Do you think that Sammy Sosa grabbed his practice bat by mistake? Was it the bat boy's fault that he distracted him?
Are the Cubs justified in suspending him for 8 games? Too hard on him...or not hard enough?
Im not a huge baseball fan but I really do belive that it was a mistake. I do question, why a 'practice' bat was brought to a game. If the at was only used for exhibition...to hit really far home runs, why would you even have it as part of your 'game' bats???
I can not blame the bat boy but he did ask for an autograph right before Sammy went to bat.
I think the suspension is a little harsh for a first time offender.
What are your thoughts??
LizD
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Re: Question for all you baseball fans....
I think b/c they tested all his other bats and they all came back clean then there is a very good chance that it was a mistake.
I think 8 games is a bit harsh, maybe 2 to get the point across!
Thrilled
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Re: Question for all you baseball fans....
I think that he is an absolute standard-bearer in this game, and for Major League Baseball in general, and he ought to be ashamed of himself. FH made a very good point: You are a major leaugue ball player. You ought to have the sense, maturity and responsibility inherent in that position to not even have a corked bat anywhere near the stadium. This game is totally out of control...the money, the egos....
Scoop
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Re: Question for all you baseball fans....
At first, I thought he was guilty but after they checked his other 70+ bats and found them to be all clean...I do think he made a mistake.
Guilty or not....unfortunately, this incident will tarnish his reputation & his accomplishments.
Lisa Rose
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Re: Question for all you baseball fans....
Thrilled...the same thoughts crossed my mind when the story first broke...Why the HELL would you have an 'illegal' bat anywhere near the stadium??? Thats Just plain dumb!!
nylisa
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Re: Question for all you baseball fans....
I agree with Thrilled. I understand that he uses the corcked bat during batting practice so that more balls will go into the stands for the fans but as a professional you should know that a mistake can take place and what happened to him is what could happen. I think MLBs suspension was right because it proves to all the players that no matter who you are or how much money you make, if something like this happens you will be suspended for a good amount of games.
Niecey
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Re: Question for all you baseball fans....
I just finished a conversation in my office about this. I am a huge baseball fan. When I first heard this I laughed and was astonished. After seeing his interview I do like how Sammy has owned up to owning a 'practice corked bat' and has admitted he screwed up, but I don't buy his story. Come on - they guys numbers aren't what they usually are, he's slumping and what are the chances that the first time he uses a corked bat in a real game - it breaks! Come on!
I think he totally screwed up/tarnished a wonderful career and it is really sad because this man is a role model to many.
I think that the suspension is adequate based on others who have done similar. He hasn't been the first person to get caught and those in the past have rec'd similar penalties. What stinks is what was a shoe in hall of fame career could have really been has been severely damaged!!!
Niecey
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Re: Question for all you baseball fans....
PS I was told the 70 bats were confiscated 3 innings later?? plenty of time for foul play!
Stacey1403
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Re: Question for all you baseball fans....
I agree with Thrilled too! The fact that they found nothing in any of his other bats does bode well for him, but how do they really know this has never happened before? I mean he has broken Roger Maris's record now how is that to be judged? I think the 8 games will surely make him cautious for future games
SomedayBride
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Re: Question for all you baseball fans....
I'm with Niecey, I do not for a minute buy the story. In batting practice, you're not really getting pitched to, it's more like they're tossing the ball to you, so there's no need for a corked bat. If you're really a power hitter, you'll hit the balls to the stands anyway. Besides, what's the point of practicing with something that's not really the equipment that you're going to use? Anyhow, I think that Sammy, and his achievements have brought a lot of fans to baseball, exposing him would be like a child finding out that santa clause doesn't exist. It would disenchant a lot of people.
shelzyp
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Re: Question for all you baseball fans....
Even if it was a mistake, it was a mistake that should have never happened.
If they did nothing about this it would open the door to even more 'mistakes' by other players.
MLB needs to set a presidence, becasue the next corked bat, we use the defense that it was a mistake and Sosa was pulled form the games, if they accpted his excuse.
smooch
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Re: Question for all you baseball fans....
You know, it's really too bad because I really like Sammy Sosa. I felt he was a genuinely nice guy who was good at what he did. I was so disappointed to hear what happened.
I am happy to hear his other bats weren't corked, but really, how can we prove he used them and this one was really just for practice? He can carry a few extra bats around but use only one in the games, and we wouldn't know the difference.
But I think Sammy is an honest guy, allbeit, not (apparently) the sharpest knife in the bunch, but I think he is honest. I think it was a mistake.
That said, he still deserves punishment. Any person who accidentally commits a crime is still punished, no? Maybe the punishment shouldn't be severe, but still should happen.
nycchic_24
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Re: Question for all you baseball fans....
Baseball is such a large part of my life due to my little brother and of course the YANKEES! I totally agree with thrilled on this. First off, why was he using a corked bat for anything?!?! Even if it just was for practice to to amaze the fans, I think its wrong. If you have talent, then you should have genuine talent. Secondly, I agree with what niecey said...they confiscated his other bats much later, anyone could have done anything if you get my drift? And last of all, I just thnk its horrible when we are trying to get our children of today to look up to heros again and our so called heros do this...this is not what baseball should be about.
IMO...the punishment wasnt enough at all. If by some chance he is innocent and it was a mistake then ok i guess but i think from the on set, him using a corked bat at any time is wrong. Not only for fans but hes sending the wrong message to our children of today.
A professional baseball player should know the difference from a cork, wood and aluminum bat...especially if they are his own...
I think he should have been suspended 10 games...that is MLB punishment for this rule...why should he get a lesser penalty b/c he is sammy sosa and he said it was a mistake...'sorry officer...the stop sign I went through...it was a mistake' come on...he knows his bats!!!
mishandgerard
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Re: Question for all you baseball fans....
I agree with NYLisa. You should not get special treatment, or a lowered sentance because he is sammy. Even if it was a mistake you still need to stand the ground that it is against the rules.
Wendy
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Re: Question for all you baseball fans....
Baseball is my passion and I have to admit that I was sorely disappointed in Sammy. Why he would need a corked bat even for batting practice is beyond me. He has a true talent and there is just no reason valid reason for him to do what he did. While I do not believe that sports figures should be role models, the fact is that they are. Sammy knows that and should behave that way.
That being said it is certainly not the first time that a baseball player or other sports figure has done something that knocks them off their pedestal (Darryl Strawberry anyone??). I am glad to see that Sammy was honest, but he shouldn't blame anyone but himself. He had to bat. His responsibility. End of story. I think that his suspension is deserved and appropriate. He could have been banned from baseball. Others have been. The shame of it all is that his past record will now always be questioned. That is too bad for him and for all of baseball.
