Unless you've spent this morning under a rock, or watching Republicans attempt to out-crazy one another on ABC, you are likely aware of Barry Bonds having hit his 755th career home run last evening in San Diego. This of course places him in a tie with the legendary Henry Aaron for what is inarguably among the most prestigious records in American sports.
I was born approximately seven months after Hammerin' Hank hit his 715th home run in April of 1974 - passing George Herman Ruth. As such, I've never known another record-holder in this category.
And I, like most folks I believe, am somewhat confused as to what to make of all this. While I respect Bonds' skills and consistency, there are well-known ancillary issues surrounding the breaking of this record that I shall not explore here. It is my sincere hope that any and all accusations of performance-enhancing drug use that have been leveled at Bonds are proven false.
All I know is this: I never thought I'd see someone hit 756 home runs.
That said, I thought a nice sports argument diary might be a nice distraction today from the weekend's dreadfully unfortunate events in Congress. And in my experience one of the best sports-argument-inducing subjects is:
Which individual records do you think are untouchable? Which will never be broken?
I'll start the ball rolling with a handful, beginning with baseball - fittingly with Mr. Aaron.
Hank Aaron - 2,297 RBI - 1954-1976
Aaron has always said that this is the record of which he was most proud. I couldn't agree more. Hitting is one thing - hitting with runners on base is something else. Hitting with runners on base wins ball games.
Joe DiMaggio - 56-game hitting streak - 1941
The closest anyone has come since? Forty-four games. Which is to say, not even close.
Bob Gibson - 1.12 season ERA as a starting pitcher - 1968
This is just ridiculous. This remarkable performance, along with Denny McClain having won 31 games in that same season, helped to result in MLB lowering the mound height by two inches in 1969.
Nolan Ryan - 5714 career strikeouts - 1966-1993
Roger Clemens is closest. He only has 1,095 to go. Um...not likely to happen.
And a couple from other sports for variety:
Tiger Woods - 15-stroke margin of victory in a major - U.S. Open - 2000
Without question, the most perfect display of golf I've ever seen. Tiger finishes at 12-under par. His nearest competitors? 3-over. The previous record for margin of victory in a major championship was set by Tom Morris. In 1862.
Secretariat - 2 minutes, 24 seconds (1 1/2 miles) - Belmont Stakes - 1973
Watching this performance still brings tears to my eyes. Secretariat shaved over two seconds off the previous world record and defeated his nearest rival by 31 lengths. His jockey, Ron Furcotte, asked nothing of him and was more or less along for the ride.
So what do y'all think?