Childhood and Education Journey of Barry Bonds in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Barry Bonds. From birth to education, explore key events.

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

July 24, 1964: Barry Bonds Born

On July 24, 1964, Barry Lamar Bonds was born. He later became a professional baseball left fielder.

Others born on this day/year

1964: Aunt Competed in Olympics

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

1979: Pirates Last Postseason Berth

In 1979, the Pirates last postseason berth had been in 1979 when they won the World Series.

1982: Giants Draft Bonds

In 1982, the Giants drafted Barry Bonds in the second round of the MLB draft; however, they could not agree on contract terms, leading Bonds to attend college instead.

1984: Pirates Attendance Low

In 1984, before Bonds joined the Pirates, the team's attendance was low, averaging below 10,000 per game.

1984: College Baseball Stats

In 1984, while at Arizona State University, Barry Bonds had a .360 batting average and 30 stolen bases.

1985: Pirates Attendance Low

In 1985, before Barry Bonds joined, the Pittsburgh Pirates struggled with low attendance, averaging below 10,000 per game for their home games.

1985: College Baseball Stats

In 1985, while playing baseball at Arizona State University, Barry Bonds hit 23 home runs with 66 RBI and had a .368 batting average. He was a Sporting News All-American selection.

1986: Graduates from Arizona State University

In 1986, Barry Bonds graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in criminology and was named ASU On Deck Circle Most Valuable Player.

August 1987: Met Susann Branco

In August 1987, Barry Bonds met Susann ("Sun") Margreth Branco in Montreal, Quebec. Susann later became the mother of his first two children.

1987: Increased Fan Enthusiasm

In 1987, the Pittsburgh Pirates experienced a surge in fan enthusiasm with Barry Bonds on the team and set a club attendance record.

February 5, 1988: Eloped to Las Vegas

On February 5, 1988, Barry Bonds and Susann Branco eloped to Las Vegas.

1989: Trade Rumors

In 1989, Barry Bonds finished with 19 home runs and 58 RBI, with rumors circulating post-season about a potential trade to the Dodgers, which the team denied.

May 12, 1993: Ejected From Game

On May 12, 1993, Barry Bonds and his father were ejected from a game against the Colorado Rockies after an on-field fight.

June 1994: Separated from Susann

In June 1994, Barry Bonds and his wife, Susann Branco, separated.

December 1994: Divorced from Susann

In December 1994, Barry Bonds and Susann Branco officially divorced. The divorce was a media affair.

1994: Appears in Television Film

In 1994, Barry Bonds appeared as himself in the television film "Jane's House", starring James Woods and Anne Archer.

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1994: Started Relationship with Kimberly Bell

In 1994, Barry Bonds began a relationship with Kimberly Bell, a graphic designer. The relationship lasted until May 2003.

1997: Marriage Annulled

In 1997, Barry Bonds' marriage to Susann Branco was annulled by the Catholic Church.

January 10, 1998: Married Liz Watson

On January 10, 1998, Barry Bonds married his second wife, Liz Watson, at the San Francisco Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

August 21, 2000: Prenuptial Agreement Upheld

On August 21, 2000, the Supreme Court of California unanimously held that the prenuptial agreement between Barry Bonds and Susann Branco was entered into voluntarily. This decision later led to changes in California law.

May 2003: Ended Relationship with Kimberly Bell

In May 2003, Barry Bonds ended his relationship with Kimberly Bell, which began in 1994.

June 9, 2009: Watson Filed for Legal Separation

On June 9, 2009, Liz Watson filed for legal separation from Barry Bonds, citing irreconcilable differences.

July 21, 2009: Watson Withdrew Separation Action

On July 21, 2009, Liz Watson announced she was withdrawing her legal separation action against Barry Bonds.

February 26, 2010: Watson Filed for Divorce

On February 26, 2010, Liz Watson formally filed for divorce from Barry Bonds in Los Angeles.

2010: Son Charged with Misdemeanors

In 2010, Barry Bonds's son, Nikolai, was charged with five misdemeanors after a confrontation with his mother, Sun Bonds. A restraining order was granted against Nikolai.