Power plus speed Bobby Bonds: March 15, 1946—August 23, 2003: former slugger was premier leadoff hitter during his era and became first player to have a 30-homer/30-steal season in both leagues - Biography

"Bobby was a great talent, a combination of power and speed," said Jim Barr, the pitching coach at Sacramento State who teamed with Bonds from 1971-74. "It amazed us that he moved around so much, but we weren't surprised when the Giants traded him.

"After they let go of Mays, (Willie) McCovey, (Juan) Marichal and (Gaylord) Perry in those days, we knew nobody was safe. Bobby struck out a lot, but it never bothered him. He was a free-swinger who was never cheated at the plate.

"During his peak years with the Giants, there was nobody better. And he could really fly. He definitely was a natural and a good guy in the clubhouse. He didn't say much, but he was a leader by example."

Bonds helped the Giants to a division title in 1971 with 33 home runs and 102 RBI and flourished in 1973 with 39 home runs and 43 steals, just failing to become baseball's first 40-40 man. He attained 30-30 distinction an unprecedented five times, a record matched by his son.

Bonds perhaps enjoyed his finest day as a major leaguer in the 1973 All-Star Game in Kansas City, as a nonstarter. After replacing right fielder Billy Williams in the fourth inning, Bonds belted a two-run homer off Bill Singer and later stretched a routine single into a double, pacing a 7-1 National League rout and earning Most Valuable Hayer honors.

"Bonds is the best player in America," N.L. manager Sparky Anderson declared.

Added All-Star coach Gene Mauch: "Bonds may be the best player in baseball today."

There weren't many who disagreed, including Bonds, who once recalled: "In that particular year, I was the best player. I should have hit .300 every year, and maybe I would have if I didn't have to hit for power.

"But if I had to do it all over again, I'd do the same thing, because my team needed power, and I always played for what my team needed."

After the 1974 season, financially strapped Giants owner Horace Stoneham didn't feel he needed Bonds. He was traded to the New York Yankees for Bobby Murcer--the first trade of $100,000 ballplayers.

"I got a big raise from the Yankees, so I didn't mind," Bonds said in 1993, refuting a story that an argument with Stoneham had preceded the trade. "They got rid of guys like George Foster, Garry Maddox and Gary Matthews. But those were hard times for Mr. Stoneham."

Bonds' best season after leaving the Giants was 1977, when he hit 37 home runs with a career-high 115 RBI for the California Angels.

"Bobby had a tremendous amount of talent, astounding talent," said former pitcher Steve Stone, Bonds' teammate with the Giants in 1971-1972. "I don't know if he fully harnessed his ability. He was a tough guy, but he figured out later in life how the world works, and he became a real nice guy.

"Bobby could have been better, done more, because he never fully developed his talent, and he still did great. I've played with a lot of great players, guys like Billy Williams and Dick Allen, but they weren't as talented as Bobby.

"The Giants had a lot of great young hitters in their farm system, and Bobby probably had the most talent of anybody besides Willie Mays. He was as gifted as anyone, and you see the perfect embodiment in Barry."