Sammy Sosa's Corked Bat

[replode]

Dont know how many of you guys watch baseball, but did anyone here hear about Sammy Sosa hitting with a corked bat. It was really a surprise to me. questions, comments are welcome

[redViper]

yea, that was funny. and his excuse was even funnier!

[replode]

yeah, he said he accidently took the wrong bat to hit with, but why would he use a cork bat in the first place.:trout:

[reverendflash]

It's the same argument Albert Bell had a few years back...

"I use the corked bat in batting practice"

BS ... the bat doesn't feel any different, it just makes the sweet spot a little larger, and extends the fly ball about 10-20 ft (huge on big pop ups that are normally caught on the warning track)...

They are illegal, and I think he should be slapped big time. It is cheating, plain and simple. If Pete Rose is kicked out for betting on baseball, then Sammy should be kicked out for cheating...

JMO, but a strong opinion...

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[fester8542]

On the flipside Albert Bell was not half the athlete sammy is. I honestly believe that he addidently used the bat

[reverendflash]

I still say...

Cheat and get kicked out. Whether you "intentionally" did it or not...

If this were Barry Bonds, they would ask for his HR title, his batting title, and all 5 MVP awards back...

Sammy should at least be suspended for the remainder of the year. For no reason should an athlete at the Major League level cheat. A corked bat is for no reason other than to cheat.

again, JMO

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[fester8542]

It is possible that it was an accident.

It is true that he uses a corked bat in pre-game practices to smash balls out for the crowds. He had already said this numerous times in the past.

MLB players typically use whatever brand and weight of bat they like for themselves. Especially power hitters

It is more than possible that one of his practice bats got in with his game bats.

I have been wrong in the past, but im with sammy on this one.

(keep in mind that this is also rare because I am a redsox fan and we are the first to crap on anyone)

[mdipi]

i dont really like baseball, but when i followed it i remember how honest he always seemed to be, and nice. i think this could have been an accident. i mean its a one time thing you know? if it happend again then a suspension would be the right thing for sure

[mjULTRA]

I thought Sammy was innocent, but at his press conference, he admitted to guilt, and is willing to accept full responsibility. Doesn't sound like an innocent accident to me...

[reverendflash]

even using a corked bat in practice "to show off to the fans" is a cop-out. The fans don't want to see Sammy hit one out, if it is cheating to do so...

What if it came out that Jordan had springs in his shoes, some of the time? What if Tiger Woods used a club that got him another 10 yds off each drive?

It is still cheating... plain and simple. whether in practice, or in games, corked bats are illegal...

As I have said... if it were Barry, this would be all over CNN, and they would be calling for him to be kicked out of baseball. But because we like Sammy, we should let him off with a warning... What message does this send to the millions of kids playing little league? If they get paid $millions/yr, that makes them, at least on the field, a roll model.

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[Alex]

the bat broke

:)

[Alex]

or he sould only be allowed to play with a wiffle ball bat.

:P :P :P :P :P :P :P

[nobody]

lol.. i cant imagine what he did while he was playing
was he just like.. oopsie poopsies?

[Alex]

what a moment to be stuck in...

if that happened infront of that many people..

he should quit now, because he will be known as the cheater for the rest of his life

[nobody]

stupid besbol

[pinx]

so um, what's a corked bat?

i'm not a baseball person.

[mjULTRA]

its when the bats end is hollowed out, and filled with cork, to allow a lighter bat, therefore allowing a quicker swing, and supposedly more power behind the hit...

[telekinesis]

His bat was filled with cork, which is illegal in baseball because it helps you hit the ball farther than a normal bat. The bat busted open when he hit a ball, so he was pretty much caught cork handed.

[ Edit: ^^^ He beat me to it ] :P

[pinx]

that is the most retarded **** i've ever heard. corked bat. hahahahahahahaahah

[telekinesis]

ya i dont follow baseball either, found out about all this corky **** today :tie:

[pinx]

they're all freaks i tell you, all freaks.

[mjULTRA]

if you think a corked bat is the most retarded thing you've ever heard, then you havn't heard Sammy Sosa trying to speak english!

[pinx]

is he with the chicago cubs. the only reason i would know this is because my advertising teacher was their event planner.

[mjULTRA]

yeah, he was neck and neck with mcgwuire for the home run race/ratings grab a few years back...

[nobody]

on the radio they said that the corked bat would actually hinder your batting abilities..
i hate baseball so i have no clue.. just thought i'd share that

[mjULTRA]

yeah, so thats why professional athletes break the rules: as a hinderance to their own performance.com

oh my, i've been working too much - i automatically added a .com to the word performance! time for a vacation!!

[nobody]

ok.. so im dumb..


sorry.com

[mjULTRA]

haha xxviii

[nobody]

:P

[SureShot]

I think it's really sad to be honest. This guy has the million dollar smile, he was a great role model for the kids, he had a squeaky clean image, he runs hard to his postion before the inning starts... he just really couldnt do anything wrong.

Then his bat broke.

I really dont know what to belive. I honestly dont think he is a cheater but how can you be so sure now. I think back to the race he and Mark had a few years back and wonder "did he have a corked bat then?". Probably not. But now it's in the back of every baseball fans head and when he is talked about years from now - this inncedent will surley come up. Baiscly - he screwed himself.

[reverendflash]

he cheated!

He cheated on National TV!

He should be suspended for life!

Even if he just owned it, and never used it, it is still illegal to own...

Tuknuk:

if it were a Hockey player who's stick was curved too much, would you be so lenient?

He should be banned! Much worse than Pete Rose, and he is banned...

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[Alex]

i agree with rev.

but it seems like most of the "famous" people find their way out of mostly everything, either with money or something else.

but i have a feeling that his fans lost all respect for him.



---
Do you think that he was using a corked bat when he was in the home run race with Mark Miguire (SP)????

[mjULTRA]

Im not sure, but ol' marky was using muscle enhancers...

[reverendflash]

He admitted to doing so...

Now Sosa...

He should have to give back 1/3 of his salary for the past 5 years, only to a homeless shelter in Chicago...

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[Alex]

that would great, they should start doing that to every "star" that breaks the rules.

i agree!!
:)

[mjULTRA]

it'd be great if they started punishing professional athletes and famous people as if they were still normal citizens!!

[replode]

like Mike Tyson should be charged with cannabilism(sp) for biting Holyfields ear off. haha.

anyways, i think Sosa made a mistake, but he was asking for it. He should have never had a corked bat in the first place. Atheletes already get paid a lot, and there are people all across america that admire them, and being stupid sets a bad example.

[reverendflash]

Originally posted by Alex
that would great, they should start doing that to every "star" that breaks the rules.

i agree!!
:)

But it's not just breaking the rules...

Sammy cheated!

That, IMO, is the bottom line...

I swear, if you guys found out that 2A used a template to design their site, you would be talking of a lynching. It is the same thing. Sammy cheated. Sammy! ... Of all the people who don't need extra feet on the ball, Sammy!

Replode:
maybe not canibalism, but assault, violation of parole, back in the slammer, at least...



Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[Alex]

rev....


i totatly agree.

[UNFLUX]

i don't think he meant to do it. pretty obvious by his reactions
and statements afterwards. He was in total shock. I believe he
cheated, and should have been ejected regardless of intent. But
I don't believe for one second he's hit any hr's with a corked bat.

I'm not even a sosa fan really.

[reverendflash]

Unflux:

I can see your point, but he still used an illegal bat in play...

Just owning the bat deserves suspension!

There is no justifiable reason for Sammy to own a corked bat. None.

Even if he "didn't mean to do it" ... Doesn't matter. He had the bat corked, he owned the corked bat... He is guilty.

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[SureShot]

Hey Rev - I agree with you man, I never said he shouldnt be found guilty... I just said I have a hard time believing that he ment to do it.

I think he should be fined and suspended just like all the other ball players that have been caught in the past. No question.

I just just questioning his character and how he will be judged from now on... he screwed himself.

[Whippersnapper]

I love how this is such a big deal too a lot of people. I am just a casual fan or really not much of one at all, but I don't think it's such a dire situation as of right now. It's just one bat so far, and he has a fairly plausable excuse. I don't think owning a corked bat is illegal, using it is. I am waiting to see how those bats in the baseball hall of fame get x-rayed before making a decision, that this man is a cheater and will always be remembered as one.

[reverendflash]

Originally posted by Whippersnapper
I love how this is such a big deal too a lot of people. I am just a casual fan or really not much of one at all, but I don't think it's such a dire situation as of right now. It's just one bat so far, and he has a fairly plausable excuse. I don't think owning a corked bat is illegal, using it is. I am waiting to see how those bats in the baseball hall of fame get x-rayed before making a decision, that this man is a cheater and will always be remembered as one.

What if Michael Jordan used shoes that enhanced his game?

What if Tiger Woods used a club that enhanced his game?

What if you found out that Steve Young used some sort of goo that made him able to throw the football farther, or more accurate?

What if a soccer star used an implant in his shoes to get more accuracy on his shots?

What if it was found that Mike Tyson used something in his gloves that made them hit harder?

If you guys were playing a game online, and found someone using a hack to win, would you say "go away for a few games, then we'll let you back, no worried."

As I said, if this were Barry Bonds, it would be on CNN, and everyone would want all of his titles back.

There is no reason for anyone.... ANYONE... in the major leagues to own a corked bat, except to cheat.

That, is why it is a big deal to some of us.

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[ironzionmarley]

I agree with you that Sammy did intentionally use it. There is nothing wrong with using one in BP, but if you do use one you should make every effort to not confuse the corked bat with your game bats. It's obvious he meant to, but banning him for life. I mean come on dude. It's not that big of a cheat anyways, like you said an extra 20-30 ft. or so. I can see if he had a bat that once you hit it it automatically goes out., but lets face it, you sitll have you frickin crush the ball to hit it out. Yes, he should be suspended 10 games, amybe more, but not for life. You blowing it way out of proprtion. :tie:

[fester8542]

Originally posted by ironzionmarley
I agree with you that Sammy did intentionally use it. There is nothing wrong with using one in BP, but if you do use one you should make every effort to not confuse the corked bat with your game bats. It's obvious he meant to, but banning him for life. I mean come on dude. It's not that big of a cheat anyways, like you said an extra 20-30 ft. or so. I can see if he had a bat that once you hit it it automatically goes out., but lets face it, you sitll have you frickin crush the ball to hit it out. Yes, he should be suspended 10 games, amybe more, but not for life. You blowing it way out of proprtion. :tie:

Great point Iron...

I challenge anyone here (including myself) to smash a ball out of the Cubs stadium with a corked bat.

[reverendflash]

Like I said, if it were Barry, then you would want his resignation...

He cheated! I don't care if he threw a "spitter" or filed his spikes, or anything else. He is paid $millions each year to play by the rules.

If I did something illegal in my job, I would be fired. simple enough.

A cheat is a cheat. Regardless of how big of a cheat it is, it is still a cheat.

If it weren't that big of a cheat, then it wouldn't be illegal...

An example should be made of him. He knows better, and has an obligation to play by the rules. Even in "batting practice" cheating is frowned upon, if not considered illegal.

Also, did Pete Rose do anything to change the outcome of games? He is banned for life... Sammy cheated while playing the game... which is worse? Pete Rose wasn't even a player when he got kicked out (he was a mgr)...

As I said above, if Tiger Woods was found to use an illegal club, they would want all of his green blazers back, and he would be kicked off the PGA tour...

But since it is Sammy, we should let it go?

no way.

Cheating is cheating, and should be looked upon as a drastic measure...

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[reverendflash]

Originally posted by fester8542
Great point Iron...

I challenge anyone here (including myself) to smash a ball out of the Cubs stadium with a corked bat.

but we aren't talking of one of us..

This is Sammy Sosa... He makes $millions/yr to hit balls out of the park, legally. If your lawyer got you off by tinkering with the jury, then your judgement would be reversed...

Not a big cheat... that's like a little bit pregnant...

Thanks, I'll use that next time I get caught doing something slightly against the rules...

;)

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[fester8542]

Pete rose was poorly managing his team with ridiculious calls to throw games for inside betting purposes.

Pete rose big fat cheaterhead scale % = 100

sammy sosa big fat cheaterhead scale % = 15

Pete rose ruined a season....sammy messed up half an inning.

[reverendflash]

Pete Rose has never been found guilty of betting on any game he was involved in... He has never been found guilty, or even suspected, of throwing a game, or altering it's outcome.

And 1/2 of an inning can ruin an entire season (look @ game 6 of the World Series last year - we lost by one half inning)...

Baseball is a game of equals... same # of players, same # of attempts, same equipment available to all... Sammy changed that status quo.

If you can find info that Pete Rose threw even one game, please show it to me. For that matter, show me something other than he admitted to (gambling while a Baseball mgr)...

Michael Jordan admitted to worse ($2 million golf bet to "a friend" who happens to be a bookie?)...

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[reverendflash]

too true Philbo...

I agree...

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[pinx]

sometimes i cheat at stuff. i'm a horrible person.

[SureShot]

yes, yes you are :)

[reverendflash]

Originally posted by pinx
sometimes i cheat at stuff. i'm a horrible person.

but you don't get paid $millions to be a roll model...

;)

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[fester8542]

Originally posted by Phil Jayhan
Sammy also ruined something invisible phor millions of people, especially CHILDREN....It's called "Honesty and Ethics" and the idea that hard werk pays off vs. the idea that cheating is OK.

the damage goes phar beyond any season; it is done and now becomes eternal....It cannot be undone or washed out with an extra cup of TIDE.

just a thawt-
pj :P


I agree with you entirely philbo.

weither or not he did or did not cheat, he will always have the smear of this.

Its unfortuanite.

[reverendflash]

he shouldn't have cheated!

there should be a message sent.

cheat and get banned!

the only way to stop this stupidity from happening again...

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[ironzionmarley]

Sammy Sosa isnt paid millions of dollars to be a role model first of all. I guarantee you no where on his contract is there a "Role Model" 1,000,000 bonus. He is chosen to be a role model by the person who looks up to him. He is payed to play baseball, fairly and and legaly, which until recently he has been doin pretty good. People make mistakes. Remember when Alomar spit in the umps face. That doesnt make him a bad person, he just got fired up. Spitting in the umps face isnt legal (i think) and he didnt get banned for life. He didnt set a good example, he didnt get banned. The point is people make mistakes and should be given second chances. I mean, come on dude, its not like he killed someone, or raped 'em. He frickin enhanced his swing 30 ft. Punished yes, banned no. And if you got stopped and pulled over by a cop for enhancing your speed with NAS (however you spell it) he isnt going to ban you from the wheel for life.

Oh and by the way, not to personally rip you Rev, but please dont answer with another "If Barry...." "If Michael...." because thats the only point you seem to bring up and no, I actually wouldnt want MJ to give back his titles because even if he did use spring shoes, he could kick anyone's *** if he had a stub leg and broken hand.

Peace (sorry for the :trout: Rev)

[reverendflash]

But Sammy is paid to be a roll model. Not necessarily in so many words, but as a sports idol, he sure as heck is...

And, you aren't ripping on me personally, it was my statements (which wasn't the only point I brought up, I brought up several other cheating examples) ;)... and my what if statements are valid. I think Sammy is being let off easy. I think if it happened to Barry, he would be suspended, and the world would want his head.

Spitting in the Ump's face is not cheating. Corking a bat is cheating. You say Sammy played by the rules for a long time... How do we know this? Do you have facts, or are you just standing behind Sammy with Blind Faith?

Are you saying that if someone cheats, we should give them a second chance?

Sammy didn't make a "mistake" ... HE CHEATED! IN A REGULAR SEASON GAME! ON NATIONAL TELEVISION!

Would you want your kids who are playing baseball in the back yard to get that message?

And making the comparison to a "normal person" getting pulled over is dratstically different. I don't get paid to drive... Sammy gets paid a ton to play the game by the rules...

Bottom line is he cheated. He didn't "make a mistake." He paid someone to drill out a bat, stuff it with cork, then reseal the top and finish it, so no one would be able to tell the difference.

Look at it this way. He has a record of number of 60 hr seasons in a row. How many of those HR were hit with a corked bat?

As I said, if Pete Rose can be banned for gambling while being a mgr., then Sammy should be banned for cheating while being a player.

I appreciate your point of view, but a firm stand needs to be taken on cheating in Professional Sports.

What message are you sending to the youth of America, by saying it's okay Sammy, just sit out a couple of games?

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[ironzionmarley]

I feel so weird typing right now, I just got off my riding mower that i was on for 3 hours. Barely can feel the keys, kinda cool actually. Anyways, first i would like to talk about alomar. No he didnt cheat, but he did something very wrong. Pete Rose didnt cheat, but he did something wrong. Just because you dont cheat doesnt mean its not really bad, so your arguement about Almoar not being banned because he didnt cheat is totaly bogus. I'm getting tired of writing long messages, when i know that we are never going to prove the other one wrong (atleast in the other person's perspective), so why dont we all just stop arguing, and start loving. Dont hate, celebrate!:)

[reverendflash]

This thread is all about arguing. Sorry you want to bail. It is not about who wins, or who changes who's mind. It's about an exchange of ideas. This event has reprocussions through many different sports.

Now with that said,

When an Olympic athlete cheats, he is kicked out of the games.

when a lawyer cheats, he gets disbarred.

when a stock broker cheats, he goes to jail.

when a student cheats, he gets kicked out, or fails the course, or at least the assignment... and that's a kid, not a 35+ yr old man...

That is my point. He cheated, and should be punished as a cheater. Nobody else's punishment matters, unless they want to give the message that cheating isn't that bad...

If the next guy you compete against cheats, let me know how lenient you are then.

I know what you mean about mowing the lawn... although we never had a riding mower... just a motorized push mower... almost as big as I was...

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[dexa_007]

I find it ironic that a personality like Sammy Sosa would be caught in a pinch like this. He's garnered "role model" status because of his own admirable, voluntary behavior. In a society were athletic renegades get rewarded and "good guys" get thumbed, I've found Sammy Sosa to be a breath of fresh air. It takes guts and dedication to be a pleasant and ethical personality in this world. I'm sure he lacks perfection in many ways -- as we all do -- and is as open to temptation as any one of us. What's he doing with a corked bat in the first place? Beats me. I do know shot putters who work out with heavier and lighter shots; they have their good reasons. Does a corked bat serve any similar advantage in batting practice / training? Perhaps Sammy only knows that one. In the end, I think we can all learn some lessons from this. I'm all for rules and upholding pre-defined consequences for illegal conduct, but there must also be some room for reasonable interpretation. As much as Black & White seems appropriate, it's not always the best perspective. How can we make the most of this ordeal for the kids? We all make mistakes, yet we don't want to simultaneously and inadvertently provide the message that imperfect people are unaccountable for their actions.

I think this Sammy Sosa ordeal is unfortunate for all; but it can also be an opportunity to dig deeper and find ways to grow ... both for baseball and every fan. Wanna bet other players use corked bats without getting caught? Tons of 'em. Sammy gets nailed in what could be an unintentional event. Who really knows. I just feel we can get creative by using his positive past, combine it with this present mess, and somehow make it work in a positive direction. It's been done with others before. Dig deep. It can happen. :)

[reverendflash]

Dig Deep Dex:

What should the punishment be for disillusioning our youth?

j/k

seriously tho, what do you think should be Sammy's sentence?

just curious is all...

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[dexa_007]

Well, ultimately -- and if Sammy's the positive character he's thus far proven to be -- he'll step up and rectify the situation even more honorably than a mandated punishment possibly could.

What's baseball's policy on handling infractions of the corky nature? I'm not up-to-date on that one. But anyway, Sam should first openly accept a reasonable punishment, regardless of original intent or possible accidental use of the bat. [How far does honesty really go in our bloodthirsty trivia-crazed society anyway. Hmm. Hard to tell sometimes.] He should follow up by publicly addressing this ordeal ... and the subsequent importance of accepting reasonable punishments that accompany infractions. He can still preserve much of his image and also turn this into a working, positive experience for all. Will he do it? Will the powers that BE even allow such a response on his part? Not sure. But that's how I see something positive coming from all this.

Deep Digger Dex :beam:

[reverendflash]

Well, he has the chance to make it right...

we will see what happens I guess...]

Albert Bell got suspended for 10 games for using a corked bat...

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[dexa_007]

Yeah. It'll be interesting to see how he and baseball handles it from here on out.

Suspension for 10 games is MORE than reasonable, IMHO. There's still no denying the importance of establishing good rules and then sticking by them ... granted the policy makers and enforcers work from a compassionate and firm perspective. Sometimes it's a delicate and challenging balance -- especially since unique circumstances always seem to play into the mix. I wish they didn't, but they usually do. I'm speaking from experience. High school principal. We taste this stuff every day. It's never easy. A strict "black and white" mentality comes naturally for me, but it's not always appropriate. People are a complex bunch, often requiring tailored mechanisms to improve their lives. *sigh* But I do understand your views, Rev. I really do.

Jeff :tie:

[dexa_007]

:tie: This tie smiley just totally rocks, btw. :)

[reverendflash]

They gave him 8 games suspension...

IMO, a poor statement...

but... what can I do... it's still just a game...

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[SureShot]

Sorry to bring this back up but I reminded me of the whole situation


Remember when Alomar spit in the umps face. That doesnt make him a bad person, he just got fired up. Spitting in the umps face isnt legal (i think) and he didnt get banned for life.

I used to love this guy - he was like my 2nd or 3rd favorite player in the Majors, then he spit on the Ump. After that you couldnt pay me to take his autograph. I think he is scum because of that - fit of rage or not, you dont disgrace someone like that on national TV.

As for Sammy - his punishment was fair, if you compare it with all others caught doing the same. If you compare it with real life, than I agree with Rev - he should be kicked out. But as we all know by now... Sports are not real life and it doesnt look to change anytime soon. Sammy has to live with the fact that we all think he's a cheater now. Although he does have Millions and prolly doesnt care :)

[reverendflash]

I just heard he is appealing the decision...

How big is this guy's brain? a pea?

appeal...

pffft!

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[dexa_007]

Yeah. I think appealing is a bad move. Bad choice on his part.

I remember seeing Bill Romanowski (when with the Broncos) spit on another player. In my mind, there's a substantial difference between "infractions within the game" and the spitting thang. It's hard to get any lower than spitting on someone. :angry: Low man, low. I'm talkin' Limbo Low. Here's a case where "an eye for an eye" might be good. 14 points awarded to the other team AND all players and refs get to spit on the guy. Not sure I could do that myself, but it almost seems fair? :-\

Another possible resolution to the cork bat thing ... perhaps the other team should get to use a corked bat for the remainder of the game? And if you're in the 7, 8, or 9th inning, every run scored counts double for the offended team. (-:

[reverendflash]

He should have to give back everything above the league minimum for this year...

That would stop it...

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[dexa_007]

That might work too. Too bad it's always about the money though. I could live quite comfortably with half his minimum. :goatee:

[replode]

a lot of big atheletes say they dont care that much about the money, but that's usually bs. i think making someone who cheats be paid the league minimum is a good idea, except that someone who is paid squat and sucks is a more probable cheater than someone who doesn't need to cheat.:-\

if you made 3 million a year, and someone cut your sallery down to like 200,000 a year, that would hurt your lifestyle, but...

if you made 230,000 a year, and someone cut your sallery down to 200,000 a year, it wouldn't make much difference.

______________________________________________

IMO, cheating in sports or anything else is like drug use. people do it, and they know that there's consequences, but those consequences dont scare them enough, so they do it anyways.
just a thought.:smirk:

[reverendflash]

I agree.

How about they have to play in the AA League for the remainder of the season?

And the player's salary is the AA league's largest salary that year. Could be Millions...

not that they would ever do this...

;)


Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif

[reverendflash]

I just saw the commercial where they are measuring the distance of Sammy's, MacGwire's, and Babe Ruth's HR's ...

kinda has a diff meaning now tho...

Revhttp://www.aulman.com/rev.gif