Barry Bonds may be returning to baseball.
After all his legal troubles and fall from grace in the baseball world, a return to the game in which he was the most controversial player of his generation seemed rather unlikely. But yet, his return could be coming.
Bonds recently met with San Francisco Giants CEO Larry Baer about working for the club in some capacity. He previously signed a personal services contract with the team that could go into effect once all legal proceedings are finalized.
Bonds was convicted in April 2011 of obstruction of justice for giving an evasive answer to a 2003 grand jury investigation illegal steroids distribution. Bonds was questioned in regards to his connection with the Bay Area Laboratory Co-Operative (BALCO), which was found to have provided athletes with steroids.
Known for his surly attitude, Bonds reflected on his time in the game and the toll his legal proceedings have taken on him.
"I gave my life and soul to that game. That's what's heartbreaking. That's the hard part of it," he said. "My (reputation) was kind of iffy anyway. I created that guy out there for entertainment only. Whether you hated me or liked me, you were there. And I only wanted you there. I just wanted you to see the show. That was it. All I ever wanted was for people to have a good time and enjoy it. It was fun to come out and people would boo or yay or whatever. They all showed up to see whatever would happen next and it motivated me to play hard."
Bonds has not officially retired from the game, which would begin the countdown until he is eligible for the Hall of Fame. He doesn't seem to think much about the Hall. "That's up to the writers to worry about that stuff. I'll be at home having a good time with my life and my kids. That'll take care of itself," he said.
The home run king is still rehabilitating from two surgeries over the past six weeks. He is scheduled to be examined by doctors Tuesday. There is no timetable for when Bonds might return to the team, although it is no expected to be this season.