| Barry Controversial |
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| Written by Troy Chuinard | |
| Wednesday, 19 September 2007 | |
There is no question that the most debated topic in this era of Major League Baseball has been the situation regarding Barry Bonds and his alleged steroid use. Now that Aaron's record has finally been broken, the criticism has cooled substantially. However, a new debate has recently hit the spotlight: What should be done with the record-breaking (number 756) home run ball?
Fortunately, the fans will be able to decide the outcome. Fashion designer Mark Ecko, who has been revealed as the winning bigger of the Bonds ball, has created and published a web site containing a poll regarding what should be done with this historic piece of sports history. The choices are quite straightforward: donate the ball to the baseball Hall of Fame, brand it with an asterisk, or blast it into pieces.
Ecko, who bid more than $750,000 to claim ownership of the ball, won the online auction this past Saturday and is now able to determine the fate of one of the most prized pieces of Major League Baseball. Quite surprisingly, he has decided to let the fans help him in making a final decision. The poll, which can be viewed at http://www.vote756.com/marcecko/, clearly explains the options from which voters are able to choose. The poll will close on September 25, and Ecko plans on revealing all of the final numbers. Ecko has been recognized a notorious prankster, and he gained his fame when he posted a fabricated video of himself painting graffiti on Air Force One. The auction house that hosted the sale has verified Ecko as the buyer, and he now has every right to decide what he wants to do with his claimed prize. Matt Murphy, a student from New York, was the original owner of the ball, but he decided to auction it off after learning of the outrageous taxes associated with its possession. Just what does this mean for the game of baseball? Undoubtedly, the outcome will have a profound impact on the legacy that Barry Bonds has created. While Major League Baseball is hoping for the ball to be donated to the Hall of Fame unscathed, it will be interesting to see if fans wish that an asterisk be branded. If this turns out to be the case, it will definitely send a message not only to Bonds but also the MLB administration. Considering the value of the ball in terms of its historical significance, an asterisk would denote that there was a specific circumstance surrounding the record that brought rise to much debate. To loyal baseball fans, the asterisk would also symbolize the ignorance of the MLB Administration towards the illegal activity of the players. Undoubtedly one of the most prestigious records in MLB history, the chase to reach Aaron has brought rise to much debate (and concern) regarding the credibility of America's most recognized pastime.             |
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