A WHACK PERSPECTIVE OF COOPERSTOWN
7.8.10
BY: MSR
CHANGES: PART THREE
A
WHACK PERSPECTIVE OF COOPERSTOWN
I respect and admire several baseball players. One of
which is "The Hammer." I enjoy listening to my Dad explain what it was like
to see Henry Aaron play. One instant, I remember Dad saying, "The ball
just sounded different coming off Hank's bat. Like it was crushed. You just
knew it was gone."
While walking through The Hall of Fame, Dad and I both confirmed that
Henry Aaron is the only true home run king, but I still expected to see
something about Barry Bonds. Some sort of recognition for his record
breaking season (73 HR) or his all time record (762 HR). I didn't see much.
What I did see were Willie's glove from the great catch he made against the
woeful Indians in the '54 series at The Polo Grounds. The game ball from Tom
Browning's perfect game. The seven hats from Nolan Ryan's 7 no-hitters. Joe
Morgan's glove he wore during the magical MVP season of 1976. I even saw a
scouting report about a young pitcher named Tom Seaver written by a scout
named Tommy Lasorda of all people. Interesting and magical moments all
documented in this great shrine dedicated to the greatest sport we have. One
thing had not changed; I spent nearly 8 hours just soaking in the great
history as I had done 10 years earlier.
It is obvious that The Hall of Fame is making a point. The Hall shared the
same outlook about the real home run king as Dad and I. Then there was the
honorable "Chasing the Dream" exhibit dedicated to "The Hammer." Hank has a
whole wing dedicated to his beginning and ending of achievement. He was the
last Negro League player to play in the majors. He started off as a clumsy
shortstop and became one of the greatest, if not the greatest player of all
time. I saw his home run baseballs numbered 713, 714, and 715. I saw the
cleats that he wore while hitting those milestones. Helmets and uniforms,
you name it, it was there. Gold Glove trophies, MVP trophies, even business
cards from his many car dealerships from Atlanta were all there. Bricks and
porch posts from the home he grew up in. I touched the porch post and will
remember it forever. Mr. Henry Aaron has much clout, as much clout as his
bat and quick wrists provided as a player. He is respected by all who ever
played the game or watched the game with keen observations. Barry Bonds has
no such respect. It became completely obvious as my walk through the Hall
continued.
There is a section of the 2nd floor representing all 30 teams in major
league baseball. A clubhouse setting with each team having a glass display
with their own locker. Each locker displaying significant uniforms and such
worn by significant players during significant events during those
respective teams' recent history. For example, a home run ball, hit by D.T.
Cromer was in the Reds locker. It was from the last game of the season
confirming that the Cincinnati Reds were the first team to not be shut out
during an entire season. Several interesting and magical moments were
captured in those different lockers. Then I saw one that really stood out.
Another home run ball.
It was at the bottom of the San Francisco Giants locker. I read the display
and said to my Dad, "You gotta' take a picture of this!" It was the
all-time record breaking ball from Barry Bonds career mark of total dingers.
Finally, a Barry Bonds moment solidified in the Hall displayed at the bottom
of a team locker. I thought it was a perfect location. Upon further, closer
examination, I noticed it was a "Tom Terrific" display because the ball had
a
asterisk cut out of the logo with a precision knife. The Hall Of Fame
recognized Bonds but with a special flair. Bonds record was tainted and the
Hall displayed it as such. Things change, as they always seem to do. One
thing remained constant, that the hall agrees with many of us, Hank is the
home run king forever undaunted by the unfortunate steroid induced period in
baseball.
I am prepared to visit the hall again, but I think I will wait until another
change comes. The induction class of Pete and Joe will come along sooner
than the juicers will. I hope and pray anyhow. 4,256 and 755 forever,
juicers never!!!
MORE
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-Cooperstown Online
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