Gammons On Bonds & Boston



From yesterday's ESPN.com column by Peter Gammons :

Speaking of Bonds. His derogatory comments about Boston, a place he's never visited, were ill-conceived and an intellectually-bankrupt blanket indictment beneath someone of Bonds' intelligence.

Barry said that Boston was "too racist for me." What should he have said, Peter, that Boston was "just racist enough"? It was merely one man's opinion --- if Barry's opinion wasn't an informed one, perhaps he was judging from the experiences of men like Bill Russell, Reggie Smith or Dee Brown? Or maybe he was just shooting off his mouth. But rather that shoot the messenger --- in this case, could there be an easier target? --- how about engaging in an open discussion of how Boston managed to get such a lousy reputation and what if anything can be done about it? Unless, of course, you'd rather change the subject to what a huge jerk Barry Bonds is, a stance that's slightly less controversial than saying child abuse is bad and water is wet.

The best thing about Junior Griffey's renewed excitement is that fans can see the joy of a man whose greatest joy is spent while with his children. Let's face it: Junior is defensive, Barry is offensive.

OK, now where did this comparison come from? I mean, I understand that both men are the sons of famous big leaguers, and both at various times have been at the top of the game, but what else? Did anyone ask Junior if he'd like to play in Boston someday? Griffey Jr. is a curious choice to hold up as an example of a great attitude. Has Barry ever gotten a manager fired, engineered a trade or chewed out an official scorer for crediting him with an error?

Posted: Tue - June 22, 2004 at 04:24 PM      

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