Much like some were upset when Barry Bonds became baseball's career home run leader, another round of displeasure is sure to come when Alex Rodriguez passes the legendary Willie Mays this season on the all-time list.
While anything could happen, the Yankees slugger is now just five home runs shy of Mays' career mark of 660. Assuming Rodriguez ties and eventually eclipses Mays, Bonds is ready to applaud the accomplishment.
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“My godfather means the world to me. I love him to a T,” Bonds told USA TODAY Sports' Bob Nightengale, “but when Alex hits No. 660, I’ll be happy for him. Willie will be happy for him. Everybody should be happy for him."
Unfortunately for Rodriguez, there will be plenty of people unhappy with him considering his admitted use of steroids and role in the Biogenesis scandal.
The Yankees are not planning to pay Rodriguez a $6 million milestone bonus if he does indeed tie Mays this season because of his past issues with PEDs. Bonds says Rodriguez's past shouldn't overshadow his accomplishments on the field.
"Any time anybody in the game does something that's a great accomplishment, the game of baseball should celebrate that," said Bonds, per Nightengale.
"No matter what. Baseball is benefiting from that person's hard work, so baseball should at least celebrate.''
Whether or not he gets official recognition for passing Mays, Rodriguez will at least have one person in his corner. After all, nobody knows the scrutiny Rodriguez will continue to face better than Bonds.
"I can't wait to until he hits 660," Bonds told Nightengale. "I know I'll celebrate.''