Barry Bonds, baseball’s all-time home run leader (depending on who you ask), recently had high praise for Shohei Ohtani, calling him a “complete player.”
However, Bonds also made sure to point out just how much the game has changed since his own time in the majors.
During a candid appearance on the ALL THE SMOKE podcast, the seven-time National League MVP lauded the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar for his exceptional all-around abilities, while noting that Ohtani benefits from a more forgiving version of the sport than Bonds ever played in.
“The pitching and hitting has been outstanding for what he’s done and baserunning. He’s a complete player,” Bonds said.
“There’s no doubt about the type of player he is and what he’s accomplished in his career. The game has just changed. The game is way different than it was when I played. The same way Michael [Jordan] talks about it or anybody does.”
Bonds, who hit 762 home runs in his legendary (and controversial) career, then compared how Ohtani’s current exploits might’ve played out in a previous era.
“Ohtani is not going to hit two home runs without seeing one go right here in my generation. I don’t care what he does,” Bonds continued.
“He’s not going to steal two bases without someone decapitating his kneecap to slow him down because it’s a different game back then.”
Bonds didn’t stop there. He pointed out that modern players enjoy more flexibility and freedom – particularly when it comes to on-field celebrations and practice habits.
He revealed that players nowadays take way more batting practice and are free to flip bats, trot bases, and taunt the opposing team without fear of retaliation.
Despite the different eras, Bonds made it clear that Ohtani is among the game’s elites. The 2024 season was historic for the Japanese phenom, who won his third MVP award and helped lead the Dodgers to a World Series title.
Serving as a full-time designated hitter while recovering from his arm injury, Ohtani hit .310 with 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 59 stolen bases, and a staggering 1.036 OPS.
The four-time All-Star is expected to return to the mound in May, resuming his role as baseball’s most dynamic player.
While Bonds may believe the game has softened since his era, his respect for Ohtani’s talent was undeniable – a rare nod from one all-time great to another rewriting history in a different way.
What are your thoughts on Bonds’ comments? … Do you think Ohtani would have been this successful had he played in Bonds’ era???
