History of Barry Bonds in Timeline
Barry Lamar Bonds, a renowned American former professional baseball left fielder, graced Major League Baseball (MLB) for 22 seasons. His career spanned from 1986 to 2007, with stints at the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Francisco Giants. Widely regarded as one of baseball's all-time greats, Bonds's legacy cements his place in sports history.
1931: Start of the MLB MVP Award
The MLB MVP award was first presented in 1931, marking the beginning of recognizing the most valuable players in the league.
July 24, 1964: Birth of Barry Bonds
Barry Lamar Bonds was born on July 24, 1964.
1964: Rosie Bonds Competes in Olympics
Barry Bonds's paternal aunt, Rosie Bonds, competed in the 1964 Olympics in the 80-meter hurdles, setting an American record at the time.
1969: McCovey Sets Intentional Walk Record
Willie McCovey set the Major League record for most intentional walks in a season with 45 in 1969, a record later broken by Barry Bonds in 2002.
August 23, 1976: Mike Bacsik Sr. Holds Hank Aaron to a Single and Fly Out
On August 23, 1976, Mike Bacsik Sr., father of the pitcher who would later give up Barry Bonds' record-breaking 756th home run, faced Hank Aaron in a game. Bacsik Sr. managed to prevent Aaron from hitting a home run, holding him to a single and a fly out. This event would later be ironically recalled when Bonds broke Aaron's record.
1979: Willie Stargell's Shared MVP Award
In 1979, Willie Stargell, at the age of 39, was named co-MVP of the National League alongside Keith Hernandez. This marked a significant moment as Stargell became the oldest player to receive the honor at that time.
1979: Pirates' Previous World Series Victory
The Pittsburgh Pirates had last won the World Series in 1979.
1982: Drafted by the Giants and College Decision
The San Francisco Giants drafted Barry Bonds in 1982, but he opted to attend college at Arizona State University after failing to agree on contract terms.
1984: Successful College Baseball Season
Barry Bonds excelled in college baseball at Arizona State University, hitting .360 with 30 stolen bases in 1984.
1984: Low Attendance for the Pirates
The Pittsburgh Pirates struggled with low fan attendance in 1984.
July 1985: Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates and Minor League Success
Barry Bonds was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in July 1985 and earned Player of the Month honors in the Carolina League.
1985: Continued Success and NCAA Recognition
Barry Bonds continued to shine in college baseball, earning All-American honors and tying an NCAA record in 1985.
1985: Continued Attendance Issues
The Pittsburgh Pirates continued to face challenges with low attendance in 1985.
May 30, 1986: Major League Debut
Barry Bonds made his highly anticipated Major League debut on May 30, 1986.
1986: Impressive Minor League Performance
Barry Bonds continued to excel in the minor leagues in 1986, hitting .311 for the Hawaii Islanders.
1986: Graduation from Arizona State University
Barry Bonds graduated from Arizona State University with a degree in criminology in 1986.
1986: Today's Game Committee Considers Players from 1986 Onward
The Today's Game Committee's scope of consideration for Hall of Fame induction began in 1986. They were tasked with reviewing players whose careers fell within this timeframe and beyond who had made significant contributions to baseball but were no longer eligible for the regular ballot.
1986: Start of MLB Career with the Pittsburgh Pirates
Barry Bonds began his Major League Baseball career with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986.
August 1987: Meeting Susann Branco
Barry Bonds met Susann "Sun" Margreth Branco in Montreal, Quebec, in August 1987.
1987: Position Change and Arrival of Andy Van Slyke
Barry Bonds transitioned to left field in 1987 with the arrival of center fielder Andy Van Slyke.
1987: Strong Performance and Fan Enthusiasm
Barry Bonds' performance on the field in 1987, including 25 home runs, led to a surge in fan enthusiasm and record attendance for the Pirates.
February 5, 1988: Marriage to Susann Branco
On February 5, 1988, Barry Bonds eloped with Susann "Sun" Margreth Branco in Las Vegas.
1988: Continued Improvement and Record Attendance
Barry Bonds' performance continued to improve in 1988, and the Pirates set another attendance record.
1989: Solid Season and Trade Rumors
Barry Bonds had a solid season in 1989, but rumors circulated about a potential trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
1990: First MVP Award and Playoff Appearance
Barry Bonds won his first National League Most Valuable Player award in 1990 and helped the Pirates reach the playoffs for the first time since 1979.
1991: Another Strong Season and MVP Runner-Up
Barry Bonds had another impressive season in 1991, finishing second in the MVP voting.
1991: Bonds' Lowest Slugging Percentage Since 1991
During the 2006 season, Barry Bonds recorded his lowest slugging percentage since his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1991.
March 1992: Almost Traded, Wins Second MVP, Playoff Defeat
In March 1992, the Pirates nearly traded Barry Bonds to the Atlanta Braves. However, the trade fell through, and Bonds went on to win his second MVP award that season. Despite their success, the Pirates were defeated by the Braves in the National League Championship Series, with Bonds involved in the final, pivotal play.
1992: End of Time with the Pirates
Barry Bonds concluded his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1992.
May 12, 1993: Bonds and Father Ejected from Game
On May 12, 1993, during a game against the Colorado Rockies, Barry Bonds and his father, Bobby Bonds (who was a coach for the Giants at the time), were both ejected for their involvement in an on-field fight.
1993: Joining the San Francisco Giants
Barry Bonds became a member of the San Francisco Giants in 1993.
1993: Bonds Wins Second Consecutive MVP Award
Barry Bonds won his second consecutive MVP award in 1993 after leading the league with 46 home runs and 123 RBIs while maintaining a .336 batting average.
1993: Bonds Signs Record-Breaking Contract with the Giants
In 1993, Barry Bonds signed a six-year, $43.75 million contract with the San Francisco Giants. This deal was the largest in baseball history at the time, both in total value and average annual salary.
June 1994: Separation from Susann Branco
Barry Bonds and Susann Branco separated in June 1994.
December 1994: Divorce from Susann Branco
Barry Bonds and Susann Branco divorced in December 1994.
1994: Beginning of Relationship with Kimberly Bell
Barry Bonds began a relationship with graphic designer Kimberly Bell in 1994.
1994: Bonds Leads League in Walks, Finishes 4th in MVP Voting
Despite a strike-shortened season, Barry Bonds had a successful year in 1994. He hit .312 with 37 home runs and led the league with 74 walks, ultimately finishing 4th in MVP voting.
1994: Bonds Makes Cameo Appearance in "Jane's House"
Barry Bonds briefly appeared as himself in the 1994 television film "Jane's House," starring James Woods and Anne Archer.
1995: Bonds Hits 33 Home Runs, Finishes 12th in MVP Voting
Barry Bonds hit 33 home runs and drove in 104 runs in 1995, maintaining a .294 batting average. Despite these achievements, he finished 12th in MVP voting.
May 9, 1996: Confrontation with USA Today Journalist Rod Beaton
On May 9, 1996, Bonds shoved USA Today journalist Rod Beaton in the Giants' clubhouse after Beaton remained to interview Robby Thompson within the designated time for player interviews. While no formal complaint was filed, the incident highlighted Bonds' strained relationship with the media.
1996: Joining the 40-40 Club
Barry Bonds became a member of the exclusive 40-40 club in 1996, hitting 42 home runs and stealing 40 bases in a single season.
1996: Bonds Joins the 40-40 Club
Barry Bonds became the first National League player and second Major League player to achieve a 40-40 season in 1996, hitting 40 home runs and stealing 40 bases.
1996: Named to All-Time College World Series Team
In 1996, Barry Bonds was recognized for his college baseball prowess by being named to the All-Time College World Series Team.
1997: Annulment of Marriage to Susann Branco
Barry Bonds and Susann Branco's marriage was annulled by the Catholic Church in 1997.
1997: Bonds Ties Father for Most 30-30 Seasons
In 1997, Barry Bonds hit 40 home runs and stole 37 bases. This tied him with his father, Bobby Bonds, for the most 30-30 seasons (5).
January 10, 1998: Marriage to Liz Watson
Barry Bonds married his second wife, Liz Watson, on January 10, 1998, at the San Francisco Ritz-Carlton Hotel.
May 28, 1998: Bonds Receives Intentional Walk with Bases Loaded
On May 28, 1998, Barry Bonds became the fifth player in baseball history to be intentionally walked with the bases loaded. This occurred during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
1998: Bonds' Longest Home Run Drought Since 1998
Barry Bonds experienced his most prolonged home run slump since the 1998 season, going without a homer for the first 10 games of 2006.
1998: McGwire Sets Home Run Record
In 1998, Mark McGwire set the single-season home run record with 70, a record that Barry Bonds would later surpass in 2001.
1999: Bonds Ranked Highly on "100 Greatest Baseball Players" List
In 1999, The Sporting News ranked Barry Bonds 34th on their "100 Greatest Baseball Players" list, making him the highest-ranking active player at the time.
1999: Brian Giles Begins Wearing Number 24 for the Pirates
In 1999, Brian Giles became the new wearer of the number 24 jersey for the Pittsburgh Pirates, the same number Barry Bonds had worn during his time with the team. The Pirates' decision to keep the number in circulation, even after Bonds' departure, suggested a complex relationship with his legacy.
1999: Bonds Placed on Disabled List with Torn Tendon and Bone Spurs
In 1999, Barry Bonds experienced his second-ever stint on the disabled list. He suffered a torn biceps tendon and bone spurs in his elbow, requiring surgery and forcing him to miss two months of the season.
1999: Bonds Omitted from MLB All-Century Team
Despite his impressive performance and recognition in The Sporting News' list, Barry Bonds was not selected for the Major League Baseball All-Century Team in 1999.
1999: Bonds Returns from Injury, Shows Resilience Despite Challenges
Barry Bonds returned to playing in 1999 after his injury, though his performance was hampered by lingering pain. Despite these setbacks, he still managed to hit 34 home runs and maintain a .617 slugging percentage.
August 21, 2000: Supreme Court Ruling on Prenuptial Agreement
On August 21, 2000, the Supreme Court of California upheld the prenuptial agreement between Barry Bonds and Susann Branco, which waived her right to his earnings.
November 2000: Alleged Positive Steroid Test
Court documents mistakenly referenced a November 2000 steroid test as occurring in November 2001. This November 2000 test, though already disclosed, became a point of contention due to the error.
2000: Bonds Achieves Career Bests in Slugging Percentage and Home Runs
Barry Bonds had a remarkable season in 2000, setting new personal bests in slugging percentage (.688) and home runs (49). He also led the league with 117 walks.
2000: Bonds Begins Working with Trainer Greg Anderson
Bonds began working with Greg Anderson as his personal strength trainer in 2000.
November 2001: Erroneous Report of Positive Steroid Test
A typo in court documents filed on February 14, 2008, incorrectly stated that Bonds tested positive for steroids in November 2001. This was later clarified to be a reference to a test from November 2000.
2001: Bonds Breaks Personal and MLB Records
Barry Bonds had a historic season in 2001, shattering both personal and major league records. He hit 73 home runs, breaking Mark McGwire's record of 70, and achieved an MLB record .863 slugging percentage. He also hit his 500th home run this season.
2001: Record-Breaking Home Run Season
In 2001, Barry Bonds set the single-season home run record with 73 home runs.
January 2002: Bonds Signs Five-Year Contract Extension with Giants
Barry Bonds' exceptional performance earned him a five-year, $90 million contract extension with the San Francisco Giants in January 2002.
2002: Bonds' 2002 Postseason Run
In 2002, Barry Bonds put up impressive numbers during the postseason, batting .322 with eight home runs and 16 RBI. The Giants ultimately lost the World Series to the Anaheim Angels.
May 2003: End of Relationship with Kimberly Bell
Barry Bonds's relationship with Kimberly Bell ended in May 2003.
December 4, 2003: Bonds Testifies Before Grand Jury
During grand jury testimony on December 4, 2003, Bonds claimed that the substances he received from Greg Anderson were flaxseed oil and an arthritis balm, though later reports suggested he admitted to unknowingly using "the cream" and "the clear."
2003: BALCO Scandal Emerges
Starting in 2003, Bonds became embroiled in the BALCO scandal, facing allegations of using performance-enhancing drugs supplied by the laboratory.
2003: Bonds Withdraws from MLBPA Licensing Agreement
In a historic move, Bonds opted out of the MLB Players Association's licensing agreement in 2003, believing he could secure more lucrative individual marketing deals. This decision prevented his name and likeness from being used in MLBPA-licensed merchandise.
2003: Greg Anderson, Bonds's Trainer, Indicted in BALCO Scandal
In 2003, Greg Anderson, who had been Bonds's trainer since 2000, was indicted for supplying anabolic steroids to athletes, including baseball players, as part of the BALCO scandal. This fueled speculation about Bonds's potential involvement in performance-enhancing drug use.
2003: Bonds' Grand Jury Appearance
In 2003, Barry Bonds found himself at the center of a grand jury investigation, marking a pivotal moment in his career as it brought his alleged involvement in performance-enhancing drug use into the public eye. His testimony during this investigation would later lead to legal challenges and controversy.
2003: Brian Giles Wears Number 24 Until 2003
Brian Giles continued to wear the number 24 jersey for the Pittsburgh Pirates until 2003, further highlighting the team's approach to Barry Bonds' legacy by not retiring the number. This decision sparked debate and discussion among fans and observers.
2003: Bonds's Grand Jury Appearance Leads to Obstruction of Justice Charge
Bonds's testimony before a grand jury in 2003 regarding the BALCO scandal ultimately resulted in an obstruction of justice charge, for which he was later convicted.
2003: Bonds' Impressive 2003 Season Despite Limited Games
In 2003, Barry Bonds played in only 130 games due to injuries. However, he maintained a remarkable performance with a .341 batting average and 45 home runs in just 390 at-bats. He also achieved a significant milestone by becoming the only player in MLB history to hit 500 home runs and steal 500 bases.
2004: Bonds' Record-Breaking 2004 Season
Barry Bonds had a career-defining year in 2004, breaking numerous records. He won his second National League batting title with a .362 average, hit his 661st and 700th career home runs, surpassing Willie Mays on the all-time list, and set a new MLB record with 232 walks. His exceptional performance earned him his fourth consecutive MVP award, a feat unmatched in MLB history. Additionally, at age 40, he became the oldest player to win the MVP award, breaking Willie Stargell's record.
July 2005: BALCO Defendants Strike Deals, Protecting Athlete Names
In July 2005, the defendants in the BALCO steroid scandal trial, including Greg Anderson, reached plea agreements that did not require them to disclose the names of athletes who may have used banned substances.
2005: Bonds' Return from Injury in 2005
Despite a $22 million salary, the second-highest in Major League Baseball that year, Barry Bonds faced significant setbacks in 2005 due to a knee injury that required multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation. After being sidelined for a considerable portion of the season, he returned to the Giants' lineup in September and quickly regained his form, hitting home runs in four consecutive games.
2005: Aaron's Stance on Steroid Use in Baseball
During the 2005 offseason, as the controversy surrounding steroid use in baseball intensified, Hank Aaron expressed his disapproval of performance-enhancing drugs. He believed such practices were detrimental to the integrity of the sport and wished the focus could remain on the game itself.
2005: Bonds Hits Home Runs 752, 753, 754, and Ties the All-Time Record with 755
In 2005, despite a slow start and a losing streak for the Giants, Barry Bonds managed to hit several milestone home runs. This included his 752nd and 753rd against the Chicago Cubs, followed by his 754th against the Florida Marlins. Notably, the game where he hit his 754th marked the first time since his 747th that the Giants won a game where he homered. Later that year, Bonds tied Hank Aaron's all-time record by hitting his 755th home run against the San Diego Padres.
2005: Bonds Climbs to 6th on Updated "100 Greatest Baseball Players" List
When The Sporting News updated their "100 Greatest Baseball Players" list in 2005, Barry Bonds secured the 6th spot, surpassing his 1999 ranking.
March 2006: Release of "Game of Shadows"
The publication of "Game of Shadows" in March 2006, a book by Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada alleging Bonds's extensive steroid use, significantly shifted public opinion against him.
April 2006: "Bonds on Bonds" Reality Series Premieres
The reality TV series "Bonds on Bonds," documenting Bonds's pursuit of home run records, began airing on ESPN in April 2006.
May 2006: Publication of "Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds and the Making of an Anti-Hero"
Jeff Pearlman's unauthorized biography, "Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds and the Making of an Anti-Hero," was published in May 2006. The book portrayed Bonds as an egotistical and polarizing figure.
May 2006: "Bonds on Bonds" Airs Amidst Controversy
Despite calls for its postponement due to the steroid allegations surrounding Bonds, "Bonds on Bonds" continued to air new episodes in May 2006.
June 2006: Cancellation of "Bonds on Bonds"
ESPN and Tollin/Robbins Productions canceled "Bonds on Bonds" in June 2006, attributing the decision to disputes over creative control with Bonds and his representatives.
2006: Bonds Ties Babe Ruth's Home Run Record
On May 20, 2006, Barry Bonds hit his 714th career home run, tying Babe Ruth for second place on the all-time home run list. This momentous home run came against Oakland A's pitcher Brad Halsey during an interleague game. Following this achievement, Bonds expressed relief that the chase for the record was reaching its climax, hoping that more attention could now be directed towards other players like Albert Pujols.
2006: Bonds Surpasses Aaron's NL Home Run Record and Records Lowest Slugging Percentage Since 1991
Barry Bonds achieved a significant milestone in 2006 when he surpassed Hank Aaron for the National League career home run record with a home run against the Milwaukee Brewers. Despite this achievement, Bonds experienced a decline in his slugging percentage, recording his lowest since 1991 during his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
2006: Bonds Nears Babe Ruth's Home Run Record
In 2006, Barry Bonds continued his pursuit of baseball's home run records. Earning $20 million, he hit his 713th career home run on May 7, moving within one home run of tying Babe Ruth for second place on the all-time list.
January 2007: Bonds' Positive Amphetamine Test Revealed
In January 2007, the New York Daily News reported that Barry Bonds had tested positive for amphetamines during the previous season. While the policy at the time, in its first year of implementation, mandated additional testing and counseling for players who tested positive, it also stipulated that first-time offenses should not be publicly disclosed. The leak of this information sparked controversy and led to Bonds issuing an apology after initially attributing the positive test to a substance he claimed to have taken from a teammate's locker.
January 29, 2007: Giants Finalize Contract with Bonds for 2007 Season
The San Francisco Giants finalized Barry Bonds' contract for the 2007 season on January 29, 2007. The deal was temporarily stalled after the commissioner's office rejected the initial agreement due to a clause related to personal appearances. However, after revisions, Bonds ultimately signed the one-year, $15.8 million contract and joined the Giants' spring training camp on schedule.
February 14, 2007: Troy Ellerman Pleads Guilty to Leaking Grand Jury Testimony
On February 14, 2007, Troy Ellerman, one of Victor Conte's attorneys, confessed to leaking confidential grand jury testimony related to the BALCO case. He was sentenced to two and a half years in prison.
August 2007: Bonds Breaks Hank Aaron's Record
In August 2007, Barry Bonds surpassed Hank Aaron to become Major League Baseball's all-time home run leader, a feat that remains controversial due to allegations of steroid use. Despite the controversy, Aaron conveyed his congratulations to Bonds via a video message displayed on the scoreboard.
September 21, 2007: Giants Announce They Will Not Re-Sign Bonds
On September 21, 2007, the San Francisco Giants made a public announcement that they would not re-sign Barry Bonds for the following season. This news came after an initial announcement on Bonds' personal website.
September 26, 2007: Career Statistics at Retirement
At the time of his retirement on September 26, 2007, Barry Bonds held numerous Major League Baseball records, including career home runs (762), walks (2,558), and intentional walks (688).
October 29, 2007: Bonds Files for Free Agency
Officially becoming a free agent on October 29, 2007, Barry Bonds' agent expressed optimism about potential interest from various Major League teams. Bonds' future in baseball remained uncertain despite his impressive career.
November 15, 2007: Indictment on Perjury and Obstruction of Justice Charges
On November 15, 2007, Bonds was indicted on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice related to the BALCO steroid scandal. The indictment alleged that he lied under oath about his alleged steroid use.
2007: Indictment in Steroids Scandal
Barry Bonds was indicted on charges related to perjury and obstruction of justice in 2007, stemming from the BALCO steroids investigation.
2007: Retirement from Baseball
Barry Bonds retired from Major League Baseball after the 2007 season.
2007: Bonds Concludes the 2007 Season
Barry Bonds concluded the 2007 season with a .276 batting average, 28 home runs, and 66 RBIs in 126 games. Despite being 43 years old, he led both leagues in walks with 132, showcasing his continued patience at the plate.
2007: Bonds Surpasses Midway Point Between Ruth and Aaron
At the start of the 2007 season, Barry Bonds quickly resumed his pursuit of the all-time home run record. In only the second game of the season, he hit his 735th career home run, moving past the midway point between Babe Ruth and Hank Aaron on the all-time list.
2007: Bonds' Unsigned Status After 2007
After the 2007 season, Barry Bonds entered a period of uncertainty and controversy as he remained unsigned despite his impressive career statistics. This period was marked by speculation about his future in baseball, allegations of collusion against MLB, and his eventual decision to step away from the game.
2007: Kanye West Releases Song "Barry Bonds"
Rapper Kanye West released a song titled "Barry Bonds" on his album "Graduation" in late 2007 as a tribute to the baseball player.
February 14, 2008: Court Document Error Alleges Bonds's Positive Steroid Test
A typographical error in court documents filed on February 14, 2008, mistakenly claimed that Bonds tested positive for steroids in November 2001. The intended reference was a November 2000 test, but the error sparked significant media attention.
2008: Speculation About Bonds' Future
The year 2008 was marked by significant speculation regarding where Barry Bonds might continue his baseball career. However, despite being within reach of several significant hitting milestones, no team signed him during this season.
March 2, 2009: Bonds's Trial for Obstruction of Justice Postponed
Bonds's trial for obstruction of justice, initially set to begin on March 2, 2009, was delayed due to emergency appeals by the prosecution.
June 9, 2009: Legal Separation from Liz Watson
Liz Watson filed for legal separation from Barry Bonds on June 9, 2009, citing irreconcilable differences.
July 21, 2009: Reconciliation with Liz Watson
Liz Watson withdrew her legal separation action against Barry Bonds on July 21, 2009, leading to a brief reconciliation.
November 13, 2009: Bonds' Agent Maintains He's Not Retired
Despite the lack of offers and his prolonged absence from the field, Barry Bonds' agent maintained that Bonds had not officially retired from baseball as of November 13, 2009.
2009: Bonds Remains Unsigned
Despite being a free agent, Barry Bonds remained unsigned throughout the entire 2009 season. This further fueled speculation about his future in baseball and whether he would attempt to return to the game.
February 26, 2010: Divorce Filing from Liz Watson
Liz Watson formally filed for divorce from Barry Bonds on February 26, 2010, in Los Angeles.
April 11, 2010: Bonds Comments on McGwire's Steroid Admission
Barry Bonds expressed his support for Mark McGwire's admission of steroid use on April 11, 2010. While Bonds stated that he didn't believe it was the right time for him to retire, he acknowledged that he wasn't in playing shape should a team express interest.
2010: Legal Issues Involving Son, Nikolai
In 2010, Barry Bonds's son, Nikolai, faced misdemeanor charges and a restraining order from his mother, Sun Bonds, after a confrontation.
March 21, 2011: Bonds's Trial for Obstruction of Justice Begins
The trial for obstruction of justice against Bonds commenced on March 21, 2011, presided over by Judge Susan Illston.
April 13, 2011: Bonds Convicted of Obstruction of Justice
On April 13, 2011, Bonds was found guilty of obstruction of justice for providing evasive testimony during a grand jury appearance in 2003 related to the BALCO investigation.
June 6, 2011: Agreement to Settle Divorce Privately
On June 6, 2011, Barry Bonds and Liz Watson agreed to settle their divorce privately, avoiding a trial.
December 15, 2011: Bonds Sentenced to House Arrest and Probation
On December 15, 2011, Barry Bonds received a sentence of 30 days of house arrest, two years of probation, and 250 hours of community service. This sentencing was a result of his conviction for obstruction of justice related to a grand jury appearance in 2003. However, the sentence was delayed pending an appeal.
2011: Conviction and Appeal
Barry Bonds was convicted of obstruction of justice in 2011 but later exonerated on appeal in 2015.
2011: Pedro Alvarez Dons Number 24 for the Pirates
Continuing the trend of keeping Barry Bonds' former number 24 jersey in circulation, Pedro Alvarez began wearing it for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2011. The decision to reuse the number reflected the team's evolving perspective on Bonds' legacy and their focus on the future.
2013: Bonds' Conviction Upheld on Appeal
In 2013, a three-judge panel from the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld Barry Bonds' conviction for obstruction of justice. This decision seemed to solidify the legal ramifications of his actions related to the 2003 grand jury investigation. However, the case would continue to unfold in the courts.
2013: Bonds' First Year of Hall of Fame Eligibility
In 2013, Barry Bonds appeared on the National Baseball Hall of Fame ballot for the first time. This marked the beginning of his quest for enshrinement in Cooperstown. However, he fell short of the required 75% of votes from the Baseball Writers' Association of America (BBWAA).
2013: Ninth Circuit Court Upholds Bonds's Conviction
Bonds's appeal of his obstruction of justice conviction was initially rejected by a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2013.
March 10, 2014: Bonds Serves as Spring Training Instructor for the Giants
Barry Bonds returned to the San Francisco Giants in a coaching capacity on March 10, 2014, when he began a seven-day stint as a roving spring training instructor. This marked a return to the team where he achieved his greatest successes, albeit in a different role.
April 22, 2015: Ninth Circuit Overturns Bonds' Conviction
On April 22, 2015, in a significant turn of events, an 11-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals voted 10-1 to overturn Barry Bonds' previous conviction for obstruction of justice. The court found that his testimony, which had been the basis for the conviction, did not constitute obstruction. This ruling marked a victory for Bonds in his long legal battle.
May 2015: Bonds Files Grievance Against MLB
In May 2015, Barry Bonds filed a grievance against Major League Baseball through the players' union, claiming that the league conspired to prevent him from signing with a team after the 2007 season. This legal action highlighted the ongoing tension and controversy surrounding Bonds and his career.
August 2015: Arbitrator Rules Against Bonds in Collusion Case
In August 2015, an arbitrator ruled in favor of Major League Baseball, dismissing Barry Bonds' claims of collusion and stating that there was insufficient evidence to support his allegations. This ruling marked a significant setback for Bonds in his attempt to prove that the league had unfairly prevented him from continuing his career.
December 4, 2015: Bonds Named Hitting Coach for the Miami Marlins
On December 4, 2015, Barry Bonds was appointed as the hitting coach for the Miami Marlins, marking his official return to Major League Baseball in a coaching capacity. This opportunity allowed him to share his hitting expertise with a new generation of players.
2015: Pedro Alvarez Continues to Wear Number 24
Pedro Alvarez remained the wearer of the number 24 jersey for the Pittsburgh Pirates until 2015, further demonstrating the team's choice to keep the number in use despite its association with Barry Bonds. This decision continued to fuel discussions about Bonds' legacy and the complexities surrounding his career.
2015: Ninth Circuit Court Overturns Bonds's Conviction
In 2015, the full Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, meeting en banc, overturned Bonds's obstruction of justice conviction by a 10-1 vote.
2015: Exoneration of Obstruction of Justice
Barry Bonds' conviction for obstruction of justice was overturned in 2015.
October 3, 2016: Bonds Relieved of Hitting Coach Duties
Despite a promising start as the hitting coach for the Miami Marlins, Barry Bonds was relieved of his duties on October 3, 2016, after just one season. He wrote a public thank you letter expressing his gratitude for the opportunity.
2016: Bonds Expresses Regret over Public Persona
In a candid interview in 2016, Barry Bonds expressed remorse over the often-perceived negative public persona he had cultivated throughout his career. Attributing it to the immense pressure he felt to succeed, particularly as a young player with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Bonds acknowledged that his behavior wasn't always a true reflection of his character.
2016: Today's Game Committee Considers Players Up to 2016
The Today's Game Committee's purview extended to players who made notable contributions to baseball up until 2016. This timeframe encompassed a period of significant change and evolution within the sport, encompassing the heart of Barry Bonds' controversial career.
July 8, 2017: Bonds Inducted into the Giants Wall of Fame
In recognition of his remarkable achievements with the team, Barry Bonds was inducted into the San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame on July 8, 2017. This honor solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in Giants history, despite the controversies that surrounded his career.
February 6, 2018: Giants Announce Plans to Retire Bonds' Number 25
On February 6, 2018, the San Francisco Giants announced their decision to retire Barry Bonds' iconic number 25 jersey, a testament to his lasting impact on the franchise. This decision further cemented his legacy as one of the most recognizable and accomplished players in Giants history.
August 11, 2018: Giants Retire Bonds' Number 25 Jersey
In a momentous occasion for both Barry Bonds and the San Francisco Giants, the team officially retired his number 25 jersey on August 11, 2018. This ceremony celebrated his remarkable career and acknowledged his place among the Giants' all-time greats.
December 2022: Today's Game Committee Vote
In December 2022, Barry Bonds' Hall of Fame hopes rested on the Today's Game Committee, a group responsible for considering players who fell off the BBWAA ballot. Despite this opportunity, Bonds failed to garner enough votes for induction.
2022: Bonds' Final Year on the Hall of Fame Ballot
Barry Bonds' tenth and final year of eligibility for the National Baseball Hall of Fame arrived in 2022. Despite receiving a higher percentage of votes compared to previous years, he again fell short of the required 75% to gain induction. His eligibility through the BBWAA ballot ended, leaving his Hall of Fame fate uncertain.
2023: Achieving Blue Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Barry Bonds was promoted to blue belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2023.