Records are meant to be broken, but not like this.

Either set by a team or an individual, a record is a legacy, a mark of achievement and greatness against which all others are measured. Some records, like Cy Young’s 511 wins, are untouchable remnants from a bygone era. More recent records, like Trevor Hoffman’s 511 (and counting) saves, are still active and have not yet had their chance to settle deeply enough into history for a truly meaningful debate about their significance. But some records are transcendent. They symbolize a sort of legendary immortality that just somehow seems “larger than life.”

Maybe the symbolic component is rooted in our childhood fascination to do the impossible, like the childhood wish for a magical power recast in the context of our adulthood. Just think about the last time you watched someone throw a perfect game, the 1980 US Olympic Ice Hockey Team, the 2004 ALCS, or any other instance of someone doing the “impossible.” We know magic doesn’t really exist as it does in the stories we read as children, but sometimes something so special and so unique plays out before our eyes that for a moment we can all believe in a greater destiny.

Breaking Hank Aaron’s record should be one of these moments. All sports fans should be able to set aside team allegiances and celebrate the achievements of the record-holder, the record-breaker, and the sport itself. Barry Bonds has corrupted this moment and this record with a campaign of deceit. For Hank Aaron, breaking Ruth’s record wasn’t just about hitting homeruns. He fought a fight against intolerance and hate as much as he fought to pass the Babe. What is Barry Bonds fighting for? We deserve something better than Barry Bonds has to offer. As such, let’s use this opportunity to respond.

Our mission is to preserve the real legacy of Barry Bonds’ home run chase. We plan to purchase Barry Bonds’ 756th homerun baseball and simply place a large, red, conspicuous asterisk on the baseball before offering it to the Hall of Fame for display. We are not looking to profit, just quietly comment on behalf of baseball’s disgruntled fans. We believe this act will symbolize the sentiments of many. This collective act of civil disobedience cannot undo what has already been done to tarnish the image of America’s Pastime. But it can serve as a clean slate upon which new records can be written.

We pledge that 100% of your contribution will be used in our effort to purchase the * baseball and preserve the truth of this tainted record.  

Adding symbolism to your donation is priceless-
but if you had to tack a number on it, might we suggest...

And if it doesn't work

(*and don't go blaming them- we came up with this wonderfully awful idea ourselves)

© Integrity Solutions

   Design & Web Development by Kelly Cheatle, Greener Pastures Design & Illustration