Hal Eisner's Blog

I'm not a real tall guy ... almost 5'10" but next to the Lakers new guy I'm a shrimp! Pau Gasol is 7 feet tall. Now, think about that -- I know -- I know -- basketball players are tall, but until you've stood next to someone 7 feet tall the enormity of it doesn't quite sink in.   

The first time I had this feeling was about 26 years ago. I had just come here from Texas as a correspondent for CNN. My first L.A. interview? Not a movie star ... no, not the mayor .. but, a basketball player -- Bob McAdoo! I had to stretch my arm all the way into the air in order to get my microphone up to McAdoo's mouth. 

I really look UP at these guys. Literally! They're amazing athletes! The height may be a big assist for the Lakers not to mention his skill on the court. But, besides being struck by Pau Gasol's height, I was struck by something else -- the respect he's already engendered. 

Norm Nixon told me he likes this guy. Fans couldn't stop talking about him. I was also struck by his friendliness, willingness to chat with a reporter he hadn't met yet and his smile. I caught up with him in a Staple's Center hallway. He wasn't expecting me.  First, he saw a photographer he knew -- he smiled. I told him there were kids outside who were excited about him coming to L.A. He smiled again.  It'll be fun watching him as the Lakers go for the gold! The purple and GOLD!

Okay .. talk to me! Did you want to see Barry Bonds make history here? Are you following his chase to break Hank Aaron's record?

Right now, we're at Dodger Stadium. Its the bottom of the 9th. The Dodgers are down 3 runs. The bases are loaded.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhh the tension! 

While we wait ... let me tell you about these last three days of tension. Photographer Armando Hernandez and I got the tough assignment. Go to the baseball game. Cover Barry Bonds Hank Aaron tying homer ... if it happens.

Tuesday, Armando and I criss-crossed Dodger Stadium. We tried to find anyone who liked Barry Bonds. A 14 year old told us he’s “a bonehead!” Another Dodger fan called Bonds “a jerk.” Tonight ... one teen called him "a jerk and a bonehead!" OUCH!

But, tonight something different. Lots of fans admitted they really hoped Bonds would hit the homer so they could see a little history even if they didn't like him or that he was the guy who would go into the record books.

Back to the game ... one run in ... Dodgers on second and third ... its 4 to 2.

Part of what made the Bonds phenom so interesting for some was the chance to dive for the big "glamour" ball that could bring big bucks. People out in right field (his usual target) had all kinds of plans.

We even ran into a few friends who had --- get this -- drawn up a contract on how to split any money that would come from the sale of it if they caught it.

Look .. everyone agrees the ball that marks homer #755 will be worth a lot. Who wouldn’t want it. Armando said he’d like to catch it. Heck – me too! But, love Bonds or hate him such a moment would be history.

As one Giant fan told me "It'll happen." It will somewhere -- someday! As for this week's Dodger-Giant series ...

Night One: Dodgers: LOSE
                    Bonds: NOTHING

Night Two: Dodgers: WIN
                    Bonds: NOTHING

Tonight -- Night three: (Game is over) Dodgers: Lose .. 4 to 2
                                                       
             Bonds: NOTHING!



So, what does Barry Bonds think? Its hard to know. I know this: Tuesday night he walked right by us. I said “How are you feeling?” He said … NOTHING!

Now, your turn for some thoughts ...

Right now, we’re on the 10 freeway. Behind the wheel – photographer Armando Hernandez. I’m in the passenger seat. We’re eastbound heading for Dodger Stadium.

Yep … for a third night in a row we’re on “Barry Watch!”

Tuesday, Armando and I criss-crossed Dodger Stadium. We tried to find anyone who liked Barry Bonds. A 14 year old told us he’s “a bonehead!” Another Dodger fan called Bonds “a jerk.”

Tough stuff!

Wednesday night we found out about all of the people who were hoping to catch a Bonds ball if it sailed out of the park. Lots of glove carrying fans told me they were going for it if it came there way. A few friends had even drawn up a contract on how to split any money that would come from the sale of it if they caught it.

Look .. everyone agrees the ball that marks homer #755 will be worth a lot. Who wouldn’t want it. Armando says he’d like to catch it. Heck – me too! But, love Bonds or hate him such a moment would be history.

So, what about baseball history so far this week?

Night One: Dodgers: LOSE
Bonds: NOTHING

Night Two: Dodgers: WIN
Bonds: NOTHING

Tonight … night three … its all or NOTHING if he’s to hit one out of Dodger because tomorrow Bonds and the Giants are in San Diego.

So, what does Barry Bonds think? Its hard to know. Tuesday night he walked right by us. I said “How are you feeling?” He said … NOTHING!