Barry Bonds
Barry Bonds’ reputation as one of the most accomplished players in the history of the sport is well known. However, it is not his record breaking achievements which he may ultimately be remembered for. In his career, Bonds has surpassed Hank Aaron’s home run records, won the MVP award four years in a row, played in the 2007 World Series and won worldwide fame.
Sadly, there may be an asterisk next to all of these records. Bonds has admitted to steroid usage (although he denies having willingly or knowingly taken the drug), something which was long rumored. Bonds did not exactly have a rapport with the fans, despite his performance on the diamond. Many hated him and he gladly returned the favor. Bonds burned so many bridges that no team was willing to sign him on for the 2008 season (and he has no contracts lined up for the 2009 season at the time of this writing), despite his holding the record for career home runs at 762 and most home runs in a single season at 73.
With an accomplished career and his financial security already assured, Bonds became a target of investigation in connection to the Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative case and was charged with perjury for having lied about his steroid use.
This case has cast a shadow over his entire career in the sport. The validity of his awards and records have been called into question by fans and the administrative body governing the sport alike.
The shadow has fallen upon his entire career, a career which began in high school. Binds was approached by the Giants even as he was still attending high school. Although he did not sign with the Giants at this time, he continued playing in college and scored seven consecutive hits in the College World Series. He was also named the All American selection of the year by Sporting News.
In March 2009, Bonds will appear in court to face the obstruction of justice charges related to the BALCO investigation. Bonds still insists that he never took steroids knowingly – but this is a matter which has yet to be resolved in court and is sure to be closely followed by baseball fans.
Off the diamond, Binds has become involved with working with sick and terminally ill children. Bonds has an honorary chair with the Macy’s Tree Lighting Committee, which fundraises for the children’s hospice UCSF Children’s Hospital Palliative Care Program.
