Tonight truly could be one of the most memorable nights in MLB history, as 3 future Hall-of-Famers attempt to reach 3 tremendous milestones only achieved by the greatest of players. Tonight, Alex Rodriguez attempts to reach 500 home runs, Tom Glavine goes after win number 300, and Barry Bonds looks to tie Henry Aaron's all-time home run mark at 755.
Let's start with A-Rod. If there was any doubt as to who was the best baseball player in the world, Alex Rodriguez certainly put those doubts to rest. Tonight, A-Rod will return to the Bronx and try to become only the 22nd player in MLB history to hit 500 home runs. Oh, did I mention he is only 32 years old. When A-Rod hits number 500, he will also become the youngest player to reach that milestone. Regardless of what Bonds does this season, or next for that matter, A-Rod is beyond pace to become baseball's all-time home run king.
Watching A-Rod this year and comparing it to last year has shown the world how great A-Rod can be when he is on his game. That is not to say that last year A-Rod had a poor season. It was just a poor season for A-Rod. Last year A-Rod hit a shabby 35 home runs, a mark he is currently at in 2007 with 2 full months of baseball left to play. All this means is that A-Rod can have 'off' years and he can have 'on' years. But even if he racked up 8 more 'off' years, he will still break Bonds' eventual home run mark.
Tom Glavine. Not only one of the best pitchers in MLB history, but one of the best all around athletes to ever take the mound. Originally, Glavine planned to be a hockey star--he was chosen in the 4th round by the Los Angeles Kings in 1984. He was even drafted ahead of superstar left-wing Luc Robataille. However, Glavine went with baseball, a decision he surely doesn't regret. Glavine is a tremendous fielder and is the all-time leader among pitchers with 209 sacrifice hits.
When Glavine does win his 300th game he will be only the 23rd man in MLB history to accomplish such a feat. Even more astonishing, when Glavine notches number 300, it will tie him with Lefty Grove for 4th all-time in wins amongst left-handed pitchers. 4th! Glavine, the recipient of 2 Cy Youngs, rejuvenated his career as a member of the New York Mets. He is undoubtedly one of the good-guys of baseball and deserves all the recognition that is to come his way after win number 300 is out of his way.
Bonds, Bonds, Bonds. Where do we even begin? Bonds was a surefire Hall-of-Famer even before he cracked Mark McGuire's brief home run record by hitting 73 home runs in one season. Bonds was an MVP, a gold glover, and an all-star long before his face and neck began to resemble that of a hippopotamus. But everyone knows something is up with Bonds. Yet, I also know that it will surely be exciting when Bonds does break Aaron's record.
Many baseball fans are horrified at the thought of a "cheater" breaking the greatest record in baseball. Well all I can say to ease your pain is "patience is a virtue." For in time, somewhere between 7-10 years, Bonds will be dethroned when Alex Rodriguez hits number 800 and stands a top the world as the all-time baseball home run king. It should be worth the wait.
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