Barry Bonds was a controversial figure during his career. He got into confrontations with teammates and coaches regularly. Furthermore, as the San Francisco Giants legend progressed in his career, fewer people challenged him. But once, during the early days of his MLB career, Bonds was taught a lesson on humility from a Minor League team manager.
As the home-run king rose to superstardom, people were afraid to challenge him for fear of upsetting him. This led to a reclusive attitude from Bonds, who refused to interact with his teammates. Furthermore, he had a volatile relationship with the media and once took down a room full of reporters with violent threats. Jeff Pearlman shared the story of Bonds, receiving his humility lessons from a coach, early in his career, in his book, ‘Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds and the Making of an Antihero,’
Barry Bonds Was Taught an Outspoken Lesson About Being Humble
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Barry Bonds was seen as a problem as a youngster entering the MLB system. Although he had the talent and superstar potential as a first-round pick, his attitude could have been more problematic.
After being drafted 6th overall in the 1985 Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bonds joined their Class A affiliate, the Prince William Pirates. There, he received his first dose of humility from Prince William’s manager, Ed Ott.
On page 69 of the book, Pearlman wrote, “Barry’s first lesson in this regard came when he reported to Prince Wil-liam, entered Ott’s office unannounced, and proclaimed, ‘I’m Barry Bonds, the number one draft pick.’ Ott spun around in his chair. ‘I’m Ed Ott and I’m your manager,’ he said. ‘Now get your fuckin’ ass out that door and don’t come in until you knock.’”
The former Giants legend refused to learn despite this early lesson and a slice of humble pie. His antics got even worse, as he left a wrong impression on teammates and coaches.
Despite his stellar play in the Minor Leagues, his attitude and lack of humility left a sour taste. But it took work for the superstar youngster too.
Bonds Dealt With High Expectations and a Struggling Father
As noted by Pearlman earlier in the book, Barry Bonds was having a tough time in his life. High expectations and the issues of his father’s drinking problems weighed on him. His baseball legend father, Bobby Bonds, embarrassed the youngster, due to which he did not want to be compared to him.
The San Francisco Giants legend eventually made it out of the Minor Leagues and had an incredibly successful career.
Although he was taught a real lesson in humility when he joined the Minor Leagues for the first time, his attitude issues never disappeared. What do you think of what Prince William Pirates manager Ed Ott’s way of teaching Barry Bonds a lesson?
Watch This Story: From Unforeseen Beginnings to Unstoppable Greatness – The Story of Barry Bonds
