Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Barry Bonds

Discover the career path of Barry Bonds, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Barry Bonds, a former MLB left fielder, played 22 seasons for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1986-1992) and the San Francisco Giants (1993-2007). Widely regarded as one of baseball's greatest, his career is marked by exceptional achievements but also controversy. Bonds holds MLB records for career home runs (762), single-season home runs (73, in 2001), and career walks (2,558). Allegations of performance-enhancing drug use have significantly impacted his legacy and Hall of Fame consideration.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1964: Rosie Bonds competes in Olympics

In 1964, Barry Bonds' paternal aunt, Rosie Bonds, competed in the Olympics. She is a former American record holder in the 80 meter hurdles.

1982: Drafted by the San Francisco Giants

In 1982, Barry Bonds was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the second round of the MLB draft, but did not sign due to contract disagreements.

July 1985: Named Player of the Month

In July 1985, Barry Bonds was named Player of the Month for the Carolina League while playing for the Prince William Pirates.

May 30, 1986: Major League Debut

On May 30, 1986, Barry Bonds made his major league debut, going 0-for-5 with a walk in a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

1986: Joins the Pittsburgh Pirates

In 1986, Barry Bonds became a member of the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking the start of his Major League Baseball career.

1986: Plays for the Hawaii Islanders

In 1986, Barry Bonds played for the Hawaii Islanders of the Pacific Coast League, hitting .311 with seven home runs and 37 RBI in 44 games.

1987: Switches to Left Field

In 1987, Barry Bonds switched from playing center field to left field with the arrival of Andy Van Slyke.

1987: Pirates Attendance Record

In 1987, the Pirates set a club attendance record of 52,119 in the home opener and Barry Bonds hit .261 with 25 home runs, 32 stolen bases and 59 RBI.

1988: Improved Performance

In 1988, Barry Bonds improved his performance, hitting .283 with 24 home runs and 58 RBI in 144 games.

1989: Outfield Assists

In 1989, Barry Bonds finished with 14 outfield assists, which was second in the NL.

1990: Wins First MVP Award

In 1990, Barry Bonds won his first MVP Award, hitting .301 with 33 home runs and 114 RBI, also winning his first Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Awards and helping the Pirates to their first postseason berth since 1979.

1991: Another Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Award

In 1991, Barry Bonds batted .292 with 25 homers and 116 runs, earning another Gold Glove and Silver Slugger.

March 1992: Trade Proposal

In March 1992, a trade was proposed where the Pirates would trade Bonds to the Atlanta Braves, but the manager opposed the trade and it was rescinded.

1992: Leaves the Pittsburgh Pirates

In 1992, Barry Bonds' tenure with the Pittsburgh Pirates ended, concluding his time with the team.

1993: Second Consecutive MVP Award

In 1993, Barry Bonds hit .336, leading the NL with 46 home runs and 123 RBI, en route to his second consecutive MVP award, and third overall.

1993: Joins the San Francisco Giants

In 1993, Barry Bonds joined the San Francisco Giants, marking a significant transition in his MLB career.

1994: Strike-Shortened Season

In the strike-shortened season of 1994, Barry Bonds hit .312 with 37 home runs, 81 RBI and a league-leading 74 walks in 112 games.

1995: Plays in 144 Games

In 1995, Barry Bonds played in 144 games, hitting .294 with 33 homers and 104 RBI.

1996: Bonds joins the 40-40 club

In 1996, Barry Bonds became one of only six baseball players to be in the 40–40 club. He hit 42 home runs and stole 40 bases in the same season.

1997: Lowest Average Since 1989

In 1997, Barry Bonds hit .291, his lowest average since 1989, but still hit 40 home runs and drove in 101 runs, and stole 37 bases.

1999: Returns to Action

In 1999, after returning to action on June 9, Barry Bonds still managed to slug 34 home runs, drive in 83 runs as well as hit for a .617 slugging percentage, despite missing nearly two full months with injuries and only playing in 102 games.

2000: Bonds Achieves Career Bests

In 2000, Barry Bonds achieved career bests, up to that point, in slugging percentage (.688) and home runs (49) while playing 143 games. He also led the league with 117 walks.

2001: Bonds Breaks Records

In 2001, Barry Bonds achieved unprecedented offensive levels, breaking both personal and major league records. He hit 28 home runs in the Giants' first 50 games, including 17 in May. On April 17, 2001, he hit his 500th home run against Terry Adams of the Los Angeles Dodgers. By the All-Star break, he had hit 39 home runs (a major league record), drew a major league record 177 walks, and had a .515 on-base average. His slugging percentage (.863) was the fifth-highest in MLB history.

January 15, 2002: Bonds Re-Signs with Giants

On January 15, 2002, Barry Bonds re-signed with the San Francisco Giants for a five-year, $90 million contract. He then tied Lou Brock's 35-year record for most home runs after four games. Bonds ultimately won the NL batting title with a career-high .370 average that year.

2002: Bonds in the 2002 World Series

In 2002, Barry Bonds batted .322 with eight home runs, 16 RBI, and 27 walks in the postseason. The Giants, however, lost the World Series in seven games to the Anaheim Angels.

2003: Bonds Joins 500/500 Club

In 2003, Barry Bonds became the only member of the career 500 home run/500 stolen base club. On June 23, 2003, he stole second base off pitcher Éric Gagné against the Los Angeles Dodgers. He scored the game-winning run later that inning.

2004: Bonds's Best Season

In 2004, Barry Bonds had a remarkable season, hitting .362 and winning his second National League batting title. He broke his own record by walking 232 times. He passed Willie Mays on the career home run list with his 661st on April 13. Bonds hit his 700th on September 17. He also won his fourth consecutive and seventh overall MVP award. On July 4, he tied and passed Rickey Henderson's career bases on balls record.

2005: Bonds Returns After Injury

In 2005, after enduring a knee injury, multiple surgeries, and rehabilitation, Barry Bonds was activated on September 12, 2005, and started in left field for the San Francisco Giants. Upon his return, he hit home runs in four consecutive games from September 18 to 21.

May 2006: ESPN airs Bonds on Bonds

In April 2006 and May 2006, ESPN aired episodes of "Bonds on Bonds", a reality TV series focusing on Bonds' chase of home run records. The show was later canceled in June 2006 due to creative control issues.

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June 2006: Bonds on Bonds canceled

In June 2006, ESPN canceled the TV series "Bonds on Bonds" due to "creative control" issues with Barry Bonds and his representatives.

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2006: Bonds's 713th Home Run

In 2006, Barry Bonds was the highest-paid player in baseball, earning $172 million during his then 21-year career. On May 7, Bonds hit his 713th career home run, moving him within one of Babe Ruth's second-place record, against Jon Lieber of the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park.

2006: Bonds Ties Ruth's Record

On May 20, 2006, Barry Bonds hit his 714th career home run against Brad Halsey of the Oakland Athletics, tying Babe Ruth for second place on the all-time home run list.

2006: Bonds Surpasses Aaron in NL

On September 23, 2006, Barry Bonds surpassed Hank Aaron for the National League career home run record, hitting a solo home run off Chris Capuano of the Brewers. In 2006, Bonds also recorded his lowest slugging percentage since 1991.

January 29, 2007: Giants Finalize Contract with Bonds

On January 29, 2007, the Giants finalized a contract with Barry Bonds for the 2007 season. The initial deal was rejected due to a personal-appearance provision, but a revised contract was later signed.

September 21, 2007: Giants decline to re-sign Bonds

On September 21, 2007, the San Francisco Giants confirmed they would not re-sign Barry Bonds for the 2008 season, the announcement having been made on Bonds' website earlier that day.

September 26, 2007: Bonds' career statistics at time of retirement

As of September 26, 2007, at the time of his retirement, Barry Bonds led all active players in RBI (1,996), on-base percentage (.444), runs (2,227), games (2,986), extra-base hits (1,440), at-bats per home run (12.92), and total bases (5,976).

October 29, 2007: Bonds files for free agency

On October 29, 2007, Barry Bonds officially filed for free agency, with his agent anticipating widespread interest from Major League teams.

2007: End of Career with the San Francisco Giants

In 2007, Barry Bonds concluded his career with the San Francisco Giants, marking the end of his time with the team.

2007: Bonds' 2007 Season Stats

In 2007, Barry Bonds concluded the season with a .276 batting average, 28 home runs, and 66 RBI in 126 games and 340 at-bats. At age 43, he led both leagues in walks with 132.

2008: Bonds remains unsigned in 2008

In 2008, despite speculation, Barry Bonds remained unsigned by any team. If he had returned to MLB, he would have been close to several hitting milestones.

November 13, 2009: Bonds not retired

On November 13, 2009, Barry Bonds' agent, Jeff Borris, maintained that Bonds was still not retired from baseball.

2009: Bonds remains unsigned in 2009

In 2009, Barry Bonds remained unsigned by any team, continuing his absence from Major League Baseball.

April 11, 2010: Bonds comments on McGwire and retirement

On April 11, 2010, Barry Bonds expressed pride in Mark McGwire for admitting steroid use. He also noted that while it wasn't the time to retire, he wasn't in shape to play immediately.

March 10, 2014: Bonds becomes Giants spring training instructor

On March 10, 2014, Barry Bonds began a seven-day stint as a roving spring training instructor for the San Francisco Giants.

December 4, 2015: Bonds named Miami Marlins hitting coach

On December 4, 2015, Barry Bonds was announced as the new hitting coach for the Miami Marlins.

October 3, 2016: Bonds relieved of duties as Marlins hitting coach

On October 3, 2016, Barry Bonds was relieved of his duties as hitting coach for the Miami Marlins after one season, expressing gratitude for the opportunity.