Barry Bonds’ reputation as one of the most accomplished players in the history of the sport is well known. However, it is not his record breaking achievements which he may ultimately be remembered for. In his career, Bonds has surpassed Hank Aaron’s home run records, won the MVP award four years in a row, played in the 2007 World Series and won worldwide fame.

However, this was not accomplished under ideal circumstances, there were already stories of steroid use, and Bonds was not loved dearly by a majority of fans. This feeling was apparently very mutual and Bonds has never been one to bite back hostile words. Even Hank Aaron became disillusioned and disenchanted, and at the end of the history making record chase, refused to attend any more of Bonds’ games. He has a standing record of 762 homeruns giving him sole possession of first place. Bonds also holds records for most homeruns in a single season-73. There are numerous records and accolades that belong to Bonds, but no ball team would sign him during the 2008 season.

With an accomplished career and his financial security already assured, Bonds became a target of investigation in connection to the Bay Area Laboratory Cooperative case and was charged with perjury for having lied about his steroid use.

This case cast considerable doubts on his career. Obviously, his MVP awards and his other achievements were questioned heavily by the public as well as by the governing agencies of the sport. Baseball fans and baseball team owners now frown heavily on achievements recognized during periods when steroid use has come into play.

This overshadowed an impressive baseball career that started out in high school. As he was finishing his final term in high school, Bonds was approached by the Giants. As he finished his high school career, the negotiations between Bonds and the Giants were not going as well as projected, and college seemed like a better choice. He continued to play baseball in college and excelled during this time, including seven consecutive hits during the College World Series. He was then named the All American selection that year by Sporting News.

Barry Bonds is still facing obstruction of justice charges that will not be heard in court until March of 2009. The federal prosecutor had submitted paperwork with a typo, alleging that the steroid use, which Bonds still argues he did not take knowingly, was tested for, and found positive in 2001 rather than the year 2000. This year makes a difference due to testing laws that were not implemented until a later date.

Despite these charges, Barry Bonds has been spending a great deal of his time devoted to children’s hospitals and sick or dying children. His outreach has touched the lives of many children, including some that were not able to survive their disease. He holds the Honorary Chair position for the Macy’s fundraiser known as the Macy’s Tree Lighting Ceremony. This fundraiser helps raise money for UCSF Children’s Hospital Palliative Care Program, a setting for terminally ill children and their families.