Barry Bonds‘ will remain an unsolved puzzle. While being appreciated as one of the most potent and loner hitters to grace the sport, Bonds always left fans wanting off the field. Bonds was appreciated and respected by many, but his antics outside the field never really got the fans on his side. And as time goes along, it becomes amply clear as to why.

In his book, “Love Me, Hate Me – Barry Bonds“, author Jeff Pearlman harkens to a story that marks out the star’s behavior. Recounting an incident with a team photographer, Pearlman sheds some light on why the controversial star was never a media darling.

Barry Bonds – Never Quite Hitting the Personal Notes Right

Bonds was never truly known for being an affable personality. On page 105, Pearlman refers to a statement by Pete Diana, the Giants’ team photographer, which intensifies the negative perception of Barry’s demeanor.

Says Diana, “Personally, I hope Barry dies,” says Pete Diana, the former team photographer. “I hate him that much. I’ve seen him do stuff to people that goes beyond evil.”

“I’ve seen him walk down a hallway and throw a whole bag of sunflower seeds at a security guard. I’ve seen him ride clubhouse employees to death and tip them close to nothing,” he added.

In fact, his attitude towards the team was so deplorable that Bonds once opted to skip a crucial event that held significant importance for the team.

Absent from the 1990s Pittsburgh Pirates?

Bonds’ attitude once had him miss an important team photograph too. In 1990, with Bonds still playing out of Three Rivers Stadium, Diana recalls that of the 25 players on the roster, 24 had turned up on time. Add to that several other equipment managers and staff on the team. One conspicuous presence, however, remained absent from the scene.

Bonds was nowhere to be found. Frustrated, the Pirates’ then manager Jim Leyland asked the photographs be taken without him. It would later be revealed that Bonds had missed the shoot because of an equally frivolous reason. Bonds had been asleep in the clubhouse.

Read More: Giants Legend Barry Bonds Had the Most Wholesome but Surprising Celebration When He Created History in 2001

Bonds’ behavior as a player left fans and team management wanting alike. With the team not able to possibly fathom the loss of such a stratospheric talent, the question, whenever raised, seemed to have only one answer. You can’t drop Barry Bonds from the lineup.

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