SAN FRANCISCO -- Barry Bonds received a new home decoration on Saturday: His number 25.
The Giants retired the all-time home run leader's jersey number in a ceremony preceding the Giants-Pirates game at AT&T Park. Many people believe that the bayside ballyard never would have been built without the influence of Bonds, whose arrival as a free agent before the 1993 season revitalized the franchise and led to its escape from dilapidated, chilly Candlestick Park.
"I built this ballpark," Bonds said in an impromtu exchange with reporters. "When I walk in this ballpark, I know whose house it is.