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Mike Celizic

NBCSports.com contributor Mike Celizic provides his unique slant as he takes an offbeat look into the world of sports beyond the box scores.



Bonds wants to play? Use the Rickey method

Posted: Wednesday, February 20, 2008 12:30 AM

Barry Bonds hasn’t retired and is ready to play ball right now. He hasn’t said that publically, because he’s way too busy feeling sorry for himself to have time to do anything so common as speak for himself.

So Bonds sent his agent, Jeff Borris, out to spread the word: the greatest home-run hitter of all time (performance-enhanced division) is available. So far, there are no takers, and there don’t look to be any. He’s old, he’s slow, and there’s a federal indictment hanging over his head. Oh, and people aren’t happy with the allegations of steroid and HGH use, either.

If it weren’t for the indictment and the drug thing, someone would hire him. But that doesn’t mean he can’t play baseball – if he really wants to, that is.

Just sign a minor league contract. Prove he can still play. Show them how much he wants it.

It worked for Rickey Henderson. Remember when Rickey was supposed to be done as a player? Back in 2003, when no one would hire him, he signed a minor league contract with the Newark Bears in the independent Atlantic League. He was rewarded with a 30-game call-up at the end of the season with the Dodgers.

The next year, when no one would sign a 45-year-old outfielder, he played in San Diego, and did it again in 2005 before finally retiring.

Throughout his career, there were always people who wondered just how much Rickey wanted to play the game. In those final three years, he demonstrated his love for the game by playing ball in independent minor leagues, partly in hopes of getting back to the majors, but mostly because he was a ballplayer and didn’t know how to do anything else.

There are at least nine independent minor leagues. You can bet that one of them would be delighted to have Bonds sign on. It would give them a great drawing card and him a chance to prove he can still play.

Let him make a big show of volunteering to take weekly drug tests. Heck, make it daily tests. Put up a sign in center field with a slot to put in the number of drug tests Bonds has passed so far this year.

Let him ride the buses with the kids and bunk two-to-a-room and get by on $15 per diem. Let him show how much he wants it.

If he tears the cover off the ball and he doesn’t go to jail and passes all the drug tests, he probably has a decent chance of getting a contract as late-season help for a team that needs a bat for a playoff run. If he doesn’t, at least he gets to play ball one more summer – and to prove how much the game means to him.

But he’s probably not going to get a job just sitting at home, working out, and issuing statements through his agent. And it’s highly unlikely any team will hire him until it’s late in the season and desperation kicks in.

Borris said Bonds is ready to play right now. The only thing he hasn’t done is hit against live pitching. You think maybe Roger Clemens would want to throw some BP for him?

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Comments

Dear Mike
I think Barry Bonds is just going to retire. It is time for him to retire and no teams seem ready to sign.

Chioke Hassan, Baltimor,Md (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 7:10 AM)

Barry doesn't love the game as much as the money. If baseball was really serious about cleaning up the game, they can start by blackballing guys like him and Clemens to make them pay for the damage they have already done to the game.  GOOD RIDDANCE TO BOTH

Bobby Townsend, Warwick, RI (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 9:05 AM)

Why would any team want this joke? I love knowing this year that ESPN will not have Barry to talk about.
So long Bonds no one will miss you and your baby ways.

Mark Bohleen Saugus CA. (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 9:11 AM)

I generally disagree wholeheartedly with Celzic, mostly because he's a judgemental jerk and is usually wrong to boot,  but I think this is a great column.  Not the best, but better than his usual tripe.

Greg G (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 10:28 AM)

one of the major league teams should take bonds even if he's under investigation. a player of his caliber is and will be very valuable to any franchise

bryan jackson, pittsburg, ca. (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 11:08 AM)

bonds is poison in the clubhouse. the d rays or marlins or kansas city won't even touch him.
a minor league team would have to charter an extra bus just to carry the baggage he has around him. he wouldn't be good for or to the youngsters on a minor league team, and would be uncoachable.
let him sit at home.
it's the best place for him.
i don't want my kids or grandkids to see him swing a bat ever again.
we last saw him live in pittsburgh, and he had that poison attitude then, and hasn't improved over the years.

big holmes7 (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 11:59 AM)

no need to prove himself. he led the majors in obp + walks last year. just let the guy play ball. it's not like he's the only roid head or "liar" around. so barry is "surly", sure he's a public figure but not everyone enjoys having a microphone shoved in their face every time they turn their head

cindy fairfield, iowa (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 12:26 PM)

How are the other players going to fit on the bus with Barry's EGO taking up all the room?  Bus driver be lucky if he can shut the door.

Larry Dierks, Glendale AZ. (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 12:32 PM)

Bonds might not know it, but his playing days are over. His time might be better spent working with his army of attorneys in preparing a defense. He will need a good one. Bonds distanced himself from his teammates for a very long time. It's ironic that baseball will now keep Bonds at a distance for the rest of his life.

Wayne E. Mize, McMinnville, OR (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 1:25 PM)

A great idea, but of course it will never happen.  An independent league team would have to have a second bus for Barroid's entourage and baggage (physical and emotional).

Robert Pyper, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 1:49 PM)

too funny on your last comment.....  but maybe he will

Doug Lemoore, Ca (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 2:13 PM)

I think they should put Clemens, Bonds, O.J. and Mike Tyson all in the same Cell. They could lie to each other all day and Tyson could beat the truth out of them.

Jim Cunningham Nahant,Ma. (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 2:14 PM)

Mike, on a tangential topic, what is going on in San Francisco?  I used to think Brian Sabean knew what he was doing.  Watching the Giants over the last five years, and especially the past two off-seasons, I don't believe he does.  He grossly overpaid for the two key free-agents he brought in (Barry Zito and Aaron Rowand) and has traded away all the minor league talent they had in the system trying to win with Balco Barry.  It looks to me like he has set the organization back years.  Your thoughts?

Robert Pyper (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 2:25 PM)

I thought this column was "Spot On"...Forward it to Jeff Borris and Barry. It's the perfect methodology for a marketing, publicty and public relations driven stage. Both Barry's salvation and a respectful curtain call for Rickey. Provocative!

FTM (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 2:34 PM)

It is pathetic that all you giuys cna do is complain about Barry Bonds because there is no one to say I gave him steroids.  It is sickening that you guys would want to huniliate the all time home run king hoping he has to go to the minors.  That is in spite of the fact he still one of the most feared hitters in the majors.  He violated no MLB rule, but yet because he may have he should pay for it, the same with Roger Clemens.  If there was nor ule in place at the time the door was open for anyone that could do something and get away with it. When these guys are caught doing things when there's a rule in place then you can talk.  Until them leave these guys alone.  You all love Babe Ruth, Ty Cobb and others that were racist, but you cay they're okay.  Racism was far worse that accusing someone of doing steroids.  When there is difinitive proof against these guys, please shut up and quit assuming.

Hugh - Anchorage, Alaska (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 3:51 PM)

Despicable article.

Fred Baumgarten, Sharon, CT (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 4:54 PM)

As I read Game of Shallows-er, Shadows, I can only think that he has done this all to himself. If my beloved Twins put him in their farm system, I'd shave my head like Bert Blyleven did when he lost that bet to Santana last year. Barry could have had nearly everything but he had to lie, steal and cheat to try and get it all. Maybe he could join a prison baseball team?

Kathleen (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:01 PM)

The penalty for steroid use should not be up to the commisioner of baseball.  It should be up to the owners.  For example, if someone signs a contract, the fine print should say that if someone tests positive for steroids, then his contract is void.  No money.  Owners might look upon this as a good opportunity.  They may eventually go for this.  Players who are non-users would definitely go for this.  Dishonest players who use wouldn't.  No loss.  I mean, its not too popular to use roids anymore.  At least its getting a bit risky.  Change could be in the air, and making steroid use a breach of contract may become the way things are done in coming years.  In many jobs/occupations in the government or private sector, failing a urine test can cost you your job.  Stop spoiling these kids.  This could restore pride and self esteem to the game's players.  It couldn't feel too good to live in hiding, injecting steroids on the sly.  Give the kids a motive to be clean.  Losing your job is motive to stay clean.

Anyway, I know this isn't what you wanted here, but in a way it is.  You want Barry to show some work ethic, some honesty, and some honor for the game.  That would be good for him and us.  But don't limit it to Barry and Roger etc.  Make everyone in the game be honest.  

You can run and hide from the union or the commisioner.  But the owner is close all the time.  He can institute testing, all that stuff.  

Blah.  Blah.  Blah.  

Kim Perkins (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:38 PM)

If Bonds had any sense of what fans really appreciate in a ballplayer, he would take your advice, and might actually begin to resurrect his pitiful image and stature. Especially with Clemens now looking like the frontrunner for the number one inductee for the steroid/liar/jackass Hall of Fame.  

Mike H., Burlingame, CA (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:46 PM)

Dear Mike
I think Barry Bonds should just retire. He is 43 and no teams seem willing to sign him.

Chioke Hassan,Baltimore,Md (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 5:49 PM)

Touche!

Tom Shumaker, Parkton, MD (Sent Wednesday, February 20, 2008 6:07 PM)

I'm not a Bonds fan but the guy still had MLB's best OBP last year and hit a fair share of HR's.  Comparing him to Ricky is like apples and oranges.  
Go Angels

Cory G Long Beach, CA (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 12:08 AM)

Mike, for once, I agree with you.  Ricky loves the game, I don't know if Barry does.

Steve Fort Worht TX (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 12:36 AM)

If somebody needs to be looking for a minor contract is you, Mike Celizic. This article has no value for any person remotely interested in baseball. You could use a suggestion:Mickey Mantle and his alcohol abuse during game time.Baseball got the short end of the stick when a superstar doesn't give damn. A sober Mantle would have produce far better numbers.I know the subject is "whitewalled", so good luck. PD. I did not forget Ruth.

F.M.Martinez, San Diego, California (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 4:04 AM)

I believe the author here is on drugs himself! I am no Barry Fan, but this fellow's column is not only insultive to people who have contributed for a long time in their life, but have added some positive content along the way.

Mr. M, I will support seeing Barry in a Triple A club right after I see you reporting from Ely Nevada.
And you though clowns were only in the circus, haha

mike (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 3:24 PM)

Mr.Gary Shef...............Whew. multi-millionaire you grew up and played in Tampa, (now where i live........i grew up and lived in Detroit for 32 yrs. (where you play............i swear, wealthy and griping and talking trash all the time, pls......give us HARD WORKING STIFFS, some quiet ti,e. alwaysssssssssstiromh yjr pot. whem are yopu retiring. angry dude you are, racial to the hilt also.......

David Womack, Avon Park, Fla. (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 6:24 PM)

Barry Bonds is only in love with money and his delusions of glory.  His love for the game was lost years ago, along with is manners, and sense of accountability.  As long as he can look in the mirror and say to himself that lying, and cheating is OK, he will never move forward, and humble himself enough to play 'just for the love'.  Because of players like Bonds, Clemens, and Canseco, I feel like I can never watch another game.  I don't want my childern watching the game picking up these horrible character flaws.

Jamaal Overton, Okinawa, Japan (Sent Thursday, February 21, 2008 9:13 PM)

I totally agree, Mike; it would speak well for Bonds to take the "Rickey Route". A different, but likewise humble approach helped to win Sosa another season with Texas last year, including Homer #600 against his former team. Considering a possible role as a late-season DH for a post-season hopeful, I think Bonds still has enough natural talent to get it done.

Imagine, if Barry would change agents as well...from Bor-ris to Bor-as, they both could benefit from this year's re-seasoning. How 'bout some humble pie with that hot dog?

David Adams, Norris, Tenn (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 3:55 AM)

Barry would never lower himself and ride a bus,or god forbid bunk in a room with someone else.The players that do that,are the ones who really want to play ball,they do it because they love it.

Ron Calabria Las Vegas,NV (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 9:38 AM)

Mike, don't you think any team at any level would receive the hue and cry about not acknowledging the importance of banned substances when it comes to hiring Bonds.  I know he hasn't been proven guilty, but in the court of public opinion, he has.  I don't think he could give his services away for free right now with all the spotlights on the subject.

Gordon , Northern NJ (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 11:47 AM)

I think you just want to see Barry humble himself. But the fact is that he has never cared about how you or even the fans felt about him. I doubt that is going to change this late in life. Meanwhile Roger Clemens has apparently perjured himself, and there are more allegations of Patriot's cheating.  

John Doe, Anytown , USA (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 11:47 AM)

A man is innocent until proven guilty.  That's the system we have; that's one reason why our country works.  If you undermine that premise, then what will be the result?

archer crosley, mcallen, tx (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 12:02 PM)

Barry has demostrated last year that he still can play. His OBP was in the upper eschelon of the majors. If it wasn't for the media scrutiny, getting another assignment would be much easier. I'm not a Bonds fan, but his accomplishments are worth acknowledging.

John Espinoza, San Jose, Ca. (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 1:32 PM)

Love this! But Barry won't do it. Won't be long until he pulls out the race card as to why he is not being hired. Of course, the other players of his race on other major league teams got jobs, but hey -- don't bother Barry with facts.

DM, Los Angeles, CA (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 3:59 PM)

Once he's proven innocent in the legal system. Most of the sports writers won't let this die down. Major league baseball let this get out of hand. Bonds is a product of their over hype game. Bonds will go down as one of the greatest hitters of alltime. HGH and steriods have never been proven to make you see a baseball better. Records are made to be broken so people need to get over it.

D.Burke (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 4:46 PM)

Barry, what team would want to sign you with the chance that you could be indicted for perjury?

Willie Mays, San Francisco, California (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 6:40 PM)

That all would make sense if Barry Bonds did not hit 28 home runs and lead the league in on base percentage last year at age 43. What you are saying is absolutely insane, he could be a MVP candidate as a DH if he stays healthy, which shouldn't be difficult since he wouldn't have to play outfield.

Daniel Ngai (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 10:39 PM)

<<Let him ride the buses with the kids and bunk two-to-a-room and get by on $15 per diem. Let him show how much he wants it.>>

Your article is good and humorous too except for this stanza. It's way off base and it makes it sound as if you know nothing about Bonds or the way he operates. Because if you did, you would know that he would never agree ride on buses with kids and bunk two to a room for $15. In the clubhouse at AT&T Park he had his own recliner and he was the king of the clubhouse with not just one locker but his own little section.

If you've been listening to Barry's interviews and those that know him on the radio shows talk about him, you know that he's very proud man and definitely has a swagger and air of arrogance about him that Rickey didn't have. Rickey Henderson was quiet and humble from the start of his career to the end. Barry may have started out humble, but he certainly hasn't been that way towards the end.

Steven, Redwood City, CA (Sent Friday, February 22, 2008 11:32 PM)

will i guess one of the greatest hitter and one of the greatest pitchers deserve whats come to them

jane doe tampa fl (Sent Saturday, February 23, 2008 2:29 AM)

it is good that Barry wants to play ball again but let us see if he can admit the truth.

Israel Gonzalez,Ware,Mass (Sent Saturday, February 23, 2008 5:22 AM)

As much as I didn't care for Henderson and his ego I will give him due credit for the effort sited in Celizics article. I think if Mr. Bonds really wants to play he would be willing to show us his intent to
do so instead of just sitting on his spreading ego and waiting for the court jesters to come begging.

RON ROMANO (Sent Saturday, February 23, 2008 7:27 AM)

It is time for Barry Bonds to move from playing with his balls and bat in the locker room to his home where he can do so without interuption.  I sense that Barry Bonds is an efeminite guy who knows and understands the meaning and intention of the word and action "DOWN". Barry Bonds only loves baseball because of the macho men not necessarily the game. This pervert should hide himself from public view.  

Ron J. Sonnier, Columbia. SC (Sent Saturday, February 23, 2008 10:18 AM)

"No comments yet" is hard to believe.  The comments are probably all nasty and you pick and choose to hide most of the harsh comments about the obviously femenine side of Barry Bonds and how low down he has been and is.

Ron J. Sonnier (Sent Saturday, February 23, 2008 10:25 AM)

"Open Mike looking behind the score in sports" is a joke. "Open" for what -----

Ron J. Sonnier, Columbia, SC (Sent Saturday, February 23, 2008 10:41 AM)

Please,if Andy Pettitte,Jason Giambi,Gary Sheffield and all the other Yankees and ex-Yankees can still play,why shouldn't Bonds play.Oh, I forgot none of the other cheaters broke records.

Rick Cincinnati (Sent Saturday, February 23, 2008 12:24 PM)

Barry should get used to black and white stripes - maybe the Yankees would sign him on, pin-stripes are pretty close to prison-stripes!  He would fit in well there, along with all the rest of the Yankee-cheaters!

D. Raymond, Black Mountain, NC (Sent Saturday, February 23, 2008 2:18 PM)

You must be kidding. There are so many lame teams in the American league that could use the greatest home run hitter of all time to bolster a weak offense. His on base percentage alone makes it a no brainer. I think he will be signed to a major league contract by May 1. Will anyone reject Clemens for the same reason? NO!!!!!!!!!

Morty Abish, Grand Rapids,MI (Sent Saturday, February 23, 2008 7:17 PM)

Dear Mike
I think Barry Bonds should just retire with all of this mess. Now that other teams don't seem intrested in signing him.

Chioke Hassan,Baltimore,Md (Sent Saturday, February 23, 2008 11:18 PM)

15 dollar per diem, bunk two to a room, ride the bus.  Come again, are you taking something for that headache???  Bonds is a hero, a super slugger, a multi-million dollar man if you would, show a litte respect.  ok flip the coin, say you just got the pulitzer in writing . . . . now to show you really want to write take a position as a intern without pay, lower your living standards and hope and pray the Wall Street Journal or the New York Times calls you for a position.

David, New York City (Sent Monday, February 25, 2008 11:53 PM)

Dear Mike
I think Bonds will just retire insted of play. The same thing for Clemons too.

Chioke Hassan, Baltimore,Md (Sent Tuesday, February 26, 2008 5:56 PM)



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