Jeff Kent used the stage at his No. 21 retirement ceremony to send a message that stood out from the rest of the celebration: Barry Bonds still has a path to Cooperstown.
Before the second game of the Giants’ doubleheader against the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Francisco honored Kent with the retirement of his number. During his remarks, Kent looked toward Bonds and told him that he still has a chance to get into the Hall of Fame someday.
Bonds was one of several familiar faces on hand. He was joined by Kirk Rueter, Robb Nen, Dusty Baker, Buster Posey, Juan Marichal, and Will Clark.
His appearance was notable for more than one reason. Bonds has not been around Oracle Park much this season because his contract as a special advisor expired.
And there was also the obvious history between him and Kent, two fiercely competitive players whose relationship was often tense. Some of that friction stayed private, but one moment broke into public view when the two wrestled in the dugout in 2002.
On Saturday, they may have even tried to recreate that clash.
Kent laughed about the past, saying he never went to dinner with Bonds, while also making clear how highly he regarded him. He called the home run king the best player he ever saw and said he would "go to war with that guy [Bonds] any day of the week."
That was the heart of the night: two Giants legends with a complicated history showing plenty of mutual respect. Kent and Bonds were both known for their intensity, and that edge clearly shaped the way they played. It also seemed to define the way they pushed each other.
Even after their careers, they have publicly spoken well of one another, though they were rarely in the same room. Kent pointed to that in his speech, and Bonds’ presence said plenty on its own.
Kent also noted that some of the former Giants players in attendance would one day be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He mentioned Buster Posey and Dusty Baker, both of whom will be on the ballot later this year.
For Bonds, the Hall of Fame road remains uncertain. He appeared on the Contemporary Baseball Era ballot along with Kent in the winter, but he did not receive enough support to stay on the ballot when it reconvenes in three years.
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