Bonds thinks Ohtani has it easier than he did: 'Game has just changed'

Barry Bonds appreciates the greatness of Shohei Ohtani but believes the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar benefits from a softer game.

"There's no doubt about the type of player (Ohtani) is and what he's accomplished in his career - the game has just changed," Bonds said during an interview on the "All the Smoke" podcast.

Bonds continued, "Ohtani is not gonna hit two home runs without seeing one go right (at his head) in my generation, I don’t care what he does. He’s not gonna steal two bases without somebody decapitating his kneecap to slow him down because it was a different game back then.”

Ohtani won his third career MVP award in 2024 after posting the first 50-home run, 50-stolen-base season in league history.

Bonds, meanwhile, retired after 2007 as baseball's all-time home run king with 762 career blasts. He won seven MVP awards and made 14 All-Star appearances across 22 MLB campaigns.

He still believes he could hit a 100 mph fastball as a 60-year-old.

"Hundred? That's easy ...," Bonds said. "Now, if you're asking me to do something spectacular, that would take time for my body to get used to it at 60. But to go up there and hit it? I don't care how hard you throw. As long as I can see it, I'd hit it."