“I Drilled Him” – Former World Champion CC Sabathia Recounts His Experience of Confronting His Idol, Giants’ Legend Barry Bonds

Amidst controversies, one undeniable truth remains about Barry Bonds. That the San Francisco Giants legend stands among the all-time greats of the game. Having graced the baseball world for over two decades, Bonds has inspired countless fans, including former World Champion CC Sabathia. Most recently, 7x MVP, in one of his rare moments, sat down for an episode of the podcast R2C2 with CC Sabathia and Ryan Ruocco.

The Carsten Charles Sabathia Jr. grew up watching Bonds blasting home runs in the ballpark. Eventually, he got the chance of a lifetime to play the game against him in 2004. Sharing the experience of the same, Sabathia shared his mixed feelings.

Barry Bonds overpowered many players in the league

Even though Sabathia made his big league debut sixteen years after Bonds did, the two got to play simultaneously for seven years. However, in these seven years, the former MLB pitcher never faced his idol head-on in the regular season. But Sabathia fulfilled his dream when he got the chance to pitch Bonds in the 2004’s All-Star game. 

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Like many other players in the league, Sabathia was also overwhelmed by the home run king. Remembering the moment, Sabathia said, “I was really nervous because I just didn’t want to hit him. Because you know, the first time I faced Griffith, I drilled him, so I was like, this is the All-Star game. I don’t want Barry pissed off.”

Standing on the mound, all CC could think was that no matter how he pitched, Bonds would be smashing it. In the end, Sabathia was also scared of his idol, who he grew up watching smash dingers. 

Sabathia once put Bonds on his Mount Rushmore

The trend of players naming stars for their Mount Rushmore of sports may have resurfaced this year. But it’s been a practice in the league for several years now. In 2020, baseball aficionado CC Sabathia was asked during an interview to name the players he would place on his sports Mount Rushmore.

Without hesitation, Sabathia named Barry Bonds, Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, and Tom Brady. Considering Sabathia’s well-known admiration for Bonds, it is no surprise that the former Yankees ace included the Giants legend on his personal Mount Rushmore of sports.

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Are you also a Barry Bonds fan? If so, what is your best memory about him? Let us know in the comments below!