Saturday September 6, 2008 was an important day in Giants history, with the unveiling of the Orlando Cepeda statue at 2nd and King Streets. Everyone who was anyone was there to honor the Hall of Famer, including Barry Bonds.

After the ceremony, Giants players, staff and families headed up to the Legends Club located in the AAA Club above Section 232.  At the time, our Season Tickets were in Section 229.

As the game started, Rupert noticed Barry Bonds, dressed in a suit sitting on the Legends Club deck by himself. No-one else in the crowd had noticed the most prolific player in Giants history and the Greatest Player of All Time. He looked very different from his playing days without a baseball hat and jersey. He was enjoying a beer and and was not seeking attention.

Rupert, six at the time, asked if he could go and say “Hi!” to Barry. We had been Season Ticket Holders for four years and Rupert was on a first-name basis with many of the the Giants Ushers. “Of course, just be careful you don’t fall”.

Without a second’s hesitation, Rupert was running at full speed across sections 229, 230 and 231. He appeared in front of the Legends Club deck with both hands outstretched in a ‘hang ten’ pose yelling at the top of his voice “Barry, I love you, Man!” over and over again. Barry smiled wistfully and waved. By now a few fans had noticed his presence, thanks to Rupert and began applauding him.

After the game, in which the Giants beat the Pittsburgh Pirates (Barry’s old team) 7-6, Rupert and I walked out of Section 229 into the AAA Club just as Barry was leaving the Legends Club. Rupert ran up to him and asked if he would sign his jersey. Bonds, a huge man, gently spun him around and autographed the back of his jersey before heading straight to a waiting elevator.

Suddenly, Rupert was a minor celebrity. Fans could not believe what they’d seen: Barry Bonds up close signing a little boy’s jersey. Rupert was beaming with pride. He was so happy to have met Bonds. He thanked him and told him he loved him. I was so grateful for Bonds’ kindness to a young child who’d grown up idolising him.