by Dan Dechenaux

Created on: April 27, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2008

Hang up your cleats, Barry, the time is now. Actually, it is overdue.

First of all, nobody wants you anymore. Are General Managers banging on your door? Is the phone ringing off the hook? Is it ringing at all?

Certainly you heard the boos on your last tour. Only the Giants gave their support. Now, even they have hung up the phone.

You see, Barry, there are those who don't feel you deserve to hold the most precious record in sports. Like it or not, they doubt that you attained it through natural ability. Continuing to play is not going to change their minds.

Let's say that doesn't matter. Let's say you come back for the glory of winning a world series championship. That's certainly an admirable goal. To take it one step further, let's say you win the championship and you are the most valuable player. What will it mean if they they still don't believe?

Oh, you say, they don't matter. You will have done it for you. You will have the self satisfaction.

This is the most important part, Barry. This is the part that you should really think about as you are making your final decision:

Imagine this, it's game seven, bottom of the ninth,"now batting Barry Bonds." BOO!

Here's the pitch. Ball one. BOO!

Here's the second pitch. Ball two. BOOO!

Here's the third pitch. "It's a long drive Back, back, back back...gone!

BOOO! All the way around the bases.

Do you really, need that, Barry? What would be the point? Why not just take the money and go home? That would be the logical thing.

But you won't do that, will you Barry? You won't give them the satisfaction. After all, they don't really matter. What matters is Barry Bonds. National League Home Run champion, Major League Home Run champion, World Series Home Run Champion. Isn't that right?

Second of all, there are those who insist that wouldn't happen anyway. They say you haven't won till now primarily because of what has gone on in the clubhouse. They doubt your ability to lead a team to a championship.
You can go quietly now , Barry. At least as quietly as you are ever going to be able to. Take the chance, do it while it is still an option.

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