“Barry’s wife came over”: Angels Legend Admits Physical Fight With Barry Bonds Before Alex Rodriguez was Forced to Take Big Step

Home/MLB

BySaurabh Saini

Jul 2, 2023 | 9:15 AM EDT

Link Copied!

Torii Hunter is another big name in the MLB circle. The right fielder played for over a decade in the league after debuting in 1998. Hunter claimed many records and was also a part of the all-star teams five times in his career and did a magnificent job on the field. During one such outing, the former Angels star also stopped a home run from Barry Bonds.

Given everyone had an eye on the game, Hunter’s effort became the highlight. Though, everyone thought it to be an ordinary effort from the fielder. But recently, Hunter shared an insight that propelled him to do the unthinkable in the game. It all started with a fight with Bonds ahead of the all-star game, which Alex Rodriguez witnessed.

Torii Hunter fought with Barry Bonds ahead of the All-Star game!

Article continues below this ad

All-star games are one of the most awaited games in the MLB. The same was the case when the American and National League stars met in the 2002 All-Star Game. But an incident before the game also played a part in the affair on the field. Torii Hunter was involved between the two. Recently, he gave an insight into both incidents as a guest at The Pivot Podcast. Hunter was asked about his catch that stopped the home run from Barry Bonds.

Reflecting on the story behind making an extra effort, Hunter shared, “So the day before that, we were at the Hotel in Milwaukee. I think Barry was walking in the front, and my brothers were walking coming off the elevator. He was going on the elevator, so there was a crossing path. And my brother was like, What’s up? Very am I doing? And I think he kind of went like this, right?”

He then shared that his brother and his friends did not like this reaction from Bonds. Hunter added they wanted to jump in for a fight with him, which brought a lot of heat at the end. He said, “Berry’s wife came over and calmed the group down.” The 5x All-star also talked about the crucial role Alex Rodriguez played.

He shared, “And I think A-Rod came over and saw the situation and bought them drinks or whatever.” Though the situation improved, it changed the vibe of Hunter, who took this with him in the All-Star game. When Barry Bonds hit a ball, Hunter saw it as an opportunity to claim the win and was successful in it.

Article continues below this ad

It was a notable moment for the Hunter, who continued to shine in his career and had a great time at the Angels.

Hunter was impactful for the Los Angeles Angels!

Though Hunter played for different teams in his career but had one of his best seasons with the Angels in 2012, the right fielder averaged over 0.300 and scored 81 runs. He also had 16 home runs and 92 RBIs to his credit at an OPS of 0.817. He also recorded the best WAR of 5.5 in his career that season.

Article continues below this ad

Watch This Story: MLB Legends who are not in the Hall of Fame

Hunter was a complete figure on the pitch, continuing his exploits from the All-Star game, which remains another big highlight of his career. How do you see this entire episode? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments below!