Barry Bonds is clearly one of the greatest hitters that the game has ever seen. But the superstar’s career in the Major League was often marred by his contact with the media. While being a nightmare for every pitcher, the SF Giants legend did little to carry his legacy as a player in the media as well. And a new story uncovers the various sides to Bonds’ stardom.

Bonds, while never truly a media darling, was always hailed for his baseball prowess. In fact, the undisputed home-run king actively dissuaded any contact with the media and stood clear on his stance. In an incident in his book, “Love Me Hate Me – Barry Bonds“, author Jeff Pearlman speaks at length about Bonds’ confusing behavior.

Barry Bonds – An Enigma to the Fans

Barry Bonds has several rough fan engagement stories. He has, at several times, rebuked advances from the fans and made it known to all that he was not interested in being approached. One afternoon in 1988, he may have taken things just a bit too far.

At Page 101, the author narrates an incident when the Pittsburgh Pirates were taking on the New York Mets at the Three Rivers Stadium. The day had much in store for some young fans of the franchise. Eager to snag an autograph from one of the league’s best hitters, fans gathered to ask Bonds for his autograph. And Bonds’ reaction was enough to throw them off.

Said Bonds “F*ck off ! F*ck off ! F*ck off ! F*ck off !” rebuking the fans’ advances repeatedly. In fact, the scene became such a repetition that his Pirates teammate Bryan Reynolds even once addressed the star publicly.

Barry Bonds’ Relationship with the Public – Fraught as Always

?Be a f*ckin? man, Barry!? said Reynolds. ?Treat people with dignity!? His Pirates teammates were all confused. While Bonds’ attitude to provide autographs to gathered fans remained hostile, he always seemed to place himself in accessible positions.

While traveling, most players would wait for the bus to the stadium inside the hotel lobby. Bonds, however, chose to wait on the sidewalk. ?He wanted the attention without anyone knowing it,? says Reynolds. ?That was the warped side of Barry.?

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The Giants legend is an enigma that a few people have been able to decode. Despite arguably being one of the sport’s greatest hitters, the star was actively disliked by most media for his often dismissive behavior. More so, because as such a titan of the game, people expected more of him.

And while history stands testament to the player’s greatness through his stats and accomplishments, the legacy of Barry Bonds remains closely intertwines with his fan interactions and how he treated those around him.

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