Despite Troubled Father-Son Relations, Barry Bonds’ Left Field Choice Was Inspired by a Lifelong Family Desire: “My Dream..”

In typical situations, children tend to emulate their parents as they grow up, observing them and aspiring to follow in their footsteps. Even legendary figures are not immune to this phenomenon. MLB’s most controversial figure, Barry Bonds, even used to idealize his father and wanted to follow his marks despite their bitter relationship. Moreover, he was fond of another person- his Godfather, Willie Mays.

Bonds has grown up watching his father and godfather play in different positions in the same team. So, naturally, as a young boy, he had dreams of joining them. In an interview, this powerful hitter opened his mind and discussed his choice to be a Left-Fielder, following the footsteps of them. 

Barry Bonds’ Secret to Become a Left Fielder

Barry Bonds might be one of the most controversial characters in the baseball world, but his skills and contribution to the game can’t be overlooked. However, Barry Bonds was a left-handed hitter and outfielder, and in an interview with Joe Fonzi in “Sit down interview with Barry Bonds,” he revealed his secrets of being a left-fielder. 

This 7xMVP was asked about his joining the San Francisco Giants in 1993, and in reply, he said he got offers from several teams, including the New York Yankees, but the reason he joined the Giants was the home-like atmosphere, where his childhood dream came true. 

The legend said, “As a child, I had my godfather Willie, and I had my father both on the same team. My godfather played centerfield, and my father played right field. And my dream was to have the opportunity to play left field and actually really play in the same outfield with both of them. I didn’t know the age gap at the time.” So, when he got the opportunity to join a team where Willie Mays was the face of the team, and Bobby Bonds was the Hitting Coach, he couldn’t refuse the offer.

Though the SF Giants slugger wanted to become like his father, the father-son duo didn’t share a loving and caring bond.

Barry Bonds’ Complicated Relationship With Father Bobby Bonds

In MLB’s history, fans have seen multiple great father-son duos, but Barry and Bobby Bonds will remain an exception. These legends never share a loved bond. Even though Bobby played the role of hitting coach and mentor to his son, Barry disliked his his father on some occasions. However, their mutual respect was always intact.

Also Read: Bobby Bonds’ Declining Career Took Tremendous Toll on Young Barry Bonds Looking as He Struggled in His Father’s Shadow

Despite his hatred and anger towards his father, Bonds Sr. created an unwashable impact on his son’s mind that the Bonds Jr. couldn’t deny throughout his career. 

Do you think Bobby Bonds was an ideal inspiration for Barry to become what he is now? Share your thoughts with us.

Watch the Story: MLB Legends Who are Not in Hall of Fame