Barry Bonds wants to coach with Giants, says villain persona was an act

Barry Bonds came off as a selfish player during his career, but he says he wants to help players now that he’s retired. Bonds also shockingly says that his villainous behavior was just an act.

The former slugger was in the Bay Area for a charity event and stopped by AT&T Park on Monday. After hanging out in the clubhouse, he spoke to reporters and expressed a desire to coach.

Bonds told reporters he’d be willing to coach players at all levels. He said he’s spoken with the Giants about his interest.

“My expertise is baseball. That’s the only role I can have,” Bonds said, per the San Jose Mercury News.

Nothing is imminent, but that’s what Bonds would like. If the news surprises you, recall that in 2008 he said he saw himself as a college coach teaching young players. While that isn’t too shocking, his insistence that his off-putting behavior throughout his career was just an act is surprising.

“I created that guy out there for entertainment only. Whether you hated me or liked me, you were there. And I only wanted you there,” Bonds said. “I just wanted you to see the show. That was it. All I ever wanted was for people to have a good time and enjoy it.”

I’ve always said that some players do better when they feel like the world is against them, and it was clear Bonds was one of those guys. But for him to brush off all his antics as an act is a joke. If it were just an act, then his own teammates wouldn’t have wanted opposing pitchers to have him hit. Nice try, Barry.

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