Bonds Joins Giants' Outfield Reunion
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Sunday, August 10, 2008; 1:54 AM
SAN FRANCISCO -- Barry Bonds told Giants fans Saturday night during a pregame ceremony honoring the team's former outfielders that he's not retired.
Bonds, a free agent, was a surprise participant in festivities that were part of the Giants' yearlong celebration of their 50th anniversary in the city.
Bonds, who was indicted last November on charges he lied when he told a grand jury in 2003 he didn't knowingly use performance-enhancing drugs and is set to go to trial in March, did not appear at a pregame social gathering, instead choosing to sign autographs outside the park.
His name was left off the official list of confirmed outfielders, although it was rumored Friday night that he would appear.
After the first 24 former outfielders were introduced, Willie Mays walked through the center field gates unannounced. The crowd rose as he walked slowly toward the infield.
A few moments later, Bonds jogged through the left field gates and joined his godfather on the slow walk. He was greeted by a thunderous ovation.
Bonds joked with several of his former teammates and two of his former managers, Felipe Alou and Bruce Bochy.
"There are a lot of guys here today and I want to thank them for coming," Mays told the fans. "They are such a good group of guys."
As Mays left the podium, fans began to chant "Barry! Barry! Barry!" until Bonds acquiesced and grabbed the microphone.
"I want to thank the Giants for inviting all these great guys," Bonds said. "It's weird for me not to be in uniform with the Dodgers right there. You heard me Torre, I beat you before and I can beat you again. I haven't retired. Thank you."
Los Angeles manager Joe Torre tipped his hat at the comment.
"Barry is Barry," Torre said. "It was nice to see him out there. I have always respected what he's done. Even before there were any questions he won four MVPs."
