. He hit home runs with the flick of his wrists rather than enhanced muscles.

Now, what Barry Bonds has done is never to be over looked. For anyone to hit 756 home runs, steroids or not, is a feat in itself. The hand-eye coordination needed in order to hit like that cannot be enhanced through performance enhancers. Unfortunately, the power from your body can. The strength of your forearms, biceps, and hips can generate baseballs to travel further. However, you have to look at some of the other major leaguers being busted around the league. Most of them can hardly hit home runs...still. So, with that being said, Barry Bonds is still a home run hitter.

In some respects, Bonds has dealt with more scrutiny than Aaron. He is hated by almost every baseball fan in America. He is constantly questioned. He is constantly followed. He is constantly doubted. Barry Bonds is one person that I would never want to be. His life must be in constant chaos. However, Bonds has done a lot to bring this negativity on himself. He isn't media friendly, fan friendly, teammate friendly, or baseball friendly. In an age where sports is seen through the media...Barry Bonds is seen as the "anti-Christ" of baseball.

If anything, Hank Aaron is going to be bigger than ever. It must be a gratifying feeling to know that a new generation of baseball fans still love you and consider you the best. What Hank Aaron did, by giving a personalized message after Bonds broke the record, only adds to the legend of his name.

Bonds may have more home runs number wise, but nobody hit them quite like Hammerin' Hank.