Gilbert Arenas: The Right Thing To Do

We've taken some heat for our post supporting Mark Ecko's affinity for balls.

Seems like we aren't the only ones who thinking branding the ball is a bad idea.

From 100%_Injury_Rate, looks like Gilbert Arenas is not thrilled with the idea either. And it looks like the Hibachi is trying to do something about it.

"But anyway, the gist of how Gil feels about the ball is simple. Here's some of what Agent Zero said:

"It's history," Gil began. "It's still history. I mean, the guy's a man before he's some big slugger. I mean, how you just going to take what this man's done for his career and, as another man, say 'Hey, you were accused of this, you allegedly did this, I want to take this away from you.' I mean, what if we took away your Ecko company? "

All this puts us in a conundrum.

We support Ecko's right to handle balls.

But we also think that Arenas makes a strong case for not permanently scarring the historic artifact.

Compromise is the solution.

Allow Ecko to make himself up with some nice red lipstick and kiss Bonds' ball, leaving a non-permanent mark.


Problem solved.

Bonds: Ball To Be Branded

As the Giants and Bonds sever their relationship, it has been announced that the buyer of Bonds' record breaking home run will brand the ball with an asterisk and send it to the Hall of Fame.

Certainly, on initially being informed, we found this to be a distasteful act. Regardless of one's personal feelings about Bonds' accomplishments, defacing what may well end up being one of the most important pieces of baseball memorabilia seemed like a selfish act.

But further reflection and investigation led us to understand that this is something that the renowned baseball fan and historian -fashionista Mark Ecko- feels compelled to do based on his legendary involvement as a fan and as an activist in campaigning for the integrity and sanctity of the game.

As with most male fashionistas, his self expression is best exemplified through artistic contribution. Therefore, it seems logical for him to handle a ball as the object and target of his passion. Of his passionate act.

Certainly, what must be most troubling for a super fan and baseball guy like Ecko, is the media coverage of the event.

Ecko went the low key route of asking internet friends what they would like him to do with the ball. Somehow, through no effort or initiative of his own, it became a highly publicized event. Ecko simply wanted to get some opinions on how best to show his personal belief that Bonds' record was tainted. And, much to his chagrin, this turned into a media carnival which put Ecko in the news more than he probably ever had been. And brought him to sports media outlets probably for the very first time.

So, unfortunately, what was initiated as a passionate and individual statement about a fashionista's personal and intimate feelings for a ball, was turned into a cheap stunt by the every meddling media.

We feel compelled to stand up for Mark Ecko, baseball fan and guardian of the game.

This wasn't about publicity. This wasn't about the Ecko brand.



This was about a fashion designer's passion for balls.