The * Is Close

The pit in my stomach continues to linger as Big Head (or * as I also like to call him)continues his illegitimate run at Hank Aaron's 755 home runs. He is now only 2 away, and it surely seems inevitable that he will break this record, and soon. What are the only things that can stop him? Well, at this point, only three things:
- an injury, which is always a possibility given his age and crappy knees;
- a federal jury indictment for perjury, which is also still possible but unlikely to happen in time;
- or the baseball gods finally right this wrong and send Big Head up in a puff of smoke (or a UFO), not to be seen again until his autograph table OUTSIDE of Cooperstown is set up 5 or 6 years from now, right next to Sammy "No Habla Englais" Sosa and Rafael "Finger-Waggin'" Palmiero.

None of these seem likely to happen in time to stop 756* to sail into the stands. As an amateur baseball historian, it makes me cringe to even think of it. I have heard others say in recent weeks that they will watch to see history, even though they believe strongly that Big Head cheated. I cannot and will not EVER watch that highlight or listen to the unfortunate announcer's call of it. It's not a real number, folks! I have also heard people say that "well, gee, he still would have 600 or more home runs if he didn't take steroids, so he's still great and I will watch it." 600 is not the same as 756! It is inarguably the most-recognized record in sports. I will not support a fake record, and I will not be remiss to have seen the highlight. I will watch, however, when Alex Rodriguez or Albert Pujols breaks Big Head's sham record in 2011 or 2012. Then the baseball world will be right again. Until then, remember Hank Aaron and his 755 steroid-free and hard-earned home runs.