Ethically odd...

So here's my thing: I was reading a bunch of the Bonds stories this morning and clicked on Henry Schulman's from the SF Chronicle (below). I don't know what to make of it: It's almost, kinda the P word. Or is it? I don't know, but it had me thinking.

Obviously, the lede is a play on the great radio call of Hank Aaron's 715th (by Marty Brennaman, right?) But only a real baseball fan would know that. It's not credited anywhere, I don't believe. Is this a tribute or not?



NEW KING OF SWING
Bonds' HR moves him past Aaron

Henry Schulman

There's a new home run champion of all time, and it's Barry Bonds.
Is he the greatest home run hitter of all time? All who cherish this game will have to search their hearts and answer that question in their own way. But the number is not open to debate, dispute, praise or scorn. The major-league record is 756, and Bonds owns it.

 

It's not plagiarism because no announcers own words. It's a play on the call, perhaps, but that's it. You don't need any credit to use it.

 

Not even close to plagiarism.

 

Somebody owns the words, right?

 

Milo Hamilton


My favorite part of Milo's call is that, just before the pitch, he said: ``He's sittin' on 714 ...''

 

I've always enjoyed writers who offer a little something extra in their stories, perhaps a phrase that has deeper meaning or gives a nod to another related event. Like announcers, I'm sure Henry and the other Giant beat writers have been toying with their ledes for the moment in the past few months. He's focusing on the number, not the man, while acknowledging Hank Aaron without mentioning his name. I think it's good work.

 

Have you ever read a story that said, "The Blanketies win the pennant!"

 

No. Thank God.

 

I can't believe what I've just read.

 

Go crazy, folks, go crazy!

You'll have to be to think this is plagiarism!

 

Don't say "Holy cow!" or Undead, Still Drunk Harry Caray will fuck you up.

 

extremely well played