Former San Francisco Giants player Barry Bonds acknowledges the fans during a ceremony to retire his No. 25 jersey. Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/UPI | License Photo
The ceremony took place nearly 11 years after Bonds' last game. Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/UPI | License Photo
"I am overwhelmed with emotions as the reality of this day sets in," Bonds
said. Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/UPI |
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"This may come as a surprise to a lot of people, but as a child I didn't even want to play baseball. I wanted to play all sports -- basketball, football, ride my bike, all the things that kids do. But once my mom signed me up, I got my first taste of what would be my lifelong passion." Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/UPI | License Photo
Bonds (R) is lifted up by former Pittsburgh Pirates teammate Bobby Bonilla. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Bonds hugs his mother, Pat. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Hall of Fame San Francisco Giants player, and Bonds' godfather Willie Mays called for Bonds to be added to the Hall of Fame. "When people talk about, 'Oh, who's the best ballplayer in the world?' I don't care," Mays said. "I played my 20 years, 22 years, whatever it might be. Give somebody honor, that deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is a type of fraternity that, when you get there, you'll say, 'Man, how did I get here?' And I want him to have that honor be something that happens to him." Mays added, "Vote this guy in." Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Mays (L) doffs his cap to fans next to Hall of Fame San Francisco Giants player Willie McCovey. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Hall of Fame San Francisco Giants player Juan Marichal waves to the fans. Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI | License Photo
Bonds (C) closed out his speech saying, "Thank you San Francisco, thank you for making all my dreams come true." | License Photo
Bonds became the 10th player in Giants history to have his number retired. Bonds had 762 career home runs.
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Fans hold up signs with the number 25. | License Photo
A special second base waits for play. | License Photo