Barry Bonds is one of baseball’s most intriguing stories. While the player is almost universally regarded as the game’s top hitter, his reputation in the media remains sorely under-serviced. This is in no small part down to the star’s own behavior during his playing days. In fact, on several occasions, Bonds has gone the extra mile just to see how far he can stretch it.

Author Jeff Pearlman recounts a story from a time when the San Francisco Giants legend reigned supreme in the league. Back when the Giants played out of Candlestick Park, #25 was adored by all who sported the iconic orange and black. But the standards never applied to Bonds. And he made it clear every time he could.

Barry Bonds Goes Out of his Way in his Behavior with a Media Member

Back in 1993, Sports Illustrated had approached the star slugger for a cover story. While the journalists were eagerly awaiting their opportunity to interview the league’s superstar, Barry Bonds seemed to have other ideas. In what most had come to expect from Bonds, he never truly engaged with the journalists. As author Pearlman recounts on page 156, Bonds even managed to anger the allotted photographer for the piece.

Ron Modra, also assigned to the piece, had arranged for the city to allow Sports Illustrated to snap a picture of Bonds in front of San Francisco’s cable car barn. The shot would’ve possibly been that much more iconic for being next to Trolley #25, the number bonds sports on his sports gear. But Bonds was adamant.

Despite being offered a limo to pick him up, Bonds never turned up. Remembers Modra, “He said he knew exactly where to go.” Enraged, Modra confronted Bonds, but it was to no avail. “Dude,” said Bonds, “you’re just gonna have to live with it.”

With journalists clearly not enthused about the star, the narrative was set. When the cover piece was unveiled, the headline read, “I’m Barry Bonds, and You’re Not.” The inside headline stated, “The Importance of Being Barry: The Giants’ Barry Bonds is the best player in the game today just ask him.”

Barry Bonds’ Rough Interaction with the Media and Fans

Barry Bonds is often remembered in a rough light. And while the media did play into his narrative, he certainly was not blameless. The stories of Bonds refusing fans autographs, and not acknowledging teammates are a part of baseball folklore.

Bonds’ stories went as far as even ill behavior with clubhouse staff on a few occasions. And despite operating as a club favorite for several years, the hitter’s reputation in the front house wasn’t going gangbusters either. With multiple accounts from ownership of Barry refusing to entertain contract discussions, he was certainly not a dream to deal with.

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Perhaps his exclusion from the Hall of Fame isn’t down just to his controversial past. Maybe his handling of the media also has a part to play. And while the Hall of Fame appears to be a bit of a reach for the star, it ain’t over till it’s over. And while many will discuss it, Bonds the Player is undoubtedly a modern great.

Watch This Story: From Unforeseen Beginnings to Unstoppable Greatness – The Story of Barry Bonds