Bonds chasing 700 - who the **** cares?

cthomer5000 · 09-16-2004, 10:04 PM

Because it's a round fucking number? This fake stories that sports reporters create drives me insane. It's like when Chris Carter or Tim Brown hit 1,000 catches. They weren't passing anyone, they weren't hitting any real milestone. It's completely made up in order to celebrate.... nothing!

ooooh - a round number, now that's an achievement!

Draft Dodger · 09-16-2004, 10:06 PM

I'm just posting to say...

"Hi Aadik"

duckman · 09-16-2004, 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

Because it's a round fucking number? This fake stories that sports reporters create drives me insane. It's like when Chris Carter or Tim Brown hit 1,000 catches. They weren't passing anyone, they weren't hitting any real milestone. It's completely made up in order to celebrate.... nothing!

ooooh - a round number, now that's an achievement!

I'm in total agreement. Tell me when he has passed Babe Ruth on the list.

Oh, by the way. Go Rochester!

Crapshoot · 09-16-2004, 10:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

I'm just posting to say...

"Hi Aadik"

Crapshoot · 09-16-2004, 10:10 PM

Actually- I agree. I think the round number bit is the easy way for Joe schmo- we always round up everything. I dont think 700 is a much bigger than 699- but it plays better.

Maple Leafs · 09-16-2004, 10:12 PM

I care.

Sure it's only a round number, but it's still a pretty damn impressive milestone. I never thought in my lifetime that I'd see someone hit 700 HRs.

Ksyrup · 09-16-2004, 10:15 PM

I think it goes deeper than just "fakes news stories created by reporters." After all, I don't know a single player who doesn't ask for the ball (when possible) after their 100th HR, 1500th hit, 200th save, etc. It's just a measuring stick. And round numbers are easy to rmember, so they stick in your mind.

Personally, I don't think this particular story is getting all that much coverage. I think most people are waiting for him to hit 715, coupled with the fact that a lot of people can't stand him, while others think he'd only have hit 34 career HRs without the steroids he so obviously pumps directly into his head from the skin-grafted Don Beebe skull helmet he wears.

cthomer5000 · 09-16-2004, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

I care.

Sure it's only a round number, but it's still a pretty damn impressive milestone. I never thought in my lifetime that I'd see someone hit 700 HRs.

Then surely you didn't expect anyone to hit 701. I hope we have an equally huge minute-by-minute report on the 'Race for 701.'

Crapshoot · 09-16-2004, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Maple Leafs

I care.

Sure it's only a round number, but it's still a pretty damn impressive milestone. I never thought in my lifetime that I'd see someone hit 700 HRs.

make no mistake- Im impressed. as DD alluded to , Im probably the biggest Bonds fanatic you'll find. I do however agree that 699 is as impressive to me as 700.

Maple Leafs · 09-16-2004, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

Then surely you didn't expect anyone to hit 701. I hope we have an equally huge minute-by-minute report on the 'Race for 701.'

Surely you celebrate the day before your birthday. Surely you go out partying the night after New Year's. Sometimes we just assign more value to certain milestones than others. No reason to start being bothered by it now.

Crapshoot · 09-16-2004, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I think it goes deeper than just "fakes news stories created by reporters." After all, I don't know a single player who doesn't ask for the ball (when possible) after their 100th HR, 1500th hit, 200th save, etc. It's just a measuring stick. And round numbers are easy to rmember, so they stick in your mind.

Personally, I don't think this particular story is getting all that much coverage. I think most people are waiting for him to hit 715, coupled with the fact that a lot of people can't stand him, while others think he'd only have hit 34 career HRs without the steroids he so obviously pumps directly into his head from the skin-grafted Don Beebe skull helmet he wears.

Die Dodger fan!!!

cthomer5000 · 09-16-2004, 10:19 PM

It's perhaps worth noting when it happens. I don't think it's worth it's own segment on Sportscenter for a week+.

mckerney · 09-16-2004, 10:21 PM

The reason I see is that round numbers provide a good quantitative comparison for players statistically. They may not be the best numbers statistically speaking to compare players, but they're easy enough to use. Homerun hitters are grouped by 100's of HRs, and it's easty to compare players on 400 HR hitter, 500 HR hitter, etc. Sure, maybe sabermetrically a better way to look at it might be plateaus of 376, 452, 527, but by 100's seems to be the best way to compare, along with by 10's for season totals 30, 40, 50.

It's not an exact way to compare power totals, but to quickly lump players together, round numbers seems to work

Ksyrup · 09-16-2004, 10:23 PM

It's the reverse psychological reason why products are priced at $X.99. Obviously, someone has proven that people think a product marked $9.99 costs far less than a product marked $10, to the point that they will sell far more products marked at $9.99 than $10, despite the virtually meaningless difference in price.

Reversing that, people see 700 and don't automatically say, "well gee, that's impressive, but 700 is only one more than 699." No, even if Bonds ends his career with exactly 700 HRs, that number will have a far greater impact on the psyche of the general public than Mays' 660 - greater than the actual 40 HR difference that really exists.

Draft Dodger · 09-16-2004, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

It's perhaps worth noting when it happens. I don't think it's worth it's own segment on Sportscenter for a week+.

ah, well there's your problem. stop watching Sportscenter. it's pretty much become what MTV is to music these days.

cthomer5000 · 09-16-2004, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

ah, well there's your problem. stop watching Sportscenter. it's pretty much become what MTV is to music these days.

I can't say i 'watch' it so much. It's just on while i'm on the computer for an hour each night. And sometimes I'll fall asleep with it on.

The show has been in the shitter for a long time.

KWhit · 09-16-2004, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aadik

I do however agree that 699 is as impressive to me as 700.

No, it's like 1 less impressive.

Draft Dodger · 09-16-2004, 10:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

It's the reverse psychological reason why products are priced at $X.99. Obviously, someone has proven that people think a product marked $9.99 costs far less than a product marked $10, to the point that they will sell far more products marked at $9.99 than $10, despite the virtually meaningless difference in price.

I'm not sure that's ever effectively been proven. I'm sure someone will have a link to prove me wrong soon though.

I do think there is something to the milestone thing in baseball. Fred McGriff has 493 homers. 500 (which, sadly, he's not going to hit) would just seem much bigger. probably (ok, arguably), those 7 homers are going to be all that stands between him and Cooperstown.

Ksyrup · 09-16-2004, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

I'm not sure that's ever effectively been proven. I'm sure someone will have a link to prove me wrong soon though.

I don't know that it's been proven, either, which is why I couched the statement like I did. We had a discussion about this once - must have been over a year ago, and I think QS (big surprise) started the thread. I know that I have caught my wife telling me that something costs $6 when the price is $6.99. I usually can't help but point out that it's really $7.

pennywisesb · 09-16-2004, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cthomer5000

It's perhaps worth noting when it happens. I don't think it's worth it's own segment on Sportscenter for a week+.

I completely agree, there is nothing more annoying than when ESPN interupts the game you are watching to watch the Giants game so you can see each of Bonds' ABs. I think that is stupid to be honest because you can always watch it later on Sports Center if it happens.

pennywisesb · 09-16-2004, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KWhit

No, it's like 1 less impressive.

Draft Dodger · 09-16-2004, 10:36 PM

I do think it's a cool milestone.
I don't think they need to break in to show each AB. for 714, yes.

Draft Dodger · 09-16-2004, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ksyrup

I know that I have caught my wife telling me that something is 6 inches long. I usually can't help but point out that it's really 7, even though it isn't.

wives are funny that way

cthomer5000 · 09-16-2004, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

I do think it's a cool milestone.
I don't think they need to break in to show each AB. for 714, yes.

ok, i'll accept that. when he's actually passing people on the all-time list, I can understand.

Ksyrup · 09-16-2004, 10:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

wives are funny that way

She doesn't get caught up in the numbers game.

Thank God.

JeffNights · 09-16-2004, 11:48 PM

Ok, dont mean to switch subjects, but how come fred mcgriff wont hit 500?

Draft Dodger · 09-17-2004, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JeffNights

Ok, dont mean to switch subjects, but how come fred mcgriff wont hit 500?

he was released in July; he was hitting .181 at the time, and he is 39 years old. I would love to see it, but I just don't think it's going to happen.

Johnny93g · 09-17-2004, 12:45 AM

I could care less....I dont cheer for guys who blatently cheat with steroids....and its obvious he does.....

Crapshoot · 09-17-2004, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny93g

I could care less....I dont cheer for guys who blatently cheat with steroids....and its obvious he does.....

and the troll brigade begins.

Draft Dodger · 09-17-2004, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johnny93g

I could care less....I dont cheer for guys who blatently cheat with steroids....and its obvious he does.....

thanks, doc.

Johnny93g · 09-17-2004, 12:47 AM

sorry for the dumb question, but what exactly is a troll?

Draft Dodger · 09-17-2004, 12:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aadik

and the troll brigade begins.

it took 28 posts. People who bet the Over on this one made a killing

Crapshoot · 09-17-2004, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

it took 28 posts. People who bet the Over on this one made a killing

dude, you know I waited for you.

and boy, does that post sound wrong.

Swaggs · 09-17-2004, 12:57 AM

I care. I'm a pretty big baseball fan, although I'm sure there are bigger on this board, and when the opportunity is there, I want to see the last inning of a no hitter, perfect game, 3,000th hit, or 300th win. These are things that are historical for baseball fans, that do not happen often.

Someone hitting 700 homeruns is an awesome achievement, that only two players in the 100+ years of major league baseball play have done. It is just an impressive historical feat, and the fact that you can semi-plan to watch something historical happen is pretty cool to me.

Draft Dodger · 09-17-2004, 01:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swaggs

Someone hitting 700 homeruns is an awesome achievement, that only two players in the 100+ years of major league baseball play have done.

but Did You Know®
only 2 players have hit 701 also?
and 702
and 703
and 704...

Swaggs · 09-17-2004, 01:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Draft Dodger

but Did You Know®
only 2 players have hit 701 also?
and 702
and 703
and 704...

Ah... but I bet, without looking them up on the internet, you cannot name them!

Draft Dodger · 09-17-2004, 07:26 AM

true, true.

gstelmack · 09-17-2004, 08:03 AM

My problem with this is that I was actually watching a baseball game (it doesn't happen often) between Tampa and Boston the other night. A real see-saw battle, tight game that the Sox end up winning 8-6. Boston got up 4-2, Tampa tied it, Boston gets a runner on base, Manny comes up to bat, belts a DEEP foul ball, and they cut away to a Bonds at-bat where he walks. We come back to find David Ortiz up, and turns out we missed a strike-out by Manny.

So I'm trying to watch an exciting game, and a key at-bat is going on where the guy at the plate nearly knocked one out, and they want to switch away to show me Barry Bonds taking a WALK? This is reason #73 why I don't watch much baseball.

Radii · 09-17-2004, 08:53 AM

As baseball goes, it's an important milestone. It doesn't make 699 or 701 any less important, but what's wrong with celebrating this guy hitting 700? Many of us have never seen an active player with 700 home runs, and those of us that have have only seen it once. I would love to be watching ESPN when they break to the at bat where Bonds gets 700.

I agree w/ Maple Leafs' earlier comments about celebrating new years or birthdays. Nothing at all changes on my birthday. I'm 1 day older than I was before, and the day after I'm simply one day older and it's nothing special. But that one day is a milestone that is celebrated.

I wonder if this was someone who was more well liked if anyone would be commenting?

FBPro · 09-17-2004, 09:10 AM

All I've got to say is *

rkmsuf · 09-17-2004, 09:15 AM

I don't care. If I got some royalties on each homer I might be mildy unapathetic.

KeyserSoze · 09-17-2004, 10:05 AM

I agree. Who cares the number 700#??? it´s just another homer.

LOOK !!!! It´s my 47th post. What a Milestone

All the forum has to celebrates

09-16-2004, 10:06 PM	#2
Draft Dodger Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Keene, NH	I'm just posting to say... "Hi Aadik" __________________ Mile High Hockey

09-16-2004, 10:12 PM	#6
Maple Leafs Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2002	I care. Sure it's only a round number, but it's still a pretty damn impressive milestone. I never thought in my lifetime that I'd see someone hit 700 HRs. __________________ Down Goes Brown: Toronto Maple Leafs Humor and Analysis

09-16-2004, 10:23 PM	#14
Ksyrup This guy has posted so much, his fingers are about to fall off. Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: In Absentia	It's the reverse psychological reason why products are priced at $X.99. Obviously, someone has proven that people think a product marked $9.99 costs far less than a product marked $10, to the point that they will sell far more products marked at $9.99 than $10, despite the virtually meaningless difference in price. Reversing that, people see 700 and don't automatically say, "well gee, that's impressive, but 700 is only one more than 699." No, even if Bonds ends his career with exactly 700 HRs, that number will have a far greater impact on the psyche of the general public than Mays' 660 - greater than the actual 40 HR difference that really exists. __________________ M's pitcher Miguel Batista: "Now, I feel like I've had everything. I've talked pitching with Sandy Koufax, had Kenny G play for me. Maybe if I could have an interview with God, then I'd be served. I'd be complete."

09-16-2004, 10:36 PM	#22
Draft Dodger Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Keene, NH	I do think it's a cool milestone. I don't think they need to break in to show each AB. for 714, yes. __________________ Mile High Hockey

09-17-2004, 12:45 AM	#28
Johnny93g College Starter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Toronto	I could care less....I dont cheer for guys who blatently cheat with steroids....and its obvious he does..... __________________ FOOL- Toronto Marlboros FOOL Classic Champions 2073, 2078, 2079, 2114, 2116, 2117, 2129, 2152, 2155, 2169, 2192 46 35 FOOL H- New York Giants World Champions 1914, 1928 BBCF: Notre Dame TML

09-16-2004, 10:10 PM	#5
Crapshoot Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Dec 2003	Actually- I agree. I think the round number bit is the easy way for Joe schmo- we always round up everything. I dont think 700 is a much bigger than 699- but it plays better.

09-16-2004, 10:15 PM	#7
Ksyrup This guy has posted so much, his fingers are about to fall off. Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: In Absentia	I think it goes deeper than just "fakes news stories created by reporters." After all, I don't know a single player who doesn't ask for the ball (when possible) after their 100th HR, 1500th hit, 200th save, etc. It's just a measuring stick. And round numbers are easy to rmember, so they stick in your mind. Personally, I don't think this particular story is getting all that much coverage. I think most people are waiting for him to hit 715, coupled with the fact that a lot of people can't stand him, while others think he'd only have hit 34 career HRs without the steroids he so obviously pumps directly into his head from the skin-grafted Don Beebe skull helmet he wears. __________________ M's pitcher Miguel Batista: "Now, I feel like I've had everything. I've talked pitching with Sandy Koufax, had Kenny G play for me. Maybe if I could have an interview with God, then I'd be served. I'd be complete."

09-16-2004, 10:21 PM	#13
mckerney Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	The reason I see is that round numbers provide a good quantitative comparison for players statistically. They may not be the best numbers statistically speaking to compare players, but they're easy enough to use. Homerun hitters are grouped by 100's of HRs, and it's easty to compare players on 400 HR hitter, 500 HR hitter, etc. Sure, maybe sabermetrically a better way to look at it might be plateaus of 376, 452, 527, but by 100's seems to be the best way to compare, along with by 10's for season totals 30, 40, 50. It's not an exact way to compare power totals, but to quickly lump players together, round numbers seems to work

09-16-2004, 11:48 PM	#26
JeffNights College Prospect Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Michigan	Ok, dont mean to switch subjects, but how come fred mcgriff wont hit 500?

09-17-2004, 12:47 AM	#31
Johnny93g College Starter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Toronto	sorry for the dumb question, but what exactly is a troll? __________________ FOOL- Toronto Marlboros FOOL Classic Champions 2073, 2078, 2079, 2114, 2116, 2117, 2129, 2152, 2155, 2169, 2192 46 35 FOOL H- New York Giants World Champions 1914, 1928 BBCF: Notre Dame TML

09-17-2004, 12:57 AM	#34
Swaggs Coordinator Join Date: Oct 2000	I care. I'm a pretty big baseball fan, although I'm sure there are bigger on this board, and when the opportunity is there, I want to see the last inning of a no hitter, perfect game, 3,000th hit, or 300th win. These are things that are historical for baseball fans, that do not happen often. Someone hitting 700 homeruns is an awesome achievement, that only two players in the 100+ years of major league baseball play have done. It is just an impressive historical feat, and the fact that you can semi-plan to watch something historical happen is pretty cool to me. __________________ DOWN WITH HATTRICK!!! The RWBL Are you reading In The Bleachers?

09-17-2004, 07:26 AM	#37
Draft Dodger Coordinator Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Keene, NH	true, true. __________________ Mile High Hockey

09-17-2004, 08:03 AM	#38
gstelmack Pro Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Cary, NC	My problem with this is that I was actually watching a baseball game (it doesn't happen often) between Tampa and Boston the other night. A real see-saw battle, tight game that the Sox end up winning 8-6. Boston got up 4-2, Tampa tied it, Boston gets a runner on base, Manny comes up to bat, belts a DEEP foul ball, and they cut away to a Bonds at-bat where he walks. We come back to find David Ortiz up, and turns out we missed a strike-out by Manny. So I'm trying to watch an exciting game, and a key at-bat is going on where the guy at the plate nearly knocked one out, and they want to switch away to show me Barry Bonds taking a WALK? This is reason #73 why I don't watch much baseball. __________________ -- Greg -- Author of various FOF utilities

09-17-2004, 08:53 AM	#39
Radii Head Coach Join Date: Jul 2001	As baseball goes, it's an important milestone. It doesn't make 699 or 701 any less important, but what's wrong with celebrating this guy hitting 700? Many of us have never seen an active player with 700 home runs, and those of us that have have only seen it once. I would love to be watching ESPN when they break to the at bat where Bonds gets 700. I agree w/ Maple Leafs' earlier comments about celebrating new years or birthdays. Nothing at all changes on my birthday. I'm 1 day older than I was before, and the day after I'm simply one day older and it's nothing special. But that one day is a milestone that is celebrated. I wonder if this was someone who was more well liked if anyone would be commenting?

09-17-2004, 09:10 AM	#40
FBPro College Starter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SE	All I've got to say is * __________________ GM RayCo Raiders-est. 2004-2012 Charter member of the IHOF-RayCo GM GM Tennessee Titans PFL 2011-2014 GM Tennessee Titans FOWL 2020-2025

09-17-2004, 09:15 AM	#41
rkmsuf Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2001	I don't care. If I got some royalties on each homer I might be mildy unapathetic. __________________ "Don't you have homes?" -- Judge Smales

09-17-2004, 10:05 AM	#42
KeyserSoze H.S. Freshman Team Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Spain	I agree. Who cares the number 700#??? it´s just another homer. LOOK !!!! It´s my 47th post. What a Milestone All the forum has to celebrates Last edited by KeyserSoze : 09-17-2004 at 10:08 AM.

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