Ricky Bottalico disputes Netflix account of Bonds plunking incident
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 15, 2026, 12:30 AM
Last updated Jul 15, 2026
Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Ricky Bottalico publicly contested Netflix's portrayal of an incident with Barry Bonds during the MLB Home Run Derby broadcast. During the show, Bonds recalled charging the mound after being hit by a pitch, claiming it was an accident. Bottalico disagreed, stating he intentionally plunked Bonds at the direction of his manager. Nearly three decades later, Bottalico reiterated that he has been clear about his intentions, indicating the story was misrepresented. His comments came during his radio show on 97.5 The Fanatic following the broadcast.
- •Bottalico deliberately hit Bonds during a game in 1998.
- •Bonds charged the mound, marking the only occurrence in his career.
- •The incident happened while the Giants led by seven runs.
- •Bottalico was reportedly instructed by his manager to hit Bonds.
- •The Home Run Derby was streamed live from Citizens Bank Park.
- 12:30 AMYahoo Sports — Ricky Bottalico calls Netflix out for ‘bold-faced lie’ about Barry Bonds incident
"Former Philadelphia Phillies pitcher and current sports radio host Ricky Bottalico plunked Barry Bonds on purpose, and he wants Netflix to know it. Bonds joined Netflix for the streamer’s first broadcast of the MLB Home Run Derby from Citizen’s Bank Park in Philadelphia Monday night. And during its coverage, host Elle Duncan recalled the time…
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