Barry Bonds got on the wrong side of many people during his career. His awkward social skills and sometimes hostile disposition caused a lot of clashes, mostly with teammates and coaches. He had a particularly volatile relationship with Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker. But Baker’s wife seemingly buried the hatchet in a recent touching move. 

Bonds and Baker spent years together on the San Francisco Giants. The well-respected manager was weary of the superstar outfielder’s antics, but they sometimes ended up at odds with each other. Now, the grudge between the two seems to have lessened, with Baker’s wife sharing a touching message for the Home Run King. 

Dusty Baker’s Wife Shares Birthday Wishes for Barry Bonds

Barry Bonds clashed with many a coach and manager during his time with the Giants. One of them was none other than Dusty Baker, whom he attacked despite widespread respect. Bonds told his then-Giants manager to “Kiss my a*s” in a bizarre altercation.

But years later, the rift seems to have been mended as Baker’s wife, Melissa Baker, wished Bonds a happy birthday. The Giants’ legend then reshared that message on his Instagram Story. This is a surprising act from the Astros manager’s wife, considering her husband’s history with Bonds.

Dusty is the epitome of a player’s manager and does his best to make his team feel comfortable and supported, even through controversy.

But Bonds frequently seemed to need to understand his intentions. This led to one-sided public spats, with the home run king often making controversial statements. 

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But in one case, it may have led to Bonds losing an MVP award. The legendary slugger lost out to his teammate Jeff Kent for the MVP award in 2000. According to sports writer Jeff Pearlman in his book, “Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds,” Baker supported Kent for the award. Furthermore, it may not be the only thing the MLB Home run leader lost because of Baker. 

Was Baker Responsible for Bonds Taking Steroids?

Although Barry Bonds took steroids with his own choice, Dusty Baker may have played a role. On page 202 of his book, Pearlman explains that neither Baker nor then-Giants GM Brian Sabean looked into Bonds’ trainer Greg Anderson. This led to Anderson supposedly supplying Bonds and other San Francisco players’ steroids.

Pearlman further mentioned Anderson’s colorful criminal history, including road rage, theft, and physical altercations.

Well, Baker and the Giants’ top brass should have done their due diligence. Nonetheless, Barry Bonds and Dusty Baker have seemingly buried the hatchet. 

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