How Barry Bonds Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Barry Bonds—a timeline of influence.

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

1986: Start of Today's Game Committee Eligibility

In 1986, players who lost ballot eligibility while still having made notable contributions to baseball were eligible for the Hall of Fame's Today's Game Committee.

1997: Statistics Considered

In 1997, the statistics were considered in order to rank Barry Bonds among greatest baseball players by 1999.

1999: Omission from All-Century Team

In 1999, Barry Bonds was not selected for Major League Baseball's All-Century Team, while Ken Griffey Jr. was chosen instead. This led to discussions about Bonds's appreciation and his standing among the greatest players.

1999: Ranked Among Greatest Players

In 1999, considering statistics through 1997, Barry Bonds was ranked Number 34 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, making him the highest-ranking active player.

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.

2005: Bonds ranked 6th in Sporting News list

In 2005, Barry Bonds was ranked 6th in The Sporting News list, following Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and Hank Aaron.

2005: Hank Aaron's opinion on Bonds and Steroid usage

In 2005, as Barry Bonds approached Hank Aaron's home run record, Aaron expressed that he was a fan and admirer of Bonds and avoided the controversy regarding Bonds's alleged steroid use. He felt that the fans should determine the recognition and respect for the award. Aaron later expressed that he felt drug and steroid use to boost athletic performance was inappropriate.

August 2007: Aaron congratulates Bonds after record break

In August 2007, after Barry Bonds broke Hank Aaron's home run record, Aaron congratulated Bonds through the media, including a video played on the scoreboard.

2007: Song Named After Bonds

In late 2007, Chicago rapper Kanye West recorded a song titled "Barry Bonds" for his album Graduation.

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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.

2016: End of Today's Game Committee Eligibility

In 2016, the end of the period of eligibility for players who lost ballot eligibility while still having made notable contributions to baseball were eligible for the Hall of Fame's Today's Game Committee.

2016: Bonds on Regretted 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 pressure to perform.

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' Jersey

On February 6, 2018, the San Francisco Giants announced their intention to retire Barry Bonds' number 25 jersey.

August 11, 2018: Jersey Number Retired

On August 11, 2018, Barry Bonds' number 25 jersey was officially retired by the San Francisco Giants.

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.