Baseball Legend Barry Bonds Once Downplayed His Role in Keeping the Giants in San Francisco Shortly Before Receiving a Top Honor

Barry Bonds is a polarizing name in the baseball community. However, his PED scandal left a stain on his otherwise iconic career. The choice he made continues to be unforgivable to many, yet there exists a generation of MLB fans who still regard him as an enduring icon. Back in 2015, he won back some supporters with a touching statement downplaying his role with the San Francisco Giants.

The Giants had a real chance of leaving San Francisco, but with several factors, including Bonds’ play, the team managed to stay put. The home run king stated some prominent figures and the entire team behind Giants’ staying.

Barry Bonds won hearts!

In the early 90s, Giants were rumored to leave San Francisco, with Tampa Bay the preferred destination. But Peter Magowan bought the team and managed to keep it in the Bay area. In the 2015 interview with KTVU’s Joe Fonzi, Barry Bonds downplayed his role in keeping the Giants in San Francisco while lauding the community and Magowan for their efforts. The interviews occurred shortly before he was inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame. Bonds made a truly touching statement while paying homage to the people who fought for the team.

During the interview, Bonds said, “I think the Giants coming here in ‘58 started it and I’m glad to be participating in it. The ballpark, we all built that ballpark.” He further said, “So remember when Peter Magowan and Harmon and all the guys were fighting to keep the team in San Francisco, they just signed me. If I didn’t play as well, we don’t know what would happen. But they still fought, the city and the community actually fought to want to keep it here. I’m just glad to be a part of it and make it something special here. Because it deserves to be special here.” 

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Furthermore, he played for many years in San Francisco and has a special place in his heart for the team. But that special connection goes back many years for Bonds.

Bonds has a special connection to San Francisco

Although born in Riverside, California, Barry Bonds spent many formative years in San Francisco. The reason being his father, Bobby Bonds and godfather, Willie Mays played for the Giants. This left a huge impression on him, leading him to snub the New York Yankees in favor of the Giants. Furthermore, the home run king had many glorious years while playing for the San Francisco-based team. 

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Barry Bonds has played a massive role in the San Francisco Giants’ history. But he downplayed that while focusing on what the community and other important figures achieved. What do you think about his statement from 2015?