There’s a reason San Francisco Giants outfielder Barry Bonds is the home run king. At an age where most players experience steep decline, Bonds continued to mash at the plate until he became too toxic for teams to sign.
For years now, many have wondered what would have happened if Bonds’ career had continued. While he was compromised defensively during his final season, Bonds still hit 28 home runs and led the league in walks and on-base percentage as a 42-year-old. He could still play at a high level.
Part of that mystery may have been solved Sunday. Bonds showed up as a guest instructor during Giants camp, and decided to step into the batting cage for a few swings. Though he’s a decade older, he’s still capable of mashing dingers.
Just Barry Bonds hitting cage bombs. pic.twitter.com/lMSEY9roeW— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) March 26, 2017
Perhaps not surprisingly, this is not the first time in recent memory Bonds amazed with his prodigious pop. Last year, Bonds reportedly won a spring home run derby held by the Miami Marlins. That’s right, a 51-year-old Bonds out-homered Giancarlo Stanton.
We say reportedly above because no video exists from that event. But after seeing Sunday’s bomb, we are inclined to believe the reporters who were there last season.
We also feel confident saying a 52-year-old Barry Bonds could still play. You might be skeptical, but the Chicago White Sox are going into the year with Avisail Garcia as their primary designated hitter. Even at 52, we’re taking Bonds there.
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