Barry Bonds Heads 2024 Pirates Hall of Fame Class

Barry Bonds is finally going to be a Hall of Famer. At least, a Pittsburgh Pirates Hall of Famer.

The Pirates announced Tuesday night that Bonds, baseball’s all-time home runs leader with 762, will be part of a three-man class that will be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame on Aug. 24 before a game against the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. Former manager Jim Leyland and former catcher Manny Sanguillen will also be inducted.

Bonds failed to gain election to the National Baseball Hall of Fame during his 10 years on the ballot, unable to get the needed 75% of the vote necessary for induction, primarily because he was linked to steroid use during his career.

Bonds is the only two-time National League MVP in franchise history, winning the award in 1990 and 1992. He also finished a narrow second in 1991 to the Atlanta Braves’ Terry Pendleton.

During his seven seasons with the Pirates from 1986-92, Bonds won two Gold Gloves and three Silver Sluggers.

Leyland will go into the Pirates Hall of Fame just more than a month after he will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Leyland managed the Pirates for 11 seasons from 1986-96. His 851 wins are third in franchise history behind Fred Clarke (1,422) and Danny Murtaugh (1,115). Leyland’s biggest highlight was winning three straight NL East titles from 1990-92.

Sanguillen is one of the most beloved figures in franchise history, first as a catcher for 12 seasons between 1967 and 1980, and now as proprietor of Manny’s BBQ stand located behind the batter’s eye in center field at PNC Park.

Sanguillen was part of World Series-winning teams in 1971 and 1979. He also played in three All-Star Games.