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Barry Bonds is one of the most polarizing figures in Major League Baseball history. While he owns both the single-season and all-time home run marks, his production comes with an asterisk for many due to steroid use.
For that reason, his inclusion in the MLB Hall of Fame is unlikely. The slugger got a consolation prize of sorts this week, though, when his former team announced a plan to induct him into their legendary club.
The Pittsburgh Pirates will include Bonds in their 2024 Hall of Fame class alongside his former manager Jim Leyland and Manny Sanguillen.
Welcome to the Pirates Hall of Fame, Barry! 👏 pic.twitter.com/rv7W1q2BiN
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 21, 2024
The outfielder spent seven seasons in the ‘Burgh, playing for the team that drafted him from 1986 to 1992.
During that time, the Pirates rose to the top of the National League, making three straight NLCS appearances. Unfortunately, the team never advanced to the World Series, but Bonds’ production was undeniable.
A budding superstar, he won a pair of MVP awards before moving onto San Francisco. As a Pirate, Bonds hit .275 with 176 homers and 556 RBIs.
He smacked 25+ long balls in each of his last three seasons while also batting in at least 100 baserunners.
He’ll now be rewarded for his contributions!
Barry Bonds responded to the Hall of Fame induction news in an interview with the team.
“We built a bond that no way it’s ever going to be broken.”
Barry Bonds talks about his time in Pittsburgh and being a member of the Pirates Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/VoeLKrv0lq
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 21, 2024
“That is awesome,” he said in disbelief. “That’s where my career started. That’s who drafted me… Couldn’t have had a better starting point. We built a bond, and there’s no way it’s ever going to be broken.”
Followers were quick to react to the news online. As you’d imagine, those responses were a bag of mixed opinions.
On the one hand, many in Pittsburgh recognize his accomplishments and the success it brought the franchise. Since his departure, the Pirates have been a cellar dweller.
“Well deserved! The greatest player of all-time.”
On the other hand, those baseball traditionalists focus on his steroid use.
“Pre-juice… The only HoF class he’ll ever be a part of.”
Either way, Barry Bonds will be a Hall of Fame member!