The Release of Bobby Bonds by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1980

Name: The Release of Bobby Bonds by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1980
Start: 1946-12-22
Location: Unspecified

The St. Louis Cardinals and Bobby Bonds

Bobby Bonds: A Brief Overview

Bobby Bonds, born on March 15, 1946, in Riverside, California, was a talented baseball player known for his powerful hitting and outstanding speed. As an outfielder, Bonds quickly made a name for himself in Major League Baseball (MLB) after being signed by the San Francisco Giants in 1961.

Bobby Bonds’ MLB Journey

Over the course of his career, Bobby Bonds became a three-time MLB All-Star and excelled in his time with several teams, including the San Francisco Giants, New York Yankees, and the California Angels. He was also known for being the father of Barry Bonds, who would go on to achieve MLB superstardom.

The Event: Cardinals Release Bobby Bonds

The 1980 Season

During the 1980 MLB season, Bobby Bonds had signed with the St. Louis Cardinals. However, as the season progressed, it was clear that the team did not see him fitting into their long-term plans. On June 6, 1980, the Cardinals made the decision to release Bonds, marking a significant moment in his career.

Impact of the Release

The release was notable as it signified a change in direction for the Cardinals, who were focusing on younger players and rebuilding their roster. For Bonds, it was a tough blow in the later stages of his playing career, though he later signed with the Chicago White Sox and continued to contribute to the game.

Fun Fact

Bobby Bonds' Legacy

Despite the ups and downs of his MLB career, Bobby Bonds was known for his remarkable ability to hit home runs and steal bases, making him one of the first players to exemplify the "five-tool” player. This term refers to a player’s ability to hit for average, hit for power, run the bases, field, and throw.