Giants retire slugger’s No. 25 jersey

SAN FRANCISCO — Likely for the last time and almost 11 years after playing his final game, Barry Bonds ran out to left field in his No. 25 uniform shirt after being announced as if he were still in San Francisco’s lineup.

Bonds had his number retired by the Giants during a long ceremony Saturday night before playing his other team, the Pittsburgh Pirates — also 11 years to the month from when he broke Hank Aaron’s home run record in his 22nd and final major league season. Still beloved and cheered in the Bay Area he cherishes as home, Bonds finished his career under the cloud of steroids allegations that made him a villain most everywhere else.

“I am overwhelmed with emotions as the reality of this day sets in,” Bonds said. “This may come as a surprise to a lot of people but as a child I didn’t even want to play baseball. I wanted to play all sports — basketball, football, ride my bike, all the things that kids do. But once my mom signed me up … I got my first taste of what would be my lifelong passion.”

Surrounded by former teammates and managers, Hall of Famers and his family, an overjoyed Bonds had no words as he mentally prepared for his number retirement ceremony. Much like his days chasing the home run record.

“Shhhh,” the slugger said smiling, then a few minutes later repeated three times, “I have to focus.”

Bonds became the 10th Giants player in franchise history to have his number retired. He finished with 762 career home runs.