Posted on 03/08/2006 5:19:26 AM PST by governsleastgovernsbest
by Mark Finkelstein
March 8, 2006
Bear with me. It's something of a slow news day. No Matt Lauer offering a 'he-set-me-up' defense for a lefty schoolteacher. Not even a Katie Couric plumping for more post-Katrina public housing. But perhaps, in a small way, an insight into how little hosts on the major morning news shows know about . . . the news.
All the shows ran segments this morning about a new book, 'Game of Shadows', by San Francisco Chronicle reporters Mark Fainaru-Wada and Lance Williams. With a release timed to coincide with the beginning of the baseball season, the book documents in overwhelming detail what others have suspected or alleged for years: that Barry Bonds has used a variety of performance-enhancing drugs, including steroids and human growth hormone.
You wouldn't think it would escape any sentient American's attention that Barry Bonds is not merely a super-star, but arguably the greatest player in the history of baseball. His records include not only the single-season home run record of 73, but, as Bonds' official web site documents, also:
· 13-time All Star · 8 Gold Gloves · 12 Silver Slugger Awards · Third member of 700 Home Run Club · Only member in 500/500 Club [home runs and steals] · Two-time N.L. Batting Champion (2002, 2004) · Player of the Decade for the 1990's by The Sporting News · All-time Major League walks leader · Set single-season walks (232) and intentional walks (120) record · Set single-season OBP record (.609)
If ever a player, but for the drug charges, were an absolute stone cold, leadpipe, mortal lock for first-ballot Hall of Fame election, it is Barry Bonds.
But in interviewing sports and investigative reporter Armen Keteyian on this morning's Early Show, co-host Renee Syler was unsure:
"In terms of the Hall of Fame - isn't he a likely candidate?"
Likely? Uh, yeah, you might say that, Renee.
Keteyian kept a straight face while responding "he was a sure-fire first ballot Hall of Famer."
Now granted, this is sports, not Social Security. But for someone in Syler's position to be so clueless as to one of the major figures and stories of the day makes one wonder how much MSMers know about other, weightier issues.
Early Show/NewsBusters pump-you-up ping to Today show list.
Bonds couldn't carry Ty Cobb's jockstrap.
How's the weather down in Georgia? ;-)
Reporters study the art of "journalism". They (typically) don't know history, or economics, or political theory, or languages, or literature, or geography. They know how to write a good "lead". I was astounded at their ignorance of general knowledge.
Teachers study the art of "education". They (typically) don't know history, or economics, or political theory, or languages, or literature, or geography. They know how to write a good "lesson plan". I was astounded at their ignorance of general knowledge.
It's not a coincidence that the practioners in these fields are often incapable of understanding what a false doctrine the Left provides.
There's a Druggie Hall of Fame? Who knew.
Excellent behind-the-scenes insight into the world of journalism. Thanks for posting.
Sure. Make him a model to follow for America's kids. (Not!)
Kids follow baseball?
This may actually be a valid question. If Pete Rose is still a non-starter for HoF votes, than the poster boy of "baseball from a test tube" may be similarly punished for his perceived cheating.
If I were a baseball writer, I would have voted for Bonds induction had he retired in, say 1999, before he started breaking records in his late '30's and early 40's. He had a great career prior to sticking 'roid filled needles in his butt. After he turned into a chemistry experiment run amok, though, he lost all claim to be included with the best ball players of all time. His chemist may deserve a bust in Cooperstown, but not Barry.
Despite all of this, I think the real problem with MLB is Bud Selig. He came in as "acting" commissioner and never left, eventually the other owners realized this and just made it permanent. However, there were and still are clear conflicts of interest; all he really did was transfer control of the Brewers to his daughter, and if the Brewers weren't Seligs team they would have been disbanded or moved.
My hope is that in a few years, George W. Bush will be named commissioner.
I should clarify: Syler's full question was "In terms of the hall of fame, isn't he a likely candidate and will this impact the voting?" In other words, she was asking whether, drugs aside, he was a likely candidate.
Thanks for your commentary.
We've had a rapist as the POTUS.....
I don't disagree. My only point is that Bonds is a sure-fire candidate for the Hall unless the drug charges affect things. For Syler to wonder if he is a "likely" candidate suggests how little she knows about the sport.
Two subjects here:
1. Journalists aren't knowledgable--by and large true, but there are exceptions. I met a journalist at a Kerry FReep in Orlando in '04 when he interviewed me about the nut (Kerry). The journalist, David Whitley, a sports writer, has a pretty good understanding of how the world works but he did try to be objective and not let on as to his point of view. I could sense though, that he was NOT sympathetic to Kerry.
2. Barry Bonds in the Hall?---I suppose so. But the truth is, his records are tainted. How he's won 8 Gold Gloves I'll never quite get. Regardless, if what is in the SI article is true, the guy is a freak that needs professional help.
"Teachers study the art of "education". They (typically) don't know history, or economics, or political theory, or languages, or literature, or geography. They know how to write a good "lesson plan". I was astounded at their ignorance of general knowledge."
I would only take exception to note this is true of teachers educated within the past generation or so. Those of the 'old school', like a friend of mine, went into the profession not only to 'educate' but because they had a passion for a subject; history, mathematics, government, languages, whatever. They were classic educators because they knew the subject and were able to inculcate it in their students. We've lost that fire, for the most part, and our education system, and its product (our children), are the casualties.
Is taking drugs worse than making a bet on your own team?/
Probably not according to baseball.
Keeping Rose out of the Hall of fame is a friggin sin.
Rose may not have a great personality, but his record cant be denied.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.