Years ago on the blog I created a 1978 "traded" card for Bobby Bonds, showing him as a member of the Chicago White Sox after coming over from the California Angels.
Today,
I thought it'd be fun to create yet another 1978 traded card, this one
for his move to the Texas Rangers later in the year:
On
May 16th of 1978 Bonds was traded from the White Sox to the Rangers for
Rusty Torres and Claudell Washington, going on to play in 130 games in
Texas after opening up the season with 26 in the South Side of Chicago.
Over
those 130 games Bonds did very well, hitting 29 homers while stealing
37 bases with a .265 batting average, combining for yet another 30/30
season when he hit 31 homers and stole 43 bases.
Along with the homers and steals he scored 93 runs and drove in 90 collecting 151 hits over 565 at-bats in 156 total games.
Really is something how Bonds career went, especially the second half, when he played for seven teams in seven years.
Here's a guy that could slam homers, steal bases, and hit for a
respectable average, yet couldn't find a home anywhere even though he
was putting in all-star type seasons.
I have to admit I've never read any substantial stories as to the
type of person he was, and if THAT was the main reason for his traveling
act during his Major League career, but nevertheless the man seemed to
be a guy you'd want in your line-up, no?
A five time 30/30 guy with two other "near-misses", he also fell
one home run short in 1973 from becoming the first ever 40/40 guy, when
he slammed 39 homers along with 43 stolen bases for the San Francisco
Giants.
By the time his 14-year career was done, he totaled 332 home runs
and 461 steals, along with three Gold Gloves and three all-star
selections.
Even though he did put in a solid career, you have to wonder "what
could have been" if he found a real home and was able to put in a career that was a
bit longer.
