Barry Bonds is unquestionably one of the most controversial names in baseball despite his historic career. His PED case usually takes center stage as a reason he is so divisive. But his attitude also left a mark as players, reporters, and even managers found his disposition horrific. This stemmed from his aloof nature and attitude toward people. In July 2018, the SF Giants candidly spoke about his lack of social skills during an interview.

Bonds’ lacking social ability is well-noted among the wider baseball community. It may have even cost him a few endorsement deals. But during this interview in 2018, he opened up about it himself while talking about his baseball IQ.

Barry Bonds once candidly opened up about his social skills

Barry Bonds is regarded as a high-IQ player with a great batting eye. But throughout his career, his ability to socialize with teammates, reporters, and other people, in general, was brought into question. During an interview in 2018, he himself opened up on the topic, citing his lacking social skills. Bonds spoke about his high baseball IQ and his ability to understand sports while addressing his lacking skills in interacting with people. This happened during an episode of “Forever Giants”, a show hosted by Giants announcer Renel Brooks-Moon.

During the episode, Bonds said, “I have an IQ in baseball that is literally off the charts. And, I know that. I’m not going to hide behind it anymore, I’m not gonna ‘here what do you think’, what do you think I think? I already know what I know, you know what I mean? But I’m that person, I have people and friends in mind, that work on computers and stuff, and I mean they’re geniuses with these things.”

“But they lack social skills, and I was one of those people. I have an IQ for sports and baseball and I can tell you a thousand stories and I can teach your kids and I can get with them and I can make them improve and I can do these wonderful things.”

Read More: “I Can Be an A**s if I Want to Be” – Giants Legend Barry Bonds Once Candidly Addressed His Contentious Relationship With the Media

After retiring from the MLB, a return to baseball looked unlikely. No team wanted anything to do with Bonds after the many controversies that ended his career. But in 2015, the ultimate opportunity to utilize his experience and baseball IQ came knocking on his door. Unfortunately, it did not work out well for him.

Bonds was fired as a hitting coach after one season

Barry Bonds was phased out of the MLB after the 2007 season as no teams signed him. But an opportunity to get a foot back in baseball appeared in 2015. The Miami Marlins appointed Bonds as their hitting coach, with many expecting his high IQ and top-level batting to help the team. But in October 2016, he was relieved of his duties after a disappointing season for the team. This came as a shock considering his experience as a hitter and high-level understanding of the game.

Watch this Story: Barry Bonds drops a bombshell, “Yankees nearly signed me, but Giants prevailed.”

Barry Bonds has mellowed since retiring from baseball and admits his faults. What do you think of his interview from 2018 and opening up about his IQ and lack of social skills?