By

While many of you reading may think this is a joke, I warn you it is not. I received some great news last week that brightened my day and most likely left you with a sour taste in your mouth. It did not concern my letter to the DMV about my ASSMAN vanity plates nor did I get any word on my pending citizenship status in the Congo.

Jim Rome did not return any of my phone calls and of course the good news did not come from the campus parking division (who seemingly outnumber the campus police but that is ok because those new $4,000 Segways are really going to put a stop to all the crime) about overturning my half – dozen unpaid parking tickets. The breathtaking news happened to concern one of my favorite people of all time … Barry Bonds.

As of Sunday, the misunderstood and under-appreciated Giant’s slugger was just 22 bombs shy of breaking Hank Aaron’s home run record and yes, he is coming back next year.

“Barry’s going to play in 2007,” said Bond’s agent Jeff Borris. “I’ve had many discussions with Barry and he’s going to play. My intentions are to see to it he’s in a big-league uniform next season.”

While I figured I may be one of the only people outside of the bay area and the Bonds inner circle to take this in a positive manner, I took a stroll around campus. It of course was not to attend class but to see what the students here at Louisville think of Bonds returning next year.

Senior finance major Lauren Dempsey, said, “He obviously used steroids and he should not be allowed to return next year. It will be a shame to see someone like him break the all time home run record.”

“I love Barry and everything he stands for,” said senior marketing major, Donnie Niehaus. “The combination of his arrogance and complete domination of the game of baseball for two decades leaves me in awe.”

“I hope he doesn’t return. I wouldn’t mind seeing Hank Aaron’s record broken, but not by him,” said senior engineering major, Dane Blackburn.

While I knew there would be mixed emotions on the issue, I cannot even begin to tell you how anxious I am to see my friend Barry Lamar Bonds in a uniform next year. And do you know why? Because it pisses people off and that is what makes me happy. While I do not have the time nor do I have the room to tell you, the reader, why we should not be so hard on him, I figured I’d try to give some props to the infamous left-fielder for keeping his cool the past couple years.

Throughout his career Bonds has always been standoffish and outspoken with the media, the fans and his teammates. He knows he is not wanted. In my opinion, he is not just coming back for the record books but, in reality, just to stick it to everyone.

Since the BLACO steroid scandal hit the forefront it is amazing the discipline Bonds has showcased with the whirlwind of controversy swirling around him he has been as disciplined and patient with the media as he is at the plate, which has made him arguably the greatest player ever to step foot on a baseball diamond.

Barry has kept his mouth shut, never once unleashing how he has become the scapegoat for Major League Baseball’s blatant ignorance to the steroid issue for over 20 years. He has not lashed out about his longtime friend Greg Anderson going in and out of jail because he will not turn over on his longtime friend. Barry hasn’t even insulted Pedro Gomez on a national stage in some time. We haven’t heard him rant about the San Francisco Chronicle reporters who wrote “Game of Shadows” who by the way, now may end up spending the next 18 months in jail. (Feel free to laugh about that one Barry you deserve it…I know I am.)

Your self control since this ridiculous attack on your life began warrants a spot in the Hall of Fame all together.

And if you happen to see this Mr. Borris you know as well as I that you will have no problem getting Barry a place to play in 2007. While Bonds will undoubtedly never top the 50 home run mark again, the crowds he will draw next year as he prepares to pass Aaron to go along with his unheard of .500 On Base Percentage will be well worth the 15 plus million dollar salary he will command.

So pat yourself on the back Barry, get your elbow armor refinished and saddle up for one last year of baseball…I cannot wait.

Andrew Krumme is a senior finance major. E-mal him a akrumme@louisvillecardinal.com