Locals think Bonds cheated, won't be penalized, By: Justin Rodriguez

May 20, 2006

Is Barry Bonds a steroid cheat? Mounting evidence suggests that he is, and the San Francisco Giants slugger appears to be losing in the so-called court of public opinion.

Bonds had 713 career home runs heading into last night's game against Oakland and was poised to push Babe Ruth (714) into third place on the all-time list. A lot of fans and even some players aren't happy about that or the steroid allegations surrounding Bonds.

The Times Herald-Record put together its own local all-star team and asked them pointed questions about Bonds:

Mike Bertotti (1988 Cornwall graduate; pitched for the Chicago White Sox for parts of three seasons (1995-97)

Do you think Bonds took steroids? Yes. I personally faced him in the spring of 1998. He popped up to shortstop and when I came into the dugout I saw Robin Ventura. I said 'he looks pretty big.' Robin just kind of looked at me funny. He looked so much bigger than the year before.

Should an asterisk be put next to Bonds' home run totals? I don't think you can. You would have to go down the line and look at people like Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire. Everyone is entitled to their own personal opinion, but you can't put an asterisk next to 50 players names.

Will Bonds ever be penalized for his alleged steroid use? If they find evidence that is rock solid. Who knows what they will do, but Bud Selig hasn't been that active. He's opened an investigation, but he didn't do much in 1998 when people were talking about things with Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa.

Is Bonds being treated fairly by the fans? Here's the thing: 90 percent of fans think he is a liar, a cheat, a steroid user. They say things, but you go to games in Philadelphia, Chicago and New York and there are 10,000 more fans. If you hate him, why go see him?

Brian Golden (1984 Pine Bush graduate; played five years of pro baseball, including two years in the St. Louis Cardinals organization - 1988-89.

Do you think Bonds took steroids? My gut is that he did. I've never heard him in an interview say he didn't. He always evades that question. Look at how his body has ballooned. I still think Bonds is an unbelievable player.

Should an asterisk be put next to Bonds' home run totals? No. I don't know how you put an asterisk next to his numbers. A lot of guys are guilty of a lot of things. You can't go through everyone's baggage. I think Mark McGwire took steroids, too.

Will Bonds ever be penalized for his alleged steroid use? Hard question. I don't think so. I don't think you can penalize a guy for what he did three years ago.

Is Bonds being treated fairly by the fans? Yes and no. I don't like to see a syringe thrown on the field, but he has brought a lot upon himself. I think he has an ego problem and doesn't treat the media nicely, which doesn't help.

Mike Groppuso (1988 Kingston graduate; played in the minors from 1991-99 with Houston, Milwaukee and San Diego, reaching Triple-AAA)

Do you think Bonds took steroids? I think he took some kind of enhancing supplement, whether it was steroids or something else I don't know. He chose do something that made his body grow.

Should an asterisk be put next to Bonds' home run totals? Not unless he is found guilty of steroid use. There have been a lot of home runs hit in this era. Some people have admitted to using steroids, but unless Bonds admits it or is found guilty I say no.

Will Bonds ever be penalized for his alleged steroid use? If he's found guilty. But Bonds is still a great athlete, a tremendous hitter, even though steroids might be an issue.

Is Bonds being treated fairly by the fans? I think when you're in Barry Bonds' situation, when you make that type of money, people are going to make all sorts of comments. Positive and negative. He understands that and I don't think the personal attacks bother him.

Jay Monti (Sacred Heart pitcher; 2003 Marlboro graduate (2002-03 Sunday Record Player of the Year)

Do you think Bonds took steroids? From the stuff I've heard, you have to believe that he did. How old is he now? He is bigger than before.

Should an asterisk be put next to Bonds' home run totals? I don't believe so. They tried doing that when Maris got his 61st and it didn't work.

Will Bonds ever be penalized for his alleged steroid use? It's hard to say right now. People are trying to dig deeper to find the truth. Only Bonds knows the truth, and if he did use steroids I don't think he would admit it publicly.

Is Bonds being treated fairly by the fans? A few games I've seen the fans really come down hard on him. I think the press is starting to get to him.