Giants’ Dominic Smith Seizes Opportunity While Idolizing Barry Bonds

San Francisco, CA — Dominic Smith, the newly signed first baseman for the San Francisco Giants, has a long-standing admiration for baseball icon Barry Bonds. Smith recently shared his journey and feelings about joining the Giants after opting out of a minor league deal with the New York Yankees.

“To be honest, there were a few other teams,” Smith said. “When the Giants called, obviously, it made the most sense.” His decision was backed by the prospect of playing regularly in the majors, the appeal of playing on the West Coast, and his affection for the Giants’ rich history and Oracle Park.

Perhaps the most influential reason for Smith’s move is his admiration for Bonds, who remains a significant figure in Giants lore. “I’m a big fan of Barry,” Smith remarked, expressing excitement about the chance to learn from the home run king. Smith’s relationship with Bonds extends beyond fandom; he sees him as a mentor and a vital link to the game’s past.

In fact, Smith’s admiration led him to interview Bonds in 2021, a conversation broadcast live on MLB Network and social media. “We went live for an hour,” Smith recounted. “He’s such an interesting and amazing man… you could talk to him for hours.” The mutual respect between the two athletes is evident, as Bonds continues to provide guidance to players at Oracle Park.

The Giants have won four consecutive one-run games, a testament to the team’s performance since Smith joined. Smith has played a pivotal role in these victories, contributing both defensively and offensively. “His numbers speak for themselves. They’re ridiculous,” Smith said, when discussing Bonds’ record-breaking statistics and his belief that Bonds deserves a place in the Hall of Fame.

Raised in Compton, California, Smith credits baseball programs like MLB’s RBI for enabling his achievements. He now runs a foundation, Baseball Generations, with childhood friends, aimed at providing resources to young athletes in underserved areas. “When I got to the big leagues, it didn’t feel whole until I started giving back,” Smith stated, emphasizing the importance of inspiring the next generation.

Smith’s baseball journey has also been influenced by his childhood — the Angels were his favorite team, and he recalls the 2002 World Series vividly. “I wanted to emulate my game after them,” he said. He also cherished Bonds as one of the biggest influences on his decision to pursue baseball.

As Smith begins this new chapter with the Giants, he remains committed to helping others succeed in the sport. “We can’t use where we come from as a crutch,” he said. “You can be anything. Giving back to where I came from feels really good.” His interactions with Bonds will likely play a vital role as he continues to develop both on and off the field.