Giants Legend Barry Bonds Is a Changed Man as He Returns to San Francisco 16 Years After Retirement

Barry Bonds was always an icon on the diamond, but the story off of it was pretty different. While the star was recognized as the game’s top hitter with several major league records, he had a negative reputation for interacting with fans and the media. The star’s efforts to improve the situation remained minimal. However, could there be an unexpected turn of events waiting to unfold?

Barry Bonds’ stories in the media are well known and only sometimes for the right reasons. The star recorded one of the highest-performing seasons in baseball when he snagged 73 homers in the 2001 season. Still, emerging stories have always marred the controversial star in the media. In a recent development, the sole player to record two splash hits in a single game has made a comeback at the iconic Oracle Park after retiring in 2007.

Barry Bonds, the iconic Giants’ legend, graced Oracle Park during a momentous year’s commemoration.

Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants were never on the best terms. Despite turning out for the franchise in 22 seasons in the Major Leagues, Bonds’ relationship with the Giants never sparked stories of trust and friendship. On top of it, the star did little to help it along.

However, a different Barry Bonds emerged after his retirement in 2007. Appearing on various podcasts while speaking about the untold stories, the 7x MVP has been unknowingly trying to make amends for the past.

In the latest development last night, Bonds appeared in the Giants’ 1993 team celebration at Oracle Park in a version previously unbeknownst to fans.

Barry Bonds sported a smile, a wave that fans had seldom seen in his playing days. Waving to the crowd and bearing a grin from ear to ear, the star showed tremendous recognition for the fans that had turned up to play. The year 1993 held much importance in Barry Bonds’ season statistics.

During that year, Bonds achieved an impressive batting average of 0.336, claiming the league’s top spot with 46 home runs and 123 RBI. These season stats allowed him to secure his second consecutive MVP award, marking his third overall.

Few days before the SF Giants team put on a show on Saturday night’ prior to the game in the Oracle Park, a team’s reporter revealed the guest list of the occasion.

The San Francisco Giants unveiled the guest list for their 1993 celebration honoring the team

In a sort of reunion, Giants celebrated a somewhat unexpected outcome of 1993. They reunited with the 1993 team that secured 103 wins but narrowly missed the West Division title by just one game to the Atlanta Braves. Steven Rissotto, the journalist covering for the San Francisco Giants, since 2021 uncovered the guest list for this huge celebration.

“The #SFGiants announced a guest list for their celebration of the 1993 team on Saturday: Barry Bonds, Darren Lewis, Mike Benjamin, Royce Clayton, Steve Scarsone, Trevor Wilson, Denise Nugent (for former trainer Barney Nugent), Stacey Beck (Rod Beck) and Sherry Davis (PA announcer),” Rissotto’s tweet read.

Although several accusations followed the controversial player in his later playing days, the warm greeting of the fans at the ballpark in recent days is showcasing the other side of the story.

Read More: Often Divisive Barry Bonds Once Showed a Rare Sign of Affection Shortly After Winning His First MVP

What remains to be seen is whether the legacy of Barry Bonds the player can surpass the image set by Barry Bonds, the person.

Watch This Story: From Unforeseen Beginnings to Unstoppable Greatness – The Story of Barry Bonds