Fans of the Los Angeles Dodgers will never, ever warm up to former San Francisco Giants slugger Barry Bonds. Rightfully so. Great rivalries aren’t nurtured by having a soft spot for the star player(s) of the rival team. Of course, the incredible rivalry between the Dodgers and Giants has taken a back seat to far more serious matters since the unfortunate incident at Dodger Stadium on opening day when Bryan Stow, a Giants fan, was nearly beaten to death in the parking lot. So, while the mutual ‘hatred’ of the two teams and fanbases is at a simmer while Stow remains in the hospital, what better time than now to mention that Bonds made quite the gesture by offering to pay for the college education of Stow’s two children, 12-year-old Tyler and 8-year-old Tabitha.
Though it might be tough for Dodgers fans to admit, what makes Bonds’ gesture more noteworthy is the fact that he made the pledge over a month ago without mentioning it to the media. The news only came to light after Stow decided to sue the Dodgers because in the event that Stow were awarded damages in court, Stow’s attorney made it clear that those who had pledged financial support would have their money returned to them.
A class gesture by a not-so-beloved figure either in LA or around the country. That said, I think it’s safe to say that both fanbases are eager for this tragic incident to pass so that all (except the few thug bad apples) can get back to despising each other in good fun like they’ve done for so many years.