Rare ‘Nice’ Side of Barry Bonds Once Shone Through With a Surprise $500 Gesture

Whenever Barry Bonds’ name surfaces, the MLB world pictures controversies around him. It is because of his nature, tough character, and bold personality. It makes him a rare person, with whom it is very tough to gel. And because of it, Bonds had few friends during his playing career.

But there were many sides to his nature. Though Bonds often found himself amidst controversies, at the time he brought his uncommon side into play, which changed the surrounding perception. The book, Love Me, Hate Me, Barry Bonds, And The Making Of An Antihero has reflected on one such side of Bonds’ character.

A Compassionate Barry Bonds Leaves a Mark on the Doubters

Barry Bonds was a star since his young days. Born into an athletic family, Bonds had wonderful training where he nursed his skills. It helped him shine on the baseball ground even before a blasting start to his MLB career. It led to him being a famous personality who has found a place in city lights as a star. But because of this, everyone expected him to stay afloat and away from the grassroots level. This list of believers included Pirates’ bullpen coach Rich Donnelly, but he was wrong. Author Jeff Pearlman addresses an incident on page 79.

It reads, “One month earlier, Donnelly had asked Barry to participate and was shocked to hear the young outfielder reply, “Absolutely.” But with snowflakes blurring the landscape, there was no way Barry would show. Not for a measly $500 appearance fee and an audience of 25 rural kids.”

Donnelly, who was organizing the baseball clinic at Brooke High School did not expect Barry to show, but to his surprise, Barry was there. Pearlman adds, “Donnelly expected it to be pitcher Stan Fansler or outfielder Trench Davis, but upon entering the gymnasium he spotted Barry, standing in the middle of a circle of coaches and telling one uproarious Jim Brock story after another.”

And before leaving, Bonds tapped Donnelly on the shoulder and handed him the $500 check. “Rich, do me a favor. Keep this and write it over to the athletic fund here.” But this is not the only time Bonds was kind. He once gave a gift to his clubhouse member.

A Gift for a Clubhouse Attendant From Barry

When Barry Bonds was playing for the Giants, a clubhouse attendant’s tough job of retrieving balls touched him. Bonds wanted to help him when, during one game, Bonds saw the attendant retrieve the ball after diving 8 feet. And to solve the problem, he gifted him a motorcycle.

Read More:- Despite Barry Bonds Being a Loner, the Giants Legend Once Shockingly Expressed a “Lonely” Feeling

Though this was not the only case where Bonds left his mark on his friends from the MLB circle. There are phases of his life that bring toughness to his character. But even after it, Bonds will get love from people who knew him closely.

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