Bonds away : baseball mythology and the 2007 home run chase

In 2007, Barry Bonds hit his 75 6th home run, breaking Hank Aaron's all-time record for most home runs in a Major League career. While it would be expected that such an accomplishment would induce unending praise and adulationfor the new record-holder, Bonds did not receive the treatment typically reserved for a beloved baseball hero. The purpose of this thesis is to assess media representations of the 2007 home run chase in order to shed light upon the factors which led to the mixed representations which accompanied BOlTds ' assault on Aaron's record. Drawingfrom Roland Barthes ' concept of myth, this thesis proposes that Bonds was portrayed in predominantly negative ways because he was seen as failing to embody the values of baseball's mythology. Using a qualitative content analysis of three major American newspapers, this thesis examines portrayals of Bonds and how he was shown both to represent and oppose elements from baseball's mythology, such as youth, and a distant, agrarian past. Recognizing the ways in which baseball is associated with American life, the media representations of Bonds are also evaluated to discern whether he was portrayed as personifYing a distinctly American set of values. The results indicate that, in media coverage of the 2007 home run chase, Bonds was depicted as a player of many contradictions. Most commonly, Bonds' athletic ability and career achievements were contrasted with unflattering descriptions of his character, including discussions of his alleged use of performance-enhancing substances. However, some coverage portrayed Bonds as embodying baseball myth. The findings contribute to an appreciation of the importance of historical context in examining media representations. This understanding is enhanced by an analysis of a selection of articles on Mark McGwire 's record-breaking season in 1998, and careful consideration of, and comparison to, the context under which Bonds performed in 2007. Findings are also shown to support the contemporary existence of a strong American baseball mythology. That Bonds is both condemned for failing to uphold the mythology and praised for personifYing it suggests that the values seen as inherent to baseball continue to act as an American cultural benchmark.

Niagara Suspension Bridge Bank note, 1841

The Niagara Suspension Bridge Bank operated in Queenston in 1840. The bank issued notes in denominations of ten dollars, five dollars and one dollar, and featured a drawing of the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge, ten years prior to its construction. The notes are signed by the bank’s Cashier, Gilbert McMicken, and President, Joseph Hamilton. The bank failed a year after its establishment.

Bank of Canada Records, 1958-1989

The Bank of Canada first introduced Canada Savings Bonds during the First and Second World Wars. At the time, they were known as War Savings Certificates and Victory Bonds and were used to fund the war effort. In 1946, Canada Savings Bonds were used as part of Canada’s Postwar Financing Program. At that time, the government also introduced the sale of bonds through payroll deduction. Canada Savings Bonds proved to be very popular, providing investors with a convenient, flexible and safe investment. Over time the bonds failed to remain competitive with other low-risk investment options, and the high cost of administering the program called into question its relevance. An independent report commissioned by the government in 2004 recommended that the bonds be phased out, however, the government decided to keep the program and make some revisions. As of 2012, Canada Savings Bonds are available exclusively through the payroll savings program, while Canada Premium Bonds (introduced in 1998) are available through financial institutions, dealers and by phone.

Royal Bank of Canada records, 1973-1977

In 1973, the Royal Bank of Canada began construction on a new office in downtown Toronto known as the Royal Bank Plaza. The $100 million construction project consisted of two triangular office towers linked by a glass-enclosed banking hall. In addition to housing the Royal Bank of Canada’s Ontario headquarters, the Plaza included a two-level shopping concourse with restaurants and boutiques, as well as office space available for lease. The Plaza officially opened on March 10, 1977.

List tracing Details of Water Race to go through the Lands of Phelps, Clendinnan, Sanderson, Butler, and Chase

List (4 pages of printed material) tracing the details of the water race to go through the lands of Phelps, Clendinnan, Sanderson, Butler and Chase. This includes a copy of the following: the authority dated Dec. 22, 1829; a letter of encouragement dated Oct. 24, 1833; a transfer from Dittrick, Adams and others to the Welland Canal Company dated Dec. 6, 1834; a lease from the Welland Canal Co. to Adams and others dated Nov. 28, 1834 and the terms of the indenture dated May 24, 1847.

Canadian Bank of Commerce (vinyl cover), St. Catharines bank book of Welland D. Woodruff Esq.

Canadian Bank of Commerce (vinyl cover), St. Catharines bank book of Welland D. Woodruff Esq., 1915-1917.

Memoranda booklet (soft cover) compliments of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, St. Catharines Branch

Memoranda booklet (soft cover) compliments of the Canadian Bank of Commerce, St. Catharines Branch. Only one page has writing on it. It appears to be a shopping list, n.d.

Indenture of assignment of mortgage between Executors of the Zimmerman Estate and the Bank of Upper Canada

Indenture of assignment of mortgage between Executors of the Zimmerman Estate and the Bank of Upper Canada regarding Lot no. 4 in block O in the Town of Elgin – instrument no. 6360, May 14, 1858.

Letter to William Dickson of Galt from the cashier of the Bank of Upper Canada

Letter to William Dickson of Galt from the cashier of the Bank of Upper Canada, Toronto, Ontario. This letter informs Mr. Dickson that he has received a bonus on his shares of the Old Stock on the Bank of Upper Canada due to an act that was passed by legislature (3 pages, printed), Jan. 6, 1855.

Statement of Debentures lodged in the Bank of Upper Canada for Safe Keeping and for Collection the Interest

Statement of Debentures lodged in the Bank of Upper Canada for Safe Keeping and for Collection the Interest on them every 6 months, on the 8th of February and the 8th of August every year (handwritten), 1848, 1850.

Statement of Debentures lodged in the Bank of Upper Canada for Safe Keeping and for Collection the Interest

Statement of Debentures lodged in the Bank of Upper Canada for Safe Keeping and for Collection the Interest on them every 6 months, on the 8th of February and the 8th of August every year (handwritten). [This is a more detailed copy of the above item], 1848, 1850.