Editorial: When hard news takes a back seat
Friday, Sept. 4, 1998 | 11:32 a.m.
When a hallowed sports record is on the verge of being broken controversy follows, and the debate among fans can be more intense than anything seen on Capitol Hill. When Roger Maris broke the record in 1961 purists dismissed him for accomplishing this feat in a 162-game season because Babe Ruth established the record in a season lasting just 154 games. McGwire, who is leading Sosa in the home run derby, is no exception to controversy. He has acknowledged using a nutritional supplement to help build muscles which, while legal in Major League Baseball, has been banned by the National Football League and the International Olympic Committee.
Another debate is whether, if McGwire or Sosa breaks the record, the fan retrieving the ball should cash in. But considering how wealthy players are, no one should lose any sleep if a bleacher bum catching the ball makes a profit, hitting baseball's version of the lottery. The Home Shopping Network is offering a minimum $250,000 bounty for the fan who catches the 62nd home run, saying it ultimately will donate the ball to baseball's Hall of Fame.
At the start of the baseball season knowledgeable sportswriters suggested that America's pastime might be past its prime. Baseball still has its share of problems, but the pursuit of Maris' record has re-energized the sport. The home run derby has put fun back in the game, something that has been missing for too long.
archive
- Most Read
- Discussed
- Most E-mailed
- Corrections officer with Metro killed in U.S. 95 crash
- The pull of a drug, a push to the brink
- Was there an ulterior motive in parking the stripper-mobile?
- Harry Reid’s hopes hitched to health care reform bill
- Reid clears major health care hurdle, daunting weeks ahead
- Notebook: The Shark and LJ circle
- CityCenter hotel welcomes new employees with gala
- Politicians waste no time spinning latest jobless numbers
- Forrest Griffin writes his own ending at UFC 106
- Willis makes big difference in UNLV’s 78-69 victory
Blogs
Culture and Entertainment
UFC 106 walk-in music: Griffin changes his tune, secures win over Ortiz
The Kats Report
For props, Lewis Black needs only his manic delivery and torrid material (8 Comments)
Elsewhere
Sands China raises $2.5 billion in Hong Kong IPO (2 Comments)
Marquardt v. Sonnen scheduled for UFC 109
Bloggity, Bloggity, Bloggity
Will a fourth consecutive title by Jimmie Johnson be good or bad for NASCAR? (4 Comments)
Top Chef: Las Vegas
The Jet Stream: And then there were four
Top Chef Episode 12: On keeping it simple
- Live chat
- Tuesday, noon PST
- Chat with Krista Creelman
- Problem Gambling Center executive director Krista Creelman will answer questions about gambling addiction from Las Vegas Sun readers from noon to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. ... Submit question
Calendar »
- 23 Mon
- 24 Tue
- 25 Wed
- 26 Thu
- 27 Fri
-
The Automatic Tour at The Square Apple
The Square Apple
-
Football specials at Diablo's
Diablos Cantina
-
Rhumbar presents Pink Sugar Mondays
The Mirage Hotel and Casino
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
Technorati













