Bobby Bonds, one of the first major leaguers that possessed a power-speed combo, and the father of one of baseball's greatest sluggers, recently died in the San Francisco Bay area. He was 57.
Bonds, San Francisco Giants Bar-Bonds' father, had been ill for nearly a year with lung cancer and a brain tumor, but the star never lost his love for baseball and continued to watch his son play while visiting Pacific Bell Park.
A three-time All-Star and MVP of the 1973 game during his 14 major league seasons--the first half with the Giants--Bobby Bonds was renowned as a '30-30' player. He became only the fourth player ever to hit 30 homers and steal 30 bases in the same season in 1969, going on to accomplish the feat four more times in his career. Aside from his son Barry, no other player has reached the mark more than three times.
The outfielder hit 332 home runs, stole 461 bases and had 1,024 RBI while winning the Gold Glove three times.
Bobby Bonds made San Francisco his home as an adult. He signed with the Giants in 1964 out of high school. Including his tenure with the Giants as a player, Bonds was with the organization for 23 seasons as a coach, scout and front-office employee. Bonds served as the club's hitting coach from 1993-96, and since then has been a special assistant to general manager Brian Sabean.
Bonds is survived by his wife, Pat; a daughter, Cheryl Dugan; and three sons, Barry, Ricky and Bobby Jr.
