Barry Bonds is returning to the San Francisco Giants organization.
On Tuesday, the Giants announced the polarizing all-time MLB home run leader will rejoin the organization in a community ambassador-like role.
Welcome back, Barry!#ForeverGiant | #SFGiants pic.twitter.com/inJEm618ax
— SFGiants (@SFGiants) March 21, 2017
Bonds’ new role will see him represent the Giants at community and organizational events. He’ll also attend spring training and work with San Francisco minor leaguers.
Barry Bonds will be something of a baseball ambassador for #sfgiants. pic.twitter.com/S6LurWjkB4
— Andrew Baggarly (@extrabaggs) March 21, 2017
Bonds didn’t stay out of work long. Most recently, he served as the hitting coach with the Miami Marlins. Bonds was canned after a single season on the job.
The role marks the second time Bonds returns to the Giants as an advisor of sorts. In 2014, the 52-year-old was a spring training instructor with the Giants for seven days.
A small, advisory role within the organization where he became an all-time great seems like a logical next step for Bonds.
A controversial figure in the baseball community and around the league, taking baby steps back into the game’s good graces is a smart move. Unfortunately, some will never be able to shake his checkered past with steroids. Last year he regained some credibility as an MLB hitting coach. Perhaps, this new role will continue that trend.
Regardless, Bonds will be able to provide valuable insight to youngsters and also get the chance to get back into the good books of scorned Giants fans while speaking at public events. It’s a win-win for him.
If Bonds plans on having a career coaching in the league, rejoining the Giants is a good start to get back on that path.
