I became acquainted with Bobby Bonds while announcing baseball for the Bakersfield Blaze of the California League. Bonds was a hitting instructor for the Giants' minor league players. He has done an outstanding job with many of the young players including his son, Barry Bonds. Barry gives much credit to Bobby and some of his other hitting coaches for his success.
In Bakersfield, I also got to know a young fan of Barry Bonds who had become stricken with leukemia. I told Bobby about the ill young man and said that if there was anything Barry would like to do, it would be appreciated. Several days later, Bobby returned with a bat, ball and picture autographed by Barry, a ball autographed by the Giants and an official Giants cap. The young man was also introduced to Bobby Bonds and Bobby Bonds Jr. who was playing for the San Jose Giants. The young man was so thrilled with it all that he said it had been worth being sick to receive what he had. The leukemia went into remission for almost a year but then returned and the youngster has since passed on.
» Dale Parsons announced baseball for the Southern Oregon A's in 1994 and for the Bakersfield Blaze in 1995 and 1997-99. Currently, he announces basketball for UC Riverside.
Also by Dale Parsons
» Mike Caruso: In the Minors
» More submissions
Posted August 13, 2001.
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