Childhood and Education Journey of Barry Bonds in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 2, 2025

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 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

July 24, 1964: Barry Bonds is Born

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

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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.

1984: College Baseball Season at ASU

In 1984, Barry Bonds achieved a .360 batting average and stole 30 bases while playing baseball at Arizona State University.

1985: College Baseball Season at ASU

In 1985, Barry Bonds hit 23 home runs with 66 RBI and a .368 batting average at Arizona State University, earning 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: Bonds meets 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, Nikolai and Shikari.

February 5, 1988: Bonds elopes with Susann Branco

On February 5, 1988, Barry Bonds eloped with Susann ("Sun") Margreth Branco, the mother of his first two children, to Las Vegas.

June 1994: Bonds and Branco separate

In June 1994, Barry Bonds and Susann Branco separated.

December 1994: Bonds and Branco divorce

In December 1994, Barry Bonds and Susann Branco divorced, which became a media affair due to the prenuptial agreement.

1994: Appearance in Jane's House

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

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1994: Bonds starts a relationship with Kimberly Bell

In 1994, Barry Bonds started a relationship with Kimberly Bell, a graphic designer. He purchased a home in Scottsdale, Arizona, for Kimberly.

1997: Marriage annulled

In 1997, Barry Bonds and Susann Branco had their marriage annulled by the Catholic Church.

January 10, 1998: Bonds marries Liz Watson

On January 10, 1998, Barry Bonds married his second wife, Liz Watson, at the San Francisco Ritz-Carlton Hotel in front of 240 guests.

1999: Injuries and Disabled List

In 1999, Barry Bonds experienced a career-low in playing time due to a torn tendon in his biceps and bone spurs in his elbow, which required surgery.

May 2003: End of relationship with Kimberly Bell

In May 2003, Barry Bonds' relationship with Kimberly Bell, a graphic designer, came to an end. The relationship lasted from 1994 through May 2003.

June 9, 2009: Watson files for legal separation

On June 9, 2009, Liz Watson filed for legal separation from Barry Bonds, citing irreconcilable differences, after ten-and-a-half years of marriage.

July 21, 2009: Watson withdraws separation action

On July 21, 2009, Liz Watson announced that she was withdrawing her Legal Separation action against Barry Bonds.

February 26, 2010: Watson files for divorce

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

2010: Nikolai Bonds charged with misdemeanors

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

June 6, 2011: Bonds and Watson settle divorce

On June 6, 2011, Barry Bonds and Liz Watson filed a legal agreement not to take the divorce to trial and instead settle it in an "uncontested manner."