How Angry Barry Bonds Once Brutally Lashed Out at “Broke” Pittsburgh Pirates Over Contract

Switching teams to boost careers is nothing new in the sports world. From Baseball to Football, and in every other game, switching clubs is a common trend. However, switching to another team couldn’t go without controversies when it came to Barry Bonds. In 1993, Bonds signed a contract with San Francisco Giants, but with a fierce attack on his previous team, Pittsburgh Pirates. 

This notoriously famous MLB Star has given numerous angry reactions during his career, but his response to his former club, Pittsburgh Pirates, was one of the most brutal. In his book Love Me, Hate Me_ Barry Bonds and the Making of an Antihero, Jeff Pearlman exposed many of Bonds’ untold tales, including his statement on the Pirates. His issues with the Pirates regarding the renewal of his contract enraged him to the extent that he didn’t even hesitate to call them ‘Broke‘ before leaving.  

Bond’s Enraged and Disputed Comments on Pittsburgh Pirates

Bonds started his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986 and continued playing for 6 years. In 1993, then-29-year-old Bonds signed a record-breaking contract (at least at that time) with the San Francisco Giants. Switching to new teams is not something out-of-tradition thing in Baseball. What’s more interesting in Bonds’ case, he created controversies before leaving the Pirates. 

In the book, the author recorded that the 7x MVP won his second MVP in 1992 with the Pittsburgh Pirates, but the achievement couldn’t make him happy enough. His earlier arbitration experience has disgusted him even to make MVP achievement sour.

On page 112, this highly controversial outfielder  uncover his frustration and said, “The Pirates can’t keep crying, ‘Broke,'” he continued, “You can’t own half of Pittsburgh and say you’re on welfare.” His words clearly show the anger he possessed for his first-ever team. 

Why Pittsburgh Pirates Couldn’t Renew Bonds Contract?

Pittsburgh Pirates signed Bonds for six consecutive years, but bad times are inevitable for everyone. Pirates couldn’t avoid the bad times when they have consistently suffered through losses.

On page 111 of the same book, Jeff Pearlman stated, “With total revenue of $44 million, the organization lost approximately $5 million in 1990, and there was little reason to feel optimistic.” Also, the City’s decaying population during those years directly affected the club’s earnings. 

Also Read: “I’m Tired of Always Being Criticized..”: Controversial Barry Bonds’ Trust Issues With the Media Spanned 2 Decades and This Is Why 

With this almost-bankrupt condition, the Pirates couldn’t fulfill the demand of the Former San Francisco Giants player to renew their contract. So, he was free to accept the best deal he received, and he chose the San Francisco Giants for his remaining career journey.

Well, changing teams for career growth is not surprising, but do you think Bonds’ reaction to the Pirates was correct? Let us know in the comments.

Watch Story: Cincinnati’s Speed Demon: Invoking Barry Bonds Comparison, But Not in a Good Way.