Bonds Assures: I’m Still an Asshole

Flashing a smile for the camera wasn’t a problem. But writing his name on a ball was out of the question for Barry Bonds.

Bonds blasted his 713th career homerun off Philadelphia’s Jon Lieber Sunday night, moving him within one of tying Babe Ruth for second place all time. The homerun came in the sixth inning and traveled an estimated 450 feet before bouncing off the façade in right field at Citizens Bank Ballpark and landing in the hands of Carlos Oliveras.

The 25 year old had a very bizarre -albeit smart- way of making sure no one attempted to snatch the ball. Had a fan tried, they’d have grabbed more than they bargained for. Once it found Oliveras’ hands, he immediately stuck the ball between his legs in an effort to conceal it… There is doubt in my mind that he has hidden items down there before. No one just catches a homerun and comes up with that idea.

After the game, Bonds told the media that he wouldn’t sign the ball and then laughed when the fan asked. The two did take a picture and shake hands, although Bonds made sure that Oliveras’ washed himself thoroughly first.

I’m not sure why signing the ball would be such a problem, especially considering ESPN made the fan sign a waiver for Bonds’ reality show, but you have to consider the source. I guess that if you’re not helping him pay for his mistress’ home, you aren’t getting an autograph.

Lucky fan gets photo with Bonds but no autograph - Yahoo