Challenges Faced by Barry Bonds: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Barry Bonds faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Barry Bonds, a former MLB left fielder, played for the Pittsburgh Pirates (1986-1992) and San Francisco Giants (1993-2007). Widely regarded as one of baseball's all-time greats, he holds numerous records. His career is also marked by controversy surrounding allegations of performance-enhancing drug use.

Sections (7)

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

May 9, 1996: Bonds Shoves Journalist

On May 9, 1996, Barry Bonds shoved USA Today journalist Rod Beaton in the team's clubhouse after telling Beaton to leave before a scheduled interview. The incident led to a grievance filed by USA Today with the team.

1999: Returns from Disabled List

After returning to action on June 9, 1999, Barry Bonds struggled at the plate due to nagging injuries, but still managed to hit 34 home runs and drive in 83 runs in only 102 games.

November 2000: Reference to a November 2000 test

In November 2000, a previously disclosed test for Barry Bonds was revealed during proceedings

2000: Anderson Becomes Bonds' Trainer

In 2000, Greg Anderson became Barry Bonds' personal trainer, later leading to his indictment in 2003 for supplying anabolic steroids to athletes and controversy surrounding Bonds' alleged performance enhancing drugs use.

November 2001: Erroneous Allegation of Positive Steroid Test

In November 2001, Federal prosecutors erroneously alleged that Barry Bonds tested positive for steroids

December 4, 2003: Bonds' Grand Jury Testimony

During grand jury testimony on December 4, 2003, Barry Bonds stated that he used a clear substance and a cream provided by his trainer Greg Anderson, who identified them as flaxseed oil and a rubbing balm for arthritis.

2003: Grand Jury Appearance

In 2003, Barry Bonds appeared before a grand jury, which later led to an obstruction of justice conviction.

2003: Withdrawal from MLBPA Licensing Agreement

In 2003, Barry Bonds withdrew from the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) licensing agreement, impacting the use of his name and likeness in licensed merchandise and some baseball video games.

2003: Indictment of Greg Anderson

In 2003, Greg Anderson, Barry Bonds' trainer, was indicted for supplying anabolic steroids to athletes, leading to speculation about Bonds' use of performance-enhancing drugs. Bonds declared his innocence, attributing his physique changes to diet, bodybuilding and supplements.

2003: Bonds and the BALCO Scandal

Since 2003, Barry Bonds has been a key figure in the Bay Area Laboratory Co-operative (BALCO) scandal involving performance-enhancing anabolic steroids. He was under investigation by a federal grand jury.

July 2005: BALCO Defendants Strike Deals

In July 2005, all four defendants in the BALCO steroid scandal trial, including Greg Anderson, made deals with federal prosecutors that did not require them to reveal names of athletes who might have used banned drugs.

2005: Return from injury

In 2005, Barry Bonds's salary was $22 million. After enduring a knee injury, multiple surgeries, and rehabilitation, Bonds was activated on September 12 and started in left field. He hit home runs in four consecutive games from September 18 to 21, finishing with a .286 average, five homers and 10 RBI in 14 games.

March 2006: Release of "Game of Shadows"

In March 2006, the book "Game of Shadows" by Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada, alleging Barry Bonds' steroid use, was released and generated significant media attention.

May 2006: Release of "Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds and the Making of an Anti-Hero"

In May 2006, Jeff Pearlman released his biography of Barry Bonds, titled "Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds and the Making of an Anti-Hero", which included numerous allegations against Bonds and relied on over five hundred interviews.

Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds and the Making of an Antihero

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February 14, 2007: Ellerman Pleads Guilty to Leaking Testimony

On February 14, 2007, Troy Ellerman, a lawyer for Victor Conte, pleaded guilty to leaking grand jury testimony in the BALCO case and faced jail time.

November 15, 2007: Bonds Indicted on Perjury and Obstruction

On November 15, 2007, Barry Bonds was indicted on perjury and obstruction of justice charges related to his testimony in the BALCO case. The indictment alleged that Bonds lied under oath about his alleged use of steroids.

2007: Indicted on Perjury and Obstruction of Justice Charges

In 2007, Barry Bonds was indicted on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice following the federal government's investigation of BALCO.

February 14, 2008: Typo in Court Papers

On February 14, 2008, a typo in court papers erroneously alleged that Barry Bonds tested positive for steroids in November 2001, a month after hitting his record 73rd home run. The reference was meant to refer to a November 2000 test.

March 2, 2009: Trial Postponement

On March 2, 2009, jury selection for Barry Bonds' trial for obstruction of justice was postponed due to emergency appeals by the prosecution.

March 21, 2011: Trial Commences

On March 21, 2011, Barry Bonds' trial for obstruction of justice commenced, with Judge Susan Illston presiding.

April 13, 2011: Conviction on Obstruction of Justice

On April 13, 2011, Barry Bonds was convicted on the obstruction of justice charge for giving an evasive answer to a question under oath.

December 15, 2011: Bonds Sentenced in Obstruction of Justice Case

On December 15, 2011, Barry Bonds was sentenced to 30 days of house arrest, two years of probation, and 250 hours of community service for an obstruction of justice conviction stemming from a 2003 grand jury appearance. The sentence was delayed pending an appeal.

2011: Convicted of Obstruction of Justice

In 2011, Barry Bonds was convicted of obstruction of justice, stemming from the BALCO investigation, after perjury charges were dropped.

2013: Hall of Fame Vote Percentage in 2013

In 2013, Barry Bonds received 36.2% of the votes from the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA) for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, falling short of the 75% needed for induction.

2013: Conviction Affirmed by Appeals Court Panel

In 2013, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit affirmed Barry Bonds' conviction for obstruction of justice.

2013: Conviction Upheld on Appeal

In 2013, a three-judge panel of the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld Barry Bonds' conviction for obstruction of justice.

May 2015: Bonds Files Grievance Against MLB

In May 2015, Barry Bonds filed a grievance against Major League Baseball through the players' union, alleging collusion in not signing him after the 2007 season.

August 2015: Arbitrator Rules Against Bonds in Collusion Case

In August 2015, an arbitrator ruled in favor of MLB and against Barry Bonds in his collusion case.

December 2022: Hall of Fame Today's Game Committee Vote

In December 2022, the Hall of Fame's Today's Game Committee considered Barry Bonds, but he received fewer than four of the twelve votes required for induction.

2022: Final Hall of Fame Vote Percentage

In 2022, Barry Bonds' final year of eligibility for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, he received 66% of the votes from the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA), falling short of the 75% needed for induction. He appeared on 260 of 394 ballots.