Reaction mixed in Bonds’ return

Associated Press

PITTSBURGH

Barry Bonds spent a portion of Monday morning driving around Pittsburgh, marveling at the changes he’s seen in the city since baseball’s career home run king bolted for San Francisco more than two decades ago.

He drove by his old apartment in the western suburbs and the reconfigured North Shore, where Three Rivers Stadium has been replaced by sparkling PNC Park.

The makeover hasn’t been limited to the scenery. After 21 years, it appears the old wounds surrounding Bonds’ abrupt departure have started to heal, too.

Bonds drew a mixture of boos and cheers while presenting current Pittsburgh center fielder Andrew McCutchen with the 2013 NL MVP award. Bonds was the previous Pirates player to win the honor, earning the second of his record seven career MVP trophies in 1992.

Standing next to McCutchen, Bonds waved to the packed house and seemed at ease in his first public appearance in conjunction with the team where he starred from 1986-92 before leaving for San Francisco via free agency.

“It feels good to be back where it all started,” Bonds said. “We had some great times here.”

Bonds then sat in the stands and watched as the Pirates opened against the Chicago Cubs.