SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds received a one-minute standing ovation from the sellout crowd and emphatically declared "I will be back!" when introduced before the Giants' opener Tuesday.
The injured slugger was presented with four awards before San Francisco's 4-2 win over the Dodgers, including his record seventh NL MVP award, the NL batting title and Silver Slugger award. He tipped his hat and waved in all directions to the crowd at SBC Park. At one point, appearing emotional, he buried his face in his hat.
"I'm speechless, and I want to thank my family for being behind me for all these years," he said. "I thank God for the blessings he's given me to be able to play this game. Last but not least, I thank the city of San Francisco. I thank these fans. There are no better fans in the world."
After accepting his awards, he pointed to the sky and the seats as he walked into the dugout.
Highlights of his 2004 accomplishments were shown on the giant video screen in center field before he received his awards.
Frustrated with his health and stressed out from the steroid controversy surrounding him, Bonds is on the 15-day disabled list as he recovers from two operations on his right knee.