Barry Bonds is undoubtably a baseball great, Home Run King with 762 home runs to his name. The baseball legend was known for his incredible hitting prowess. However, he was also known for his often strained relationship with the media. On one occasion, the Sultan of Shot threw everyone for a loop and spoke freely to a media member.
One particular journalist found himself lucky enough to have Bonds’ attention for an extended period. An opportunity many others could only dream of. And author Jeff Pearlman wrote about the incident in his book, “Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds.” And the circumstances only got stranger with the San Francisco Giants stepping in to speak about the franchise’s relationship with the player, making revelations none would have expected.
When Barry Bonds Spoke to a Journalist for 15 mins
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When Roy Firestone asked to speak to Barry Bonds he did not expect what would happen next. He was taken aback by the sudden willingness of Bonds to speak with him at length. For someone who was notorious for keeping media interactions brief and often frosty, this unexpected openness was surprising.
Bonds started the conversation with Firestone speaking about his kids and how they were keeping him busy. After 15 minutes spent talking, with his arms draped around him, Bonds finally made the big reveal. Said Bonds, “Okay, see ya. Thanks for that.”
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Confused, Firestone asked why Bonds was thanking him. Said Bonds, “They might all be here to take my picture, but they’re not gonna take my picture hanging out with you.” The things got more bizarre with the entry of the San Francisco Giants owner, Peter Magowan.
Odd gets Odder as San Francisco Giants Owner Stepped In
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After Bonds had left, the owner of the Giants, the late Peter Magowan, went up to Firestone to make an odd request. Magowan initially enquired if the two were friends. Then, without waiting for a reply, he enquired if Firestone could ask Bonds of his contract for the running year.
Surprised Firestone stated back plainly, ““I can’t do that. I have a job.” “Oh, I understand,” said Magowan. “It’s just that I can’t even have dinner with Barry. He doesn’t talk to us.”
As narrated by Jeff Pearlman, the incident sheds light on the complex dynamics between players, the media, and team management in the world of professional sports.
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And Bonds’ ability to control and manipulate the situation, even with the media, showcases his prowess beyond just his athletic abilities.
Watch This Story: From Unforeseen Beginnings to Unstoppable Greatness – The Story of Barry Bonds