Bobby Bonds was one of the most talented and versatile players in baseball history. He was the first player to have more than two seasons of 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases, and he came close to joining the exclusive 40-40 club in 1973. He was a three-time All-Star, a three-time Gold Glove winner, and a member of the San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame. He was also the father of Barry Bonds, the all-time home run leader and one of the most controversial figures in the sport.
But Bobby Bonds’ life and career were cut short by lung cancer, which claimed his life on August 23, 2003, at the age of 57. How did this disease affect his performance on the field and his relationship with his son? Here is a look at Bobby Bonds’ cause of death and its impact on his legacy.
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The Diagnosis and Treatment of Lung Cancer
Bobby Bonds was diagnosed with lung cancer in early 2002, after he experienced shortness of breath and chest pain. He underwent surgery to remove part of his right lung, followed by chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He also had a brain tumor that required another surgery in April 2003. He fought bravely against the disease, but his condition deteriorated rapidly in the final months of his life.
According to WebMD, lung cancer is one of the most common and deadly types of cancer, especially among smokers. It occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the lungs, forming tumors that can spread to other parts of the body. Lung cancer can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest pain, weight loss, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. Lung cancer can be treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy, depending on the stage and type of the cancer. However, the survival rate for lung cancer is low, especially if it is detected late or has metastasized.
The Effect of Lung Cancer on Bobby Bonds’ Career
Bobby Bonds’ career as a player ended in 1981, when he was 35 years old. He played for eight different teams in his 14-year career, but he spent his best years with the Giants, where he debuted in 1968 and hit a grand slam in his first game. He was a dynamic leadoff hitter who could hit for power and run with speed. He led the league in runs scored three times, triples twice, and stolen bases once. He also had a strong arm and played excellent defense in right field.
However, Bobby Bonds also had some flaws that prevented him from reaching his full potential. He struck out a lot, leading the league three times and setting a single-season record with 189 strikeouts in 1970. He also had trouble staying healthy, missing many games due to injuries and illnesses. He was traded frequently by teams that were dissatisfied with his performance or his salary demands. He never won a World Series ring or an MVP award, and he fell short of reaching 400 home runs or 500 stolen bases.
Bobby Bonds’ career as a coach lasted longer than his playing career. He worked as a hitting instructor and a base-running coach for several teams, including the Cleveland Indians and the Giants. He also served as a mentor and a role model for his son Barry, who followed his footsteps into baseball and surpassed him in many statistical categories. Bobby Bonds was proud of Barry’s achievements, but he also wanted him to avoid some of the mistakes he made.
The Relationship Between Bobby Bonds and Barry Bonds
Bobby Bonds and Barry Bonds had a complicated but loving father-son relationship. They shared a passion for baseball and a competitive spirit, but they also had different personalities and lifestyles. Bobby Bonds was outgoing and charismatic, while Barry Bonds was introverted and reserved. Bobby Bonds was generous and friendly with fans and teammates, while Barry Bonds was aloof and arrogant with the media and opponents. Bobby Bonds was loyal to his family and faithful to his wife Pat, while Barry Bonds had several affairs and divorces.
Bobby Bonds taught Barry how to play baseball from an early age, taking him to games and practices and giving him tips and advice. He also exposed him to some of the best players in the game, such as Willie Mays, who became Barry’s godfather. Barry idolized his father and wanted to emulate him on the field. He inherited his father’s talent and athleticism, but he also developed his own skills and style. He became a more disciplined hitter who drew more walks and hit more home runs than his father. He also became a better defensive player who won eight Gold Gloves as an outfielder.
Bobby Bonds supported Barry throughout his career, cheering him on from the stands or from home. He was especially proud when Barry broke his records or reached new milestones. He was there when Barry hit his 300th home run in 1996, becoming the first father-son duo to reach that mark. He was also there when Barry hit his 73rd home run in 2001, setting a new single-season record. He was not there when Barry hit his 756th home run in 2007, breaking Hank Aaron’s career record, but he watched it on television and called him to congratulate him.
Bobby Bonds also tried to protect Barry from the criticism and controversy that surrounded him, especially in the later years of his career. He defended him from the accusations of steroid use and the investigations of perjury and obstruction of justice. He also advised him to be more humble and respectful with the fans and the media, and to appreciate the game and his teammates more. He wanted Barry to be happy and successful, but he also wanted him to be a good person and a good role model.
The Legacy of Bobby Bonds
Bobby Bonds died on August 23, 2003, at his home in San Carlos, California. He was surrounded by his family and friends, including his wife Pat, his son Barry, his daughter Shikari, and his grandchildren. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered in the San Francisco Bay. He was honored by the Giants and the baseball community with a moment of silence and a tribute video. He was also inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2004.
Bobby Bonds is remembered as one of the greatest players in Giants history and one of the pioneers of the 30-30 club. He is also remembered as one of the best fathers in baseball history and one of the most influential figures in Barry’s life and career. He left behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration that will live on in his family and his fans.
