SF Giants legend Barry Bonds reflects on first season in San Francisco
Barry Bonds, former SF Giant and power-hitting legend, stopped by the Giants' broadcast booth during Saturday evening's game against the Texas Rangers to talk about returning to San Francisco to play for his hometown team in 1993.
"It's not easy to come back home and have to deal with that kind of pressure in Dad [former Giant Bobby Bonds] and Dusty [Baker] and everyone you grew up with is right there." Bonds told Duane Kuiper and Mike Krukow. "It was my dream as a child to play left field. That was it. I wanted to complete that circle with... my Dad in right, my Godfather [former Giant Willie Mays] in center, and be in left field, and I got to do that. So it was awesome."
Bonds' father, Bobby Bonds, was a Giant for the first seven years of his successful career, earning all three of his Gold Gloves in the outfield with the team. Of course Bonds' godfather, Willie Mays, is the Hall of Famer, two-time MVP, 24-time All-Star, 12-time Gold Glove, World Series champion outfielder, to name a few of his accolades. Dusty Baker, though entering his first year as a manager in 1993, had no short resume either; sporting a championship ring, two Silver Sluggers, two All-Star appearances and a Gold Glove of his own. Needless to say, despite spending seven fantastic years in Pittsburgh, including two MVP seasons, Bonds felt he had a lot to live up to.
"For me coming back home... having that first at-bat, hit a home run, kind of broke the ice for me," Bonds shared. In his debut as a Giant at Candlestick Park, the team's home prior to Oracle Park, he blasted a home run to the second deck, announcing his arrival to Giants fans.
Bonds went on to have an incredible season in 1993, hitting 46 home runs and earning a Silver Slugger, Gold Glove, All-Star nod and MVP award. The Giants, though they won 103 games that season, did not make it to the postseason, getting ousted by 104-win Atlanta. The next year, many believe because of this '93 Giants team, the Wild Card was instituted, and MLB's postseason format was changed forever.
When asked about the pitch clock, another big change to the game that baseball players from past eras have varied opinions on, Bonds admitted that overall, he's a fan. "I just wish it was a little bit longer, like at least five seconds or so longer. I think it's a little too short... But I do like it." For someone like Bonds, who was always ready in the batter's box, if his 762 home runs are to show for it, the pitch clock would likely not get in his way at all.
But as for playing today? Barry Bonds was quick to share with Krukow. "No, I don't [miss playing]. I really don't, Mike. I mean, I gave 22 years. You know, your body can only go so far, and I don't miss it. I'm just glad I got the opportunity to play it."
