Bonds and the lotto ball....

[jojo]

Most baseball fans have pretty strong opinions about Bonds and his chase to break Hank Aaron's record. Those that feel that the record will be tainted if Bonds breaks it often strongly chastise him as a cheater/pariah who tarnishes the sanctity of the game. The majority opinion seems to be that Bonds is an unethical cheater who shouldn't get to profit from his actions because he hasn't done things the right way. But here's an angle to this debate that I haven't seen discussed but which really could be an interesting ethics debate:

I'm assuming that the person that catches the ball certainly won't advertise it as the *tainted HR ball* if they choose to auction it (despite their personal feelings about Bonds). Is that really a safe assumption? Is it unethical for someone who thinks that Bonds is the poster-boy for everything that's wrong with the modern game to then suggest he legitimately broke one of baseball's most hallowed records in order to increase the value of the ball? Basically such a person would be profiting from cheating even though they legitimately caught the record breaking ball wouldn't they? Or is that just a lot of baloney-there's no link between Bonds and the person that catches the ball?

So here's the dilemma for redszoners... Assume that Bonds breaks the record in GABP while you're attending the game. What's your opinion about Bonds and what would you do with the record breaking ball if you caught it?

I'd love to hear everyone's reasons for voting the way they do.

[mth123]

Most baseball fans have pretty strong opinions about Bonds and his chase to break Hank Aaron's record. Those that feel that the record will be tainted if Bonds breaks it often strongly chastise him as a cheater/pariah who tarnishes the sanctity of the game. The majority opinion seems to be that Bonds is an unethical cheater who shouldn't get to profit from his actions because he hasn't done things the right way. But here's an angle to this debate that I haven't seen discussed but which really could be an interesting ethics debate:

I'm assuming that the person that catches the ball certainly won't advertise it as the *tainted HR ball* if they choose to auction it (despite their personal feelings). Is it unethical for someone who thinks that Bonds is the poster-boy for everything that's wrong with the modern game to then suggest he legitimately broke one of baseball's most hallowed records in order to increase the value of the ball? Basically such a person would be profiting from cheating even though they legitimately caught the record breaking ball wouldn't they? Or is that just a lot of baloney-there's no link between Bonds and the person that catches the ball?

So here's the dilemma for redszoners... Assume that Bonds breaks the record in GABP while you're attending the game. What's your opinion about Bonds and what would you do with the record breaking ball if you caught it?

I'd love to hear everyone's reasons for voting the way they do.

I'd sell it no matter who hit it. Sorry. I'm greedy.

[HumnHilghtFreel]

I'd definitely sell it.

I don't like the man, so I definitely would have no reason for myself to keep it. The history is nice and all, but I could receive a lifechanging amount of money for me and my family.

[redsgabp]

i would do like they did in chicago to the bartman ball!

BLOW IT UP.

[jojo]

i would do like they did in chicago to the bartman ball!

BLOW IT UP.

It didn't occur to me to include that as an option in the poll.....

[redsgabp]

It didn't occur to me to include that as an option in the poll.....

maybe we should start the season off with a good start against chicago and wear a bart simpson mask!

BARTMAN

http://cgi.ebay.com/Bart-Simpson-Mas...QQcmdZViewItem
almost worth buying.

i'll save up and get a HOMER SIMPSON mask for homer's first game. LOL

[Gainesville Red]

I'd give it to Hank Aaron, let him decide what to do with it.

[TOBTTReds]

I'd say he was legit and has been a cheater. But I dislike the guy for so many other reasons, juice isn't just it. I'd sell it NO DOUBT.

[George Anderson]

I would sell it to the top bidder. I will never forget the idiot who caught Mark McGwires 62nd HR ball that broke Roger Maris record. The guy actually GAVE the ball to McGwire and refused to take any money. Sorry but after the 1994 strike, the players sent the message that the game is more of a business than it is a game. So as a fan its simply good business to cash in off the game just as the players do.

[justincredible]

$$$$$, for sure.

[Dracodave]

I think he is a cheater, but I'd arrange the meeting to give it back.

Screw greed, Screw calling him a cheater. I'd arrange the meeting and ask. Then hand the ball back..

I'd want no part of it either way.

[dougdirt]

lets see.... taking a $15 dollar baseball and turning it into 6 figures? Yeah, thats about the smartest idea ever.

He was a cheater and he doesnt deserve to get that baseball.

[fargo55]

I would throw the ball into the Reds dug-out. Have all of them sign it and then send it to Cooperstown. It would be the first time ever, that an entire line-up from one year/season would enter the Hall of Fame simultaneously.

[fargo55]

By the way, does anyone have an extra ticket out in Right Field? Think about the potential lunacy that will accompany this. My bet, bullpen catcher reins it in.

[NJReds]

As the most recent Direct TV contract shows...baseball is a business. So if I caught it, I'd sell it.