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 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

1996: Named to All-Time College World Series Team

In 1996, Barry Bonds was named to the All-Time College World Series Team.

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: 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.

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.

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.

Love Me, Hate Me: Barry Bonds and the Making of an Antihero

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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.

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.

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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.