Barry Bonds: Shohei Ohtani ‘complete player’ but ‘game is way different’

The Game Has Changed: Barry Bonds Weighs In on Shohei Ohtani and Modern Baseball

Shohei Ohtani, the Los Angeles Angels superstar, is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and dominant players in baseball today. His ability to excel both as a pitcher and a hitter has drawn comparisons to some of the all-time greats. However, Barry Bonds, arguably the greatest hitter in baseball history, has offered a nuanced perspective on Ohtani’s success, suggesting that the game has evolved in ways that make it easier for modern players like Ohtani to thrive compared to his generation. Bonds, who played from 1986 to 2007, recently shared his thoughts on the "All The Smoke" podcast, highlighting how the game’s culture, rules, and overall approach have shifted over the years.

Barry Bonds on the Differences Between Eras

Bonds, who holds the record for the most career home runs (762), acknowledged Ohtani’s incredible talent but emphasized that the challenges he faced during his playing days were far more intense. "The game has just changed," Bonds said. "The same way Michael (Jordan) talks about it or anybody does. Ohtani is not gonna hit two home runs without seeing one go (by his ear) in my generation. I don’t care what he does. He’s not gonna steal two bases without someone decapitating his kneecap to slow him down. It’s a different game back then." Bonds pointed out that in his era, pitchers often threw intentionally inside or even at batters to intimidate them, a practice that has largely disappeared from the game today.

He also joked about the more relaxed culture of modern baseball, where celebrating home runs and other antics are not only tolerated but often encouraged. "They should be better than us hitting-wise because they can hit a home run, throw their bat up in the air, run around, get a taco, come back down and have a limo drive them around," Bonds said with a laugh. "All these antics that we weren’t allowed to do. If I did anything like that, I’m gonna see a star. I’m gonna see a hospital, but I ain’t gonna see baseball that day."

Despite his observations, Bonds was quick to praise Ohtani’s accomplishments, calling him a "complete player" who excels in every aspect of the game, from hitting and pitching to baserunning. "The pitching and hitting have been outstanding for what he’s done," Bonds said. "There’s no doubt about the type of player he is and what he’s accomplished in his career."

Barry Bonds: A Complicated Legacy and the Hall of Fame Debate

While Bonds’ comments about Ohtani and the modern game are thought-provoking, they also bring attention back to his own legacy, which remains a subject of debate. Bonds is widely regarded as one of the greatest hitters in baseball history, but his career was marred by controversy, particularly his involvement in MLB’s steroid scandal. In 2007, Bonds was indicted on charges of perjury and obstruction of justice for allegedly lying to a grand jury about his use of performance-enhancing drugs during the BALCO investigation. Although the perjury charges were eventually dropped, Bonds was convicted of obstruction of justice in 2011. He later had the conviction overturned on appeal in 2015.

Despite his on-field achievements, Bonds has not been inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. During his 10 years on the Hall of Fame ballot, he never received the 75% of votes needed for induction, as many voters cited his alleged use of steroids as a reason for excluding him. Bonds has long maintained that he did not knowingly use performance-enhancing drugs, but the stigma surrounding his career has lingered. Nevertheless, Bonds is set to be inducted into the Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Fame, a recognition of his contributions during his time with the team before his career was overshadowed by controversy.

Shohei Ohtani’s Challenges and Scandals

While Bonds’ career was defined by incredible achievement and controversy, Ohtani has faced challenges of his own, albeit different in nature. During the 2023 offseason, Ohtani was embroiled in a scandal when his former interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, was accused of stealing millions of dollars from the superstar’s bank account to cover his own gambling losses. Federal prosecutors sought a 57-month prison sentence for Mizuhara and requested that he pay $16.9 million in restitution to Ohtani, as well as an additional $1.1 million to the IRS. The incident underscored the vulnerabilities that high-profile athletes like Ohtani can face off the field.

Despite this distraction, Ohtani has continued to dazzle on the field, further solidifying his status as one of baseball’s brightest stars. His ability to dominate as both a hitter and a pitcher has drawn comparisons to the legendary Babe Ruth, and he has become a global ambassador for the sport, inspiring fans in both the United States and his native Japan.

The Evolution of Baseball: A Game of Contrasts

Bonds’ reflections on the differences between his era and the modern game highlight the evolution of baseball over the decades. The sport has become more global, with players like Ohtani breaking down cultural and linguistic barriers. At the same time, the game has adopted a more permissive attitude toward player celebrations and individuality, which contrasts sharply with the more rigid, traditional culture of Bonds’ time.

However, other aspects of the game have also changed in ways that make it more challenging for modern players. The increased reliance on advanced analytics, defensive shifts, and relief pitching have made it harder for hitters to excel, while pitchers face the added pressure of shorter outings and the rise of bullpen dominance. Despite these challenges, Ohtani has thrived, proving that his talent transcends eras.

In the end, Bonds’ comments serve as a reminder of how baseball, like any sport, is a product of its time. Players from different generations face unique challenges and opportunities, and their successes must be understood within the context of their era. While debates about who would excel in which generation are often subjective and impossible to settle, they add to the rich tapestry of baseball history and fandom. Ohtani’s continued success will only add to the legacy of the game, inspiring future generations of players and fans alike.