History of Barry Bonds in Timeline
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.
1901: Nap Lajoie Intentional Walk
In 1901, Nap Lajoie received an intentional walk with the bases loaded.
1928: Del Bissonette Intentional Walk
In 1928, Del Bissonette received an intentional walk with the bases loaded.
1931: Inception of MVP Award
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) award was first given in 1931.
1943: Josh Gibson's Slugging Percentage
In 2001, Barry Bonds slugging percentage (.863) was the fifth-highest in MLB history, and the highest since Josh Gibson's .868 in 1943.
1944: Bill Nicholson Intentional Walk
In 1944, Bill Nicholson received an intentional walk with the bases loaded.
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.
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.
1969: McCovey's Intentional Walks Record
In 1969, Willie McCovey set a Major League record with 45 intentional walks, which was later surpassed by Barry Bonds in 2002.
1973: Bobby Bonds Short of the 40-40 Club
In 1973, Bobby Bonds was one home run short of joining the 40-40 club when he hit 39 home runs and stole 43 bases.
August 23, 1976: Bacsik Faces Aaron
On August 23, 1976, Mike Bacsik's father, Michael J. Bacsik, faced Hank Aaron as a pitcher for the Texas Rangers after Aaron had hit his 755th home run, holding Aaron to a single and a fly out.
1979: Stargell Wins MVP
In 1979, Willie Stargell, at 39 years, 8 months, was National League co-MVP with Keith Hernandez, setting a record as the oldest player to win the award. Barry Bonds would later break this record in 2004.
1979: Last Pirates Postseason Berth
In 1979, before Bonds, the Pirates' last postseason berth was when they won the World Series.
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.
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.
1984: Low Pirates Attendance
In 1984, prior to Bonds joining the major leagues, the Pittsburgh Pirates experienced low fan attendance, with below 10,000 per game.
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.
1985: Low Pirates Attendance
In 1985, prior to Bonds joining the major leagues, the Pittsburgh Pirates experienced low fan attendance, with below 10,000 per game.
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: 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
1988: Improved Performance
In 1988, Barry Bonds improved his performance, hitting .283 with 24 home runs and 58 RBI in 144 games.
1988: José Canseco Joins the 40-40 Club
In 1988, José Canseco was a member of the 40-40 club before Barry Bonds.
1989: Outfield Assists
In 1989, Barry Bonds finished with 14 outfield assists, which was second in the NL.
1989: Previous Lowest Average
In 1989, before 1997 Barry Bonds had his lowest average since then.
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.
1991: Bonds' Slugging Percentage Decline
In 2006, Barry Bonds recorded his lowest slugging percentage since 1991 with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
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.
May 12, 1993: Ejected During Game Against Rockies
On May 12, 1993, Barry Bonds and his father, who was a coach, were ejected during a game against the Colorado Rockies for their role in an on-field fight.
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.
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.
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.
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.
May 9, 1996: Bonds shoves journalist
On May 9, 1996, Barry Bonds shoved USA Today journalist Rod Beaton in the team's clubhouse after an argument regarding access rules, resulting in a grievance filed by USA Today.
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.
1996: Named to All-Time College World Series Team
In 1996, Barry Bonds was named to the All-Time College World Series Team.
1997: Marriage annulled
In 1997, Barry Bonds and Susann Branco had their marriage annulled by the Catholic Church.
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.
1997: Statistics Considered for Ranking
In 1997, statistics being considered were used to rank Bonds on The Sporting News' list.
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.
May 28, 1998: Intentional Walk with Bases Loaded
On May 28, 1998, with two outs in the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Barry Bonds became only the fifth player in baseball history to be given an intentional walk with the bases loaded.
1998: Alex Rodriguez Joins the 40-40 Club
In 1998, Alex Rodriguez was a member of the 40-40 club before Barry Bonds.
1998: McGwire Sets Home Run Record
In 1998, Mark McGwire set the single-season home run record with 70 home runs in 162 games. Barry Bonds would later tie and break this record in 2001.
1998: Bonds' Home Run Slump
In 2006, Barry Bonds experienced his longest home run slump since 1998, going 10 games without hitting a home run.
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.
1999: Bonds Omitted from All-Century Team
In 1999, Barry Bonds was not selected for Major League Baseball's All-Century Team, while Ken Griffey Jr. was elected. At the time, Bonds was considered the most unappreciated superstar of his generation.
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.
1999: Ranked on The Sporting News' List
In 1999, with statistics through 1997 being considered, Barry Bonds ranked Number 34 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, making him the highest-ranking active player.
August 21, 2000: Supreme Court of California upholds prenuptial agreement
On August 21, 2000, the Supreme Court of California unanimously held that substantial evidence supports the determination of the trial court that the prenuptial agreement in the present case was entered into voluntarily.
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.
2001: Sets Single Season Home Run Record
In 2001, Barry Bonds set the record for the most home runs in a single MLB season with 73.
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.
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.
December 4, 2003: Bonds testifies about substance use
During grand jury testimony on December 4, 2003, Barry Bonds said he used a clear substance and a cream given to him by his trainer, Greg Anderson, who claimed they were flaxseed oil and a rubbing balm for arthritis.
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 ranked 6th by Sporting News
In 2005, Barry Bonds was ranked 6th in The Sporting News list of baseball's all-time greatest players, behind Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Hank Aaron.
2005: Hensley Suspended for Steroid Use
In 2005, Clay Hensley, who would eventually give up Barry Bonds's tying home run in 2007, had been suspended by baseball for steroid use.
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.
2005: Aaron on Steroid Controversy
In 2005, as the steroid controversy surrounding Barry Bonds intensified, Hank Aaron expressed his reservations about Bonds' statements and reiterated his stance against drug and steroid use in sports.
March 2006: Release of Game of Shadows
In March 2006, the book "Game of Shadows" by Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada, alleging steroid use by Barry Bonds, was released and generated significant media attention.
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.
May 2006: Publication of 'Love Me, Hate Me'
In May 2006, Jeff Pearlman released a biography of Barry Bonds titled "Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds and the Making of an Anti-Hero", portraying Bonds as polarizing and talented.
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.
2006: Alfonso Soriano Joins the 40-40 Club
In 2006, Alfonso Soriano was a member of the 40-40 club before Barry Bonds.
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 2007: Bonds' Positive Test for Amphetamines
In January 2007, Barry Bonds reportedly tested positive for amphetamines, violating baseball's amphetamine policy. He initially attributed it to a substance taken from teammate Mark Sweeney's locker but later retracted the claim and apologized.
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.
February 14, 2007: Lawyer 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, receiving a two-and-a-half-year jail sentence.
August 2007: Aaron Congratulates Bonds
In August 2007, Hank Aaron congratulated Barry Bonds through the media when Bonds broke Aaron's home run record. Aaron also clarified that he was a fan and admirer of Bonds.
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.
November 15, 2007: Bonds indicted on perjury and obstruction of justice
On November 15, 2007, Barry Bonds was indicted on perjury and obstruction of justice charges related to his testimony in the BALCO case, alleging he lied under oath about steroid use.
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.
2007: Indicted on Perjury and Obstruction of Justice
In 2007, Barry Bonds was indicted on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to a grand jury during the BALCO investigation.
2007: Kanye West records "Barry Bonds"
In late 2007, Chicago rapper Kanye West recorded a song titled "Barry Bonds" named after the slugger for his album Graduation.
February 14, 2008: Typo sparks media frenzy
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 be a November 2000 test.
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.
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.
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.
February 26, 2010: Watson files for divorce
On February 26, 2010, Liz Watson formally filed for divorce from Barry Bonds in Los Angeles.
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.
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.
March 21, 2011: Bonds' trial commences
On March 21, 2011, Barry Bonds' trial for obstruction of justice commenced, with Judge Susan Illston presiding.
April 13, 2011: Bonds convicted of 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.
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."
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 obstruction of justice stemming from a 2003 grand jury appearance. The sentence was delayed pending appeal.
2011: Convicted of Obstruction of Justice
In 2011, Barry Bonds was convicted of obstruction of justice following the perjury charges being dropped.
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.
April 22, 2015: Conviction overturned
On April 22, 2015, an 11-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit voted 10-1 that Barry Bonds' testimony was not obstruction, overturning his conviction.
May 2015: Bonds files grievance against MLB
In May 2015, Barry Bonds, through the players' union, filed a grievance against Major League Baseball, arguing 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, dismissing his claim that the league colluded to keep him from being signed after 2007.
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.
2015: Exonerated on Appeal
In 2015, Barry Bonds was exonerated on appeal after having been convicted of obstruction of justice.
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.
2016: Bonds expresses regret for his persona
In a 2016 interview with Terence Moore, Barry Bonds expressed regret for the difficult persona he had created during his playing career, attributing it to the pressure he felt as a young player.
July 8, 2017: Bonds added to Giants Wall of Fame
On July 8, 2017, Barry Bonds was added to the San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame.
February 6, 2018: Giants announce retirement of Bonds' number
On February 6, 2018, the San Francisco Giants announced their intentions to retire Barry Bonds' number 25 jersey.
August 11, 2018: Giants retire Bonds' number
On August 11, 2018, the San Francisco Giants retired Barry Bonds' number 25 jersey.
December 2022: Bonds fails to get Hall of Fame Committee vote
In December 2022, Barry Bonds remained eligible for the Hall of Fame through the Today's Game Committee vote, but received fewer than four of the twelve votes required for induction, and therefore did not get inducted.
2022: Last year of Hall of Fame eligibility
In 2022, Barry Bonds appeared on 260 of 394 ballots in his last year of eligibility for the National Baseball Hall of Fame, falling short of the 75% needed for induction with 66% of the vote.
2023: Bonds promoted to blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu
In 2023, Barry Bonds, an active practitioner of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, was promoted to blue belt in the martial art.
2023: Ronald Acuña Jr. Joins the 40-40 Club
In 2023, Ronald Acuña Jr. was a member of the 40-40 club before Barry Bonds.
2024: Contract Value in 2024
In 1993, Bonds signed a contract worth $43.75 million which is equivalent to $95.2 million in 2024.
2024: Shohei Ohtani Joins the 40-40 Club
In 2024, Shohei Ohtani was a member of the 40-40 club before Barry Bonds.
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