Former San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds finished his scandal-shortened career with a Major League record 2,558 walks.
Even though he hasn’t stepped into a batter’s box in four years, Bonds got another free pass last week when he was sentenced to what basically amounts to a slap on the wrist for his conviction in an obstruction of justice charge against him stemming from the 2003 grand jury investigation of BALCO.
Rather than take his licks — 250 hours of community service, 30 days of house arrest, and two years of probation — Bonds is hoping for yet another walk.
Earlier today, according to The Los Angeles Times, Bonds’ attorneys filed an appeal to have the conviction overturned.
If the appeal sticks, Bonds will be completely exonerated of any wrongdoing as far as BALCO, steroids, and performance-ehancing drugs are concerned. (As current Giants pitcher Brian Wilson might say, “those chalupas never happened.”)
It’s not as if Bonds is against community service. Or that he can’t stand the thought of being holed up in his posh Beverly Hills mansion for a month.
No. This is Barry making a statement to Hall of Fame voters, who will get their first crack at revenge if and when Bonds (a 7-time MVP and 13-time All Star) ever becomes eligible for the ballot.
Most of the HOF voters are baseball beat writers, who couldn’t stand Bonds when he was a player.
The 47-year old son of Bobby and godson of Willie Mays was known to be pretty vile with reporters back in his playing days. The all-time home run king was quick to remind reporters how close to the bottom of the cesspool they ranked in his opinion.
Bonds has never announced his retirement, although his agent Jeff Borris publicly admitted in 2009 that the slugger had played in his last game.
To be eligible for placement on the Hall of Fame ballot, a player must be retired for five years. That might make Bonds eligible in 2014.
US District Judge Susan Illston issued an intentional walk last week when she said that Barry did not have to serve his sentence until after the appeal process is complete, a process that could take up to two years…you know, sometime in 2014.
I hope you enjoyed reading "Barry Bonds appeals conviction…Just in time for Hall of Fame consideration." I'm interested in your opinion on this article. Why not leave a comment at 22gigantes.com?
Original Story:
