New San Francisco Giants first baseman Dominic Smith's connection to the team runs deeper than just playing time. He idolized Barry Bonds as a kid and now has the chance to learn from the home run king directly. Smith recently joined the Giants after opting out of a minor-league deal with the Yankees, citing the opportunity to play regularly and his affection for Oracle Park and Giants franchise history as key reasons for his decision.
A Childhood Idol Turned Potential Mentor
Smith's admiration for Bonds is well-documented. In 2021, while playing for the Mets, he even conducted an hour-long interview with Bonds as part of an MLB Network production. He sees Bonds as a source of inspiration and an important link to baseball's past. Now, he hopes to turn that admiration into a mentorship.
Undefeated Start and Bay Area Roots
Smith's arrival has coincided with a Giants' winning streak. He's currently undefeated in orange and black. While he acknowledges he's not superhuman, his presence has provided stability at first base. Although Smith grew up in Los Angeles, he expressed a deep appreciation for Bay Area culture. His walk-up song even pays tribute to Bay Area legend Mac Dre.
A Second Chance in San Francisco
After a promising start to his career with the Mets, Smith faced challenges due to injuries and inconsistency. He's hoping to rediscover his form with the Giants, showing why they have faith in him. His breakout season was expected to happen years ago, but Pete Alonso's emergence limited his opportunities. Smith sees this new chapter as a chance to prove himself and establish a lasting presence in the major leagues. The Giants are betting that a change of scenery and a connection to a legendary figure like Barry Bonds can unlock Smith's full potential.