An interesting thing happened last weekend in Major League Baseball. All at once forces of both good and evil converged, clouding the air to cause disruption of two landmark historical events.

While Cal Ripken Jr. and Tony Gwynn stood proudly on baseballs grandest and most beloved stage to accept induction into the Hall of Fame, the attention of most Americans was unfittingly directed towards all things Barry Bonds.

Let’s start with the Good. The largest crowd in history, an estimated 75,000 fans, flocked to Cooperstown to witness the induction of two of baseballs hardest working players. Both Gywnn and Ripken played twenty plus seasons for one team, becoming all-star fixtures and community icons in their respective cities.

The statistics for both Gwynn and Ripken provide indisputable evidence for their candidacy into the Hall, however it was their hard work ethic and modest nature that made them stand out the most.

With two such esteemed players going into the Hall this year, it’s easy to wonder if this will be the last Hall of Fame class of its kind, where hard work and not injections created success.

Then there is the bad, or dare I say, the Bonds. As Barry Bonds approaches Hank Aaron’s prestigious career record of 755 home runs, we have no choice but to consider what effects steroids may have had on Bonds’ career.

Bonds has never admitted to voluntarily using steroids. In testimony to a grand jury in 2004, he claimed he had previously used a clear substance and cream given to him by a trainer (who was later indicted in a steroid distribution ring), without knowing they were in fact steroids.

Forgive me for not believing in everything Bonds has to say. It’s difficult to believe he would be deceived by trainer Greg Anderson, whom he has referred to as his “best friend in the world.”

Furthermore, Bonds’ lawyer Michael Rains has all but conceded his guilt by stating that even if Bonds did used steroids; they were not banned at the time.

What is perhaps most disturbing with Bonds as he sits positioned to break Aaron’s hallowed record, is his abrasiveness and lack of respect for others and the game of baseball itself.

Bonds acts overly egotistical, maintains a questionable work ethic, and receives repeated criticism from former teammates and coaches. He keeps teammates, fans, and reporters at a distance but then expects to be treated with kid gloves.

Although many fans, including myself, want to cheer him on and celebrate his achievements, we find ourselves hard pressed to garner him support. 

It’s particularly easy to question the sanctity of Bond’s achievements when compared to the likes of Aaron, Ripken, and Gwynn.

It’s no coincidence that last weekends events occurred simultaneously. The negative light shined on Bonds speaks to the paradox of professional sports today. As this country’s love of professional sports continues to grow and the level of play continues to increase, the astronomical sums of money collected and power bestowed upon athletes will undoubtedly create more controversy. 

This is what I like to call the ugly. The embattled state of pro sports has grown to include blood doping allegations in bicycling, increasing numbers of NFL players being arrested and imprisoned, and dog-fighting charges filed against top profile quarterbacks. The list goes on and on.

The immoral actions of many professional athletes send a clear message to those that look up to them as role models. Youngsters can look to Barry Bonds or Michael Vick to learn that almost every action is acceptable, as long as you bring success, and ultimately more money, to your team and the powers that be.

After speaking to a few local high school and collegiate athletes and coaches, it appears that steroids have yet to have a significant effect on baseball players in the area. Just like everything else however, I fear it won’t be long until the effects are seen here in small town America.

Sports are ever changing and it’s certain that steroid use will continue in Major League Baseball in one form or another and controversies will continue to erupt.

The best we can do is focus on the many good things while we avert our attention from all things ugly and negative. 

In the meantime, let’s not forget what is available right here in our backyard. Sit back and enjoy all of the local sports in our community, and revel in athletes of all ages playing games in their purest form.