Michael Ventre

What struck me about Barry Bonds’ appearance in a San Francisco federal court on Friday morning is that he looked a lot bulkier than the usual defendants. Ordinarily, when a target of federal prosecutors appears, he looks like an average guy. But Bonds seemed bigger, stronger, heftier. It was as if he prepared to enter his “not guilty” plea by consuming large quantities of flaxseed oil and arthritis balm.

But aside from that, there was also the recognition that, while there is great debate about Barry’s predicament, it still seems jarring to see the home run king, a man who was once the most feared batter in the game, entering court to defend himself on serious charges. Of all the uproar over steroids and performance-enhancing drugs in sports today, this might have been the most sobering moment of them all.

Marion Jones’ tearfully repentant press conference? That was anticlimactic. She had been building to that eventuality for some time. Anyone who followed her sorry saga viewed that display as an alternate ending to be included on the special edition DVD.

The performances of Mark McGwire and Rafael Palmiero before Congress? McGwire was sadly unconvincing, while Palmiero was defiantly mendacious. Besides, neither was at the point in his baseball career where a comeuppance was startlingly significant.

But Bonds is fresh off his assault on Henry Aaron’s career home run record. Bonds may even play in 2008, if he can find a sucker. This player’s turnabout was rapid and jolting. One minute he’s trotting around the base paths in uniform soaking in the restrained adoration over a tainted achievement, the next he’s making his way through a mob of media at a courthouse. It’s a tragic turn of events, even if he isn’t found guilty of the charges.

Bonds faces federal charges Bonds pleads not guilty to 5 federal charges Ventre: HR king isn't so fearsome anymore Bonds wants to play somewhere in 2008 Robinson's widow: Don't condemn Bonds yet Opinion: Blame Bonds’ ego for this mess TODAY: 756 ball buyer to put asterisk on it Ex-trainer Anderson 'never going to testify' Ventre: Bonds targeted by witch hunt? Please   Opinion: Goodbye . . . and good riddance

The pursuit of Aaron by Bonds and the chase of Bonds by federal prosecutors unfortunately are inexplicably linked. Baseball is the nesting ground for both controversies. It was difficult to look at Bonds belting home run after home run in his quest for immortality without having a sense of foreboding for both the game and the slugger himself, that someday the piper would have to be paid. It was troubling to see Bonds in court and realizing that that day is here.

Friday’s hearing may have marked the end of Bonds in uniform. From now on, the images of him in his dark suit, surrounded by his entourage of family, friends and attorneys, walking awkwardly through the lobby of a federal building or into a courtroom, will supplant the ones of him staring after baseballs as they clear fences.

At 43, his skills have eroded anyway, but it will be a desperate team indeed that signs Bonds for 2008. There isn’t a equipment manager in sports who can handle all of Bonds’ baggage.

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