Deion Sanders’ Discusses Baseball Greatness

Deion Sanders is no stranger to greatness, having excelled in both the NFL and MLB. So when he speaks about the sport of baseball, people listen. And while the Colorado Buffaloes football coach spends his days on the gridiron, it’s his admiration for baseball legends like Barry Bonds and Rickey Henderson that brings a different perspective.

"Barry Bonds was the greatest I’ve ever seen," Sanders says without hesitation. His connection to Bonds goes beyond admiration; he saw firsthand what made Bonds stand out. Bonds' ability to dominate a game, left a lasting impression on Sanders.

Barry Bonds: The Greatest of All Time?

When it comes to Barry Bonds, Deion doesn't hold back. "Barry Bonds, that was breakfast for him," Sanders said about Bonds’ 40-40 season (40 home runs and 40 stolen bases). Bonds could’ve done even more if teams didn’t walk him so frequently. “He walked almost every darn at-bat,” Sanders explains.

Even in today’s era of baseball, Bonds’ numbers would stand the test of time. Sanders points out how Bonds not only hit for power but also had 52 stolen bases in 1990, well before the steroid accusations began. "He had three MVPs before all that," Sanders insists, reminding fans that Bonds’ greatness was solidified long before any controversy.

For Deion, one thing remains clear: Barry Bonds belongs in the Hall of Fame. "It don’t make sense," Sanders says about Bonds’ exclusion. After witnessing Bonds’ skills day in and day out, he firmly believes Bonds’ impact on the game is undeniable. “If you threw that ball anywhere in his zone, it was a souvenir. That’s how good he was. I love you Barry!”

Rickey Henderson: The Original Base Thief

If you ask Deion who his baseball idol was, one name comes up quickly: Rickey Henderson. “I love me some Rickey Henderson,” Sanders said, grinning. He recalls sitting next to Henderson, soaking up advice on stealing bases. “I didn’t know what I was doing, but I loved every minute of it.”

Henderson’s style of play captivated Deion, and his impact on the game resonates even more in today's MLB. With rule changes limiting pickoff attempts, Deion imagines Henderson thriving, stealing bases at will. “Rickey would be at third before you even knew it,” he jokes.

Ohtani: A Modern Marvel

Shohei Ohtani’s name inevitably comes up in any modern baseball conversation, and Deion is no exception. Sanders sees Ohtani as the "Jordan or Brady" of baseball, someone who transcends the game. His ability to both hit and pitch at an elite level has left even seasoned pros like Sanders in awe. “He’s doing things we’ve never even fathomed,” Deion notes, pointing to Ohtani’s unique ability to dominate both sides of the ball.

Deion's love for baseball runs deep, and his admiration for players like Bonds, Henderson, and now Ohtani, reflects his appreciation for the greats who revolutionized the sport. In his mind, baseball is more than just a game; it's a showcase of generational talent.