Barry Bonds is back at his old stomping grounds. This time wearing orange, black — and a little teal.
The Giants embark on a three-game series against the Marlins Friday which means Miami’s new hitting coach is back in the dugout. The opposing one, at least.
Though on the opposing side, this homecoming seems a sweet one for Bonds. San Francisco is his home. He said Being at AT&T Park reminds him of what it meant for him to be a Giant:
“When I was a little boy I wanted to be in the outfield with Willie Mays and my dad and be a Giant. And I had that opportunity and I got to play left field, so I got to play against the ghosts of my idols my whole entire life.”
Giants fans wear the No. 25 jersey proudly, still, around China Basin. He’s a hero, despite it all. He said the feeling is mutual:
“Here in San Francisco, like I say, I don’t really have fans in San Francisco. This is my family. This is where I was raised. This is where I grew up. These are the people that stood behind me through thick and thin. So I always will appreciate that.”
His former manager, Bruce Bochy was glad to see him back in a baseball uniform:
“Good to see Barry back in baseball. … He wanted to pass on his knowledge, there’s a spot for him and I’m sure he’ll do great.”
The Bonds/Giancarlo Stanton team could be very Mr. Miyagi/Daniel Larusso, but Bonds is keeping a foot in both doors:
“I take my job serious, and I’m very serious about being a good hitting coach over here for the Miami Marlins. I respect the Giants and I’ll root for them when we leave. But I’m not going to root for them right now. I don’t want them to beat us, like when I’m here. No, I take my job really seriously.”
Shayna Rubin is SFBay’s San Francisco Giants beat writer. Follow @SFBay and @ShaynaRubin on Twitter and at SFBay.ca for full coverage of Giants baseball.
Last modified April 23, 2016 9:29 pm
This website uses cookies.