Barry Bonds had achieved a substantial amount of success during his baseball career. While at the plate, he dominated all to score home runs at will, all through his sheer strength and skill set. It made him a player whom every team wanted to have. Barry’s strength to win games single-handedly became another reason for it. But could it have been a different story if his father, Bobby Bonds, forced a change upon him during childhood?

Bonds was born into an athletic family. His father was a great MLB player who graced the sport for many years. It helped the Giants’ legend in setting up a baseball career. This also brought strictness and discipline, which Bonds did not like.  The book, Love Me, Hate Me, Barry Bonds And The Making Of An Antihero talks about one incident that could have changed Barry Bonds’ entire life.

A Change That Father Bobby Bonds Wanted Barry Bonds to Adapt

Barry Bonds is a synonym for success. He achieved all that he dreamed of. But it took a lot of effort, dedication, and sacrifices to reach that stage. Not only on the bigger stage for the Pittsburgh Pirates or the San Francisco Giants but starting from a young age. On page 24, Author Jeff Pearlman described the entire incident. While talking about Bobby’s role as a father, Jeff wrote, ” Though he did not change many diapers or spoon-feed pureed pears, nothing exemplifies Bobby the dad better than his frustration watching Barry eat his diced peaches with the wrong hand.”

It made him angry. While questioning about the left-handed players who made it to the league, he said, “A lefty?” Bobby thought. “I don’t think so.” Left-handedness limited the positions a ballplayer could man on the field. How many left-handed catchers were there? How about left-handed third basemen or shortstops?” 

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

And like another other father, Bobby thought about the future and made a change. Jeff described it as, “So Bobby routinely swatted Barry’s left hand, insisting he go with the right. Swat! Swat! Bobby wanted a ballplayer.” But the change never materialized. Rightly so, as it was instrumental in Barry’s glorious career.

A Career That Millions Will Admire for Generations

Though Barry Bonds had to go through tough discipline, it benefitted him immensely. All his training, drills, and suggestions from his early childhood shaped his baseball career. And his MLB career, even after being left-handed is itself a big testament.

In his 22 MLB seasons, Bonds played more than 2,900 games. He scored 2,227 runs, and 762 HRs at an average of 0.298 on the plate. He also claimed the record for the highest number of home runs, 73 in a single season. And won multiple NL MVPs and retired as a legend, who will inspire upcoming baseball generations. However, the story could have ended differently had Barry responded to his father’s firm commitment early on. Do you think the same? Let us know your variations if any in the comments.

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