Bonds' record home run ball in Hall

Associated Press

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Now branded with an asterisk, the ball Barry Bonds launched for his record 756th home run nearly a year ago landed Tuesday night in the Hall of Fame.

The souvenir arrived in Cooperstown, N.Y., after a strange day of back-and-forth statements between its owner, fashion designer Marc Ecko, and the shrine.

"We are very happy to receive the baseball as a donation and not as a loan," Hall spokesman Brad Horn said. "We look forward to adding this ball to our permanent collections."

Ecko paid $752,467 for the prize in an online auction in September. Soon after, he asked fans to vote in an Internet poll on what he should do with the ball.

The winner: Brand it with an asterisk, to reflect the steroids allegations surrounding Bonds, and give it to the Hall.

After months of discussions, the Hall said earlier Tuesday talks with Ecko had "unfortunately reached an impasse." But then a few hours later the ball was at the Hall.

CHACON GRIEVANCE FILED: The players' association has filed a grievance over the release of former Houston pitcher Shawn Chacon.

Chacon cleared waivers and was released Monday, five days after a physical altercation with general manager Ed Wade in the clubhouse.

The union alleged Chacon was disciplined without just cause under the collective-bargaining agreement and terminated without just cause under the uniform player contract.

PHILLIES DEMOTE MYERS: Brett Myers, leading the major leagues with 24 home runs allowed and coming off the shortest start of his career with the Phillies, is headed to the minor leagues.

Myers agreed to be optioned to Triple-A Lehigh Valley (Pa.).

ETC.: Arizona put left fielder Eric Byrnes on the 15-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring. . . . San Diego recalled right-hander Clay Hensley from Triple-A Portland (Ore.) and optioned infielder Craig Stansberry. . . . Baltimore placed shortstop Alex Cintron on the 15-day disabled list and recalled Freddie Bynum from Triple-A Norfolk (Va.).