Bonds’ ball lands in Hall
Now branded with an asterisk, the ball Barry Bonds launched for his record 756th home run nearly a year ago landed Tuesday night in the Hall of Fame.
The souvenir arrived in Cooperstown, N.Y., after a strange day of back-and-forth statements between its owner, fashion designer Marc Ecko, and the shrine.
“We are very happy to receive the baseball as a donation, and not as a loan,” Hall spokesman Brad Horn said. “We look forward to adding this ball to our permanent collections.”
A driver walked up the front steps of the Hall, handing over the ball and a letter from Ecko saying it was an unconditional donation.
Maple not the problem
Cal Ripken and Harold Reynolds don’t think maple is at the root of the recent broken-bat epidemic.
“I think they might be making a little bit too much out of it,” Ripken said.
Speaking on a conference call to promote TBS’ coverage of the All-Star selection show Sunday, Reynolds said the current bat models have more to do with shattered bats than the ash-vs.-maple issue.
“They don’t use as thick a handle anymore and the bats are a lot lighter. … The head of the bat is a lot bigger, and it’s going to break,” Reynolds said. “I don’t think it’s maple or whatever substance they might be using to make the bat. I think its more in the design that the players are using now.”
A management-union committee is investigating the bat issue.
Union files grievance
The players’ association filed a grievance over the release of pitcher Shawn Chacon, saying the team’s decision to terminate his contract was without just cause.
Chacon cleared waivers and was released Monday, five days after a physical altercation with Houston Astros general manager Ed Wade in the clubhouse.
Clearing the bases
The Arizona Diamondbacks put left fielder Eric Byrnes on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring. … The Baltimore Orioles placed Alex Cintron on the 15-day disabled list and recalled Freddie Bynum from Triple-A Norfolk. … Phillies pitcher Brett Myers agreed to be optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley. … The Tampa Bay Rays placed closer Troy Percival on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring.