Player Profile: Bobby Bonds

I have nine cards of Bobby Bonds. This one is from 1982 Fleer. 

Playing career: Outfielder Bobby Bonds was one of the most talented players of the 1970s, hitting at least 20 HR and stealing at least 20 bases nine times in ten seasons from 1969 to 1979. However, like his son Bobby, he was a difficult personality, causing him to bounce around from team to team, ultimately playing for eight teams in fourteen years. The carousel started when the Giants traded him to the Yankees for Bobby Murcer. After one season and two drunk driving arrests, the Yankees shipped him to the Angels for Mickey Rivers and Ed Figueroa in what has gone down as one of the best trades in team history. He would also play for the White Sox, Rangers, Indians, Cardinals and Cubs.

Post-playing career: After his playing career he was a hitting coach for the Giants. He died of cancer in 2003.

My memories: He was from before my time.

Google Autocomplete results: He is fifth when  you type Bobby Bo, between Bobby Bottleservice, a TV character, and Bobby Bowden, a college football coach. Another prominent Bobby Bonds is a motocross racer.

Coming up next: The next profile will be Bobby Bonds Jr.