For once, MLB commissioner Bud Selig can make things right. Days after New York Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez admitted his previous steroid use, USA Today reported that Selig is considering adjusting the record books and reinstating Hank Aaron as the official home run king. The former Atlanta Brave’s record of 755 home runs was broken in 2007 by Barry Bonds but amidst performance-enhancing substance abuse allegations, Selig may change that. “Once you start tinkering, you can create more problems,” Selig reportedly acknowledged. “But I’m not dismissing it. I’m concerned. I’d like to get some more evidence. … This is breaking my heart, I don’t mind telling you that.”
Before you get excited, keep in mind that the likelihood of this occurring is not very strong, as Selig wants to make sure he has the proper evidence before making such a bold move. Still, it does not mean it is out of the question. According to MLB.com, Selig does indeed have the authority to adjust the records. Don’t forget what then-commissioner Ford Frick did in 1961, adding an asterisk when Roger Maris broke Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record of 60 (due to the fact that Maris had eight more games than Ruth had).
Here’s hoping The Hammer – who celebrated his 75th birthday just one week ago – regains the title of King.
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The NBA All-Star Weekend kicks off tomorrow night, and Hawks fans have plenty to cheer for. Al Horford will participate in the Rookie-Sophomore Challenge on Friday; Joe Johnson will battle Kevin Durant and O.J. Mayo in the inaugural H-O-R-S-E and Mike Bibby will compete in the Three-Point Shootout on Saturday; and Johnson will be at it again as a reserve for the East in the 58th All-Star Game on Sunday.
While most of our attention will be focused around “J-J-J-Joe” (my tribute to Ryan Cameron), Bibby will be just as excited, as the festivities take place in his hometown of Phoenix, Ariz. I was surprised to discover that Bibby is actually the first Atlanta Hawk to ever compete in the Three-Point Shootout. Hard to believe when the franchise has had several impressive long-range shooters such as Mookie Blaylock, Steve Smith, Jason Terry, Antoine Walker … OK, never mind that last one. At least Bibby will have a good tutor helping him out – check out this interview with Bibby and Mark Price, a two-time winner (1993 and ’94) of the event.
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The Hawks may not have anyone competing in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest (which I expressed my discontent about last week), but AJC.com has given us a video of some of the top high school dunkers in the state. Awesome clips and great background music here. Not trying to influence the voting or anything … but here’s my personal opinion. Love the creativity of Norcross’ Adrian Hubbard, and Griffin’s Shaq Barber had the best hops, hands down. But the top dunk has to go to Westlake’s Marcus Thornton – come on, through the legs and over a teammate?? And this guy’s just a junior, too.
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Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit edition is out. For those interested, here’s a full gallery of photos and videos for each of the models. ‘Nuff said.
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Two longtime Atlanta stars have had some strong words in recent days. Braves pitcher Tom Glavine was unimpressed with the team’s initial offer, saying, “I’m obviously in a very good place financially. I don’t need the money. But … there’s a price for everything.” The two sides met yesterday, however, and Glavine said, “I thought it was a very positive meeting.” (Read more here.) … As for Falcons linebacker Keith Brooking, the 11-year veteran spoke with the AJC’s Jeff Schultz, stating he would like to play at least one more season with the Falcons. And for those who criticized him for giving up the long play against Arizona in the playoffs, Brooking said, “People have a right to be disappointed when key players make mistakes. But I know I can still play. I just think I should be judged by my body of work, not one play or one game.”
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Last but not least, this has nothing to do with sports, but if you like Steak ‘N Shake, the restaurant will commemorate its 75th anniversary with a great deal tomorrow (Friday, Feb. 13): 15-cent steakburgers! But hurry – it only takes place from 8 to 11 a.m. (I’ll be at the office, though … spot me a few?)
Arapoglou can be reached at tarapoglou@scoreatl.com.
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