Barry Bonds is one of the exceptional players to have graced baseball. The MLB legend played for over two decades and found immense success in the diamond. A reason behind it was his hitting power and skill set, which made him a great player. It also made him a player in demand, and many teams chased him when his contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates ended. But Bonds ignored all until San Francisco called him.
Notably, the former outfielder signed for the Giants, who were struggling after leaving a top-performing team. He even ignored the New York Yankees. His move shocked the entire world. But a year back, Bonds revealed that his childhood dream made him move to the San Francisco Giants, with whom he played for the rest of his career.
Barry Bonds signed with the San Francisco Giants for his long-cherished dream
Barry Bonds was in a family of athletes. His father, Bobby Bonds, was a baseball star and had a great MLB career. And because of it, he had the luxury of knowing greats like Willie Mays, who guided him in a successful baseball career. Interestingly, both Bobby and Willie played for the Giants. And because of it, Barry found a connection with the club that shaped into a dream. Because of it, he signed for them and turned his dream into a reality.
During a conversation with Ken Goldin, Bonds said, “My dream came true. My father played right field for the San Francisco Giants, my Godfather played centerfield for the San Francisco Giants, and I completed the circle and played left field for the San Francisco Giants.”
He later called it the greatest gift of his entire life. And added, “I wanted to play with Willie Mays, I wanted to play with my daddy. I got to play with their ghosts in the outfield.” He termed it something that he continues to cherish and added, “I completed the circle, you know, like the Lion King circle of life, I completed that. My dream did come true, I got to play with my Godfather, my dad. I just got to do it later on.”
But all was not easy for the Giants’ legend. He could have moved to the New York Yankees, had the Giants could not come back with a better offer.
A move that was destined to happen
Because of their professional commitments, athletes have to think about the future. Barry Bonds was also stuck in the dilemma. It happened during his contract deliberations. Barry was in touch with the two teams, namely the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants.
Although the Giants were Barry’s dream team, it offered a lesser contract than the Yankees. And because of it, the Home Run king was almost the New York bound. As he was about to sign the contract, his agent called him with information that the Giants have now offered a better contract. It lit up his dream again, and he did consider else and moved to the Giants. And it is safe to say that he was destined for San Francisco. Though what would have happened if he signed for the Yankees instead? What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments.
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