“Next Cool Thing…”: How Controversial Barry Bonds Drew Praise and Criticism for Unique “Hip” Approach That Divided Teammates

Barry Bonds wasn’t ever just a spectator. Even when he was only in the audience. Bonds had a personality that often rose to be bigger than the game for himself and while it may have caused an awful lot of problems for the star, it was also what made his personality more alluring. While the general perception around the star has softened in recent years, the media was not kind to Bonds during his playing days.

In his book ‘Barry Bonds – A Biography‘, author John Bloom recounts how Barry Bonds refused to take a back seat even when he wasn’t the one playing. Recounting an incident from the locker room when the players from the ball club were tuned into an NBA game, Bonds was relentless. Perhaps to the ire of all other players, but Bonds was never known to mind the odd angry glance from his teammates either.

Barry Bonds – A Polarizing Figure

Bloom describes in detail the locker where the athletes had gathered to watch the game. While taking in the NBA Western conference Finals game, Bonds was his usual self. Bonds sat on a chair in front of the only TV in the locker room. Keeping the seat only to himself, Bonds continued his comments loudly throughout.

Says Bloom, “Lots of players make comments. But Bonds makes the most and the loudest. He doesn’t really have a social knack. His comments don’t quite blend. But then neither does he.”

But if there’s one thing Bonds was not, it is being shy. Says Bloom, “Nobody in the room is dressed like Bonds. He looks like a hip Hollywood fashion show. Nobody else has a sweater covered with colorful geometric shapes and a new style of collar that looks a bit like a Nehru jacket.”

Adding to his already notable wardrobe, Bonds sported gold jewelry outside his collar and mustard colored socks with little black animals stitched onto them in combination. Bonds’ fashion was definitely note worthy.

It seemed as though Bonds wanted to give off a certain image to his teammates. Where he was different from everyone else there. Says Bloom, “They’re the next cool thing, the cutting edge, the place where Bonds wants to be before everybody else, even if they might resent it.”

Bonds’ Media Relationship

Barry Bonds was never a media darling, he infact actively dissuaded the media on several attempts, but that was his best self. He did his talking on the diamond with a bat in hand. Despite the controversy that has followed the player, Barry Bonds remains the league’s leader in homeruns scored and still holds the record for the most homeruns scored in a single season.

Watch the Story: Top 5 Richest Baseball Players Of All Time

Bonds’ legacy will be debated in the years to come, but one thing is certain, there was certainly no player like Barry Bonds to have played the game other than him.

Read More: “Easiest Guy in the World to Pitch”: Barry Bonds Acknowledges Pitcher’s Crafty Tactics to Avoid Facing Him