Some names achieve success but remain in the negative limelight. Barry Bonds is one such name, who did everything right but had enough opposites pulling him towards controversies. It also becomes visible in his strained relationships with his teammates and managers. Though there were parts everything looked good between him and the legendary Dusty Baker, there were moments when it fell apart.
An identical scenario occurred during the MVP race. And Baker’s decision to not back Bonds became a moment of conflict. The book Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds talks about this incident, adding another chapter to the distinct personality of Barry Bonds.
A Dusty Baker Decision Left Barry Bonds Unhappy
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Winning an MVP award is one of the colossal achievements of any MLB player. Barry Bonds had this in mind and wanted all the support. But when it did not come across, especially from the Giants manager Dusty Baker, Bonds was angry.
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On page 217, author Jeff Pearlman described the entire episode. It read, “Kent and Bonds both desperately wanted the MVP trophy—each for his glory, but also to deny it to the other.”
via Getty
Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants bats during 4-1 victory over the San Diego Padres at Petco Park in San Diego, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2004. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
Jeff wrote, describing what followed later, “Things turned especially awkward late in the season when Baker made his support of Kent known.” It displeased Barry Bonds, who already considered himself to be the MVP of the team. It was visible in his reaction when he said, “What do I care? Dusty’s opinion don’t mean shit.”
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Read More:- Barry Bonds Once Audaciously Threatened the MLB Commissioner with ‘Vacation’ Ultimatum Following MVP Snub
It opened up the problematic relationship between Baker and Bonds. The two were kind in the open, but off the camera, Baker remained critical of Bonds for his self-centered approach. It was the reason that made him choose Jeff Kent over him. But the story of conflict for the MVP did not end here.
Impatient Bonds Wanted an Early Answer
The MVP episode didn’t end with disagreement over MVP choice but took a different turn altogether. The competition grew between him and Kent, and Bonds wanted an early answer. He sent one of his representatives to the MLB office to know the winner days before the last announcement. It did not add to his cause, but he eventually came second to the National League MVP, Jeff Kent, by 279 points.
The entire episode did end up adding another controversy to his name. But it could not stop Bonds from winning the MVP title for three consecutive years from 2001 to 2004. He eventually finished his career with seven NL MVPs to his name.
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