Barry Bonds’ wild Rookie Hazing, Getting ignored by Michael Jordan & Don’t call me the GOAT
Mar 6, 2025
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Barry Bonds, baseball's all-time home run leader and seven-time MVP, shares his candid journey through MLB, from his father's influence to becoming a hitting legend. He dives into rookie hazing stories, revealing competitive dynamics with icons like Michael Jordan. Bonds discusses the psychological aspects of batting and highlights modern challenges for Black representation in baseball. He reflects on today's game, including Shohei Ohtani's dual dominance, and emphasizes mentoring the next generation while confronting the evolving landscape of the sport.
Barry Bonds reflects on his journey through MLB, emphasizing the mental warfare behind his record-breaking hitting and dominance.
He addresses the concerning decline of Black representation in baseball, stressing the need for greater accessibility and mentorship for young athletes.
Bonds shares personal anecdotes about his relationships with sports legends, highlighting the importance of respect and camaraderie among competitors.
Deep dives
Raising Kanan's New Season
The fourth season of the series 'Raising Kanan' highlights a significant turning point for the characters, particularly Kanan, Rock, and the Thomas family. With previous conflicts seemingly settled, a new and dangerous character named Unique reemerges, threatening to disrupt their newfound peace. This season focuses on Kanan's journey and transformation, pushing him further into darkness and illustrating the complexities of loyalty and betrayal within the world of crime. As the narrative unfolds, viewers are reminded of the stakes involved and the unfolding drama that shapes the characters’ identities.
Divine Intervention
The podcast 'Divine Intervention' presents a deep dive into the stories of radical nuns and priests who actively resisted wartime narratives and sought justice in a turbulent historical context. The episodes detail encounters with J. Edgar Hoover, who aimed to suppress the Catholic left’s dissent against governmental decisions. Through poignant storytelling, the series reveals how these religious figures challenged authority and risked their lives to stand up for peace. This exploration highlights the intersection of faith, activism, and morality in the face of political oppression.
Barry Bonds' Legendary Status
The discussion around Barry Bonds showcases his illustrious career and the mark he made on baseball as a seven-time MVP and all-time leader in home runs. Bonds reflects on the humility stemming from peer recognition as the true measure of greatness, emphasizing the importance of respect and camaraderie in sports. He shares anecdotes from his interactions with other legends, illustrating the competitive nature that exists even among friends. This conversation underlines Bonds' desire to impart wisdom to the next generation, emphasizing the crucial balance between talent, hard work, and mentorship.
The Evolution of Baseball
The modern landscape of baseball faces challenges, particularly with the decline of black players in the league and the rising costs associated with youth baseball participation. Bonds discusses the barriers that many young athletes encounter, specifically, the financial demands that can limit access to the sport. He emphasizes the need for more representation and inspiration to engage younger generations, arguing that visibility is critical for encouraging participation in baseball. This insight reveals a pressing issue for the sport and the industry's responsibility to cultivate a more inclusive environment.
Training and Coaching Legacy
Bonds delves into the significance of training and coaching, sharing how his father's relentless pursuit of perfection shaped his approach to the game. He highlights the influence of notable athletes and coaches throughout his career, who provided both mentorship and a high standard for performance. Through personal stories, Bonds illustrates the balance between familial expectations and the freedom to develop one’s unique playing style. He also emphasizes the evolution of coaching dynamics, underlining the necessity of adapting to different personalities and learning styles in today’s athletes.
Baseball’s most feared slugger finally speaks out. The all-time home run king, Barry Bonds, joins Matt and Stak for a raw, unfiltered conversation that delivers the honesty ALL THE SMOKE fans crave. For the first time in years, Bonds opens up about his complex journey through MLB - from growing up in the shadow of his father, Bobby Bonds, to becoming the most dominant hitter in baseball history. He breaks down the art of hitting and the mental warfare behind 762 home runs and 7 MVP awards, offering a rare glimpse into what made him such an unstoppable force at the plate. The conversation dives deep into the unwritten rules of baseball, his philosophy on the game, and the state of Black representation in MLB. Bonds also shares his surprising connection to basketball royalty, detailing his little-known friendship with Michael Jordan and reflecting on the legendary 1992 celebrity dunk contest alongside Deion Sanders and Mike Conley Sr. Beyond the past, Bonds gives his take on the modern game, weighing in on Shohei Ohtani’s unprecedented two-way dominance and offering a legend’s perspective on today’s biggest superstar. He also reveals what truly fueled his career and how he’s now channeling his baseball IQ into mentoring the next generation. For baseball fans, this isn’t just another interview - it’s Barry Bonds like you’ve never heard him before. No filters. No holding back. Just Barry being Barry.