Interesting theory about Barry Bonds

[BC867]

My cousin and his wife have lived in San Francisco for many years. They are red-hot Giants fans.

He is a pyschiatrist, and had this Letter to the Editor published last Sunday.

Editor--Regarding Scott Ostler's Thursday article on Barry Bonds ("Barry is carrying a heavy load," April 22): There is an issue that is occasionally referred to but then seemingly ignored.

Bonds acknowledges being "mentally battered and exhausted," but his appearance and behavior suggest the possibility of something beyond that. Aside from his father's passing, he is in a position where most of us would assume that, in so many ways, he has the world by a string.

Nevertheless he seems neither able to enjoy his situation nor demonstrate his enthusiasm for it. This, coupled with his fatigue, apparently low energy and irritability are all classic clinical signs of depression.

Normally, I would think that making such a public judgement about someone would be both presumptuous and an invasion of his privacy. However, it might be both enlightening and compassionate to view Mr. Bonds from this prospective in that his demeanor may represent a condition over which he has limited control rather than an "attitude problem" or a character flaw.

Cody Fisher, M.D.
San Francisco

Looks like my 'cuz' is either bucking for a job as Bonds' personal shrink . . . looking for a fat lip . . . or has professionally identified his behavior as a condition, rather than an attitude.

The other letters to the editor that day referred to the Giants fall to last place and their weak lineup.

One of their fans posted, "To be fair, the Giants still lead the league in garlic fries, so at least we've got that to fall back on."

 

[ArizonaLacky]

i believe your cousins letter had more merit than people give it, bonds doesnt seem to be enjoying it, its more like a job it seems like. Not a game

 

[jf-08]

i believe your cousins letter had more merit than people give it, bonds doesnt seem to be enjoying it, its more like a job it seems like. Not a game

agreed - i have always wondered about his aloofness - is it that he is really a jerk, as many call him, or does he just not like media, or is there something that prevents him from embracing his gift?

this is a pretty interesting article. i'd hate to be the reporter that asks BB about it though.