Full Name : Barry Lamar Bonds
Born : July 24, 1964
Hometown : Riverside, California
Height : 6' 1
Weight : 236 lbs
Bats : Left
Throws : Left
Major League Baseball debut : May 30, 1986 for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Family : wife, Elizabeth Watson; Children, Nikolai Lamar Bonds, Shikari Bonds, Aisha Lynn Bonds
Primary Position : LF (Left Field)
Perhaps the most controversial figure in baseball history, Barry Bonds has been the media's greatest prize ever since he broke the single-season home run record in 2001. When sports fan think of Bonds today, it is hard not to associate his name with steroids. Should one of baseball's greatest sluggers be accredited for his accomplishments?
Growing up in San Carlos, California, Bonds excelled in baseball, basketball, and football. His playing capabilities on the baseball field were considered extraordinary, and as a result the San Francisco Giants selected Barry in the 1982 MLB draft. The two parties never reached a contractual agreement, and Bonds decided to go to college at Arizona State University instead of taking a job in the big leagues.
In the 1985 MLB Draft, the Pittsburgh Pirates took a shot at the young superstar and drafted Barry in the first round. He did not make his Pirate debut until 1986, and when he finally got the call up he did not hesitate to show what he was made of. In 113 games, Barry ended up jacking 16 home runs and swiping 36 bases. Scouts considered him a five-tool athlete, and there was no question that he was going to make significant contributions to the Pittsburgh ball club. He ended up finishing that season sixth in the Rookie of the Year voting.
Throughout his early years with the Pirates, Bonds put up phenomenal numbers, both defensively and offensively. 1990 served as one of his greatest seasons, as it was during this year that Barry won his first of seven National League Most Valuable Player Awards. After batting .301, belting 33 home runs, and stealing 52 bases, it was clear that Bonds could do it all. It was also during this season that he won his first Gold Glove Award and his first of many Silver Slugger Awards. Not many were able to match the exceptional skills that Bonds was demonstrating.
After the 1992 season, Bonds filed for free agency and decided to test the market. Surprisingly, the Giants offered him a 6-year, $44 million contract which he gladly accepted. Barry hoped to follow in the footsteps of his father and godfather who both played for the Giants during their successful careers. While in San Francisco, Bonds only continued to generate sell-out crowds. In 1996, he became the first player in National League history to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in the same season. His keen eye at the plate earned him a respectful on-base percentage, and at times pitchers were extremely fearful when facing him. In addition, Bonds eventually became the third player in major league history to get walked with the bases loaded.
Bonds' numbers did not seem to decline as he aged. After a stellar season in 2000, Bonds shocked the baseball world by belting 73 home runs in 2001, setting a new major league single-season record. Mark McGwire was the previous holder of the honor, and many never thought that any player would come close to the 61 home runs that were belted by Roger Maris in 1961. Barry finished the year earning his fourth Most Valuable Player Award.
While Barry continued to achieve success, suspicion began to arise. After noticing a substantial size difference in the athlete, many began to wonder whether or not Bonds was consuming performance enhancing substances, particularly steroids. Considering that Bonds' personal trainer, Greg Anderson, had been indicted for supplying anabolic steroids in the United States, the records set by Barry were not recognized as completely credible. On August 7, 2007, Barry hit his 756th career home run and broke the all-time record which was previously held by Hank Aaron. The ball that Barry hit has been branded with an asterisk to indicate that there was controversy surrounding the record.
After being indicted for perjury and obstruction of justice on November 15, 2007, there is no telling how Major League Baseball and Commissioner Bud Seling will handle the issue. Undoubtedly, it will go down in the books as one of the most debated. Should Barry be recognized for his accomplishments, even if he did consume illegal substances? There is no telling what the future holds for Mr. Bonds. However, after winning 7 Most Valuable Player Awards, capturing 8 Gold Glove Awards, and being honored with 12 Silver Slugger Awards, it is clear that Barry has had a significant impact in the game of baseball.
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