Leyland greatest moments countdown No. 1: Standing up to Bonds

Leading up to Sunday’s Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremony for Perrysburg native Jim Leyland, we’re counting down our five favorite Leyland moments.

No. 1: Leyland stands up to Bonds

If you didn’t know Jim Leyland, his famed dressing down of Barry Bonds during spring training in 1991 might make him seem like an unflinching tough cookie.

But what it really showed was his ability to hold even the biggest stars accountable.

That’s because Leyland had earned their respect. No manager better connected with clubhouses of diverse, big-money egos. Know who Bonds called his favorite manager? Leyland.

The immortal video shows Leyland going off on 26-year-old Bonds, the reigning National League MVP, who was lollygagging during drills and presenting mopey body language due to a contract dispute. Then Bonds and Bill Virdon, a Pirate instructor, began yelling at each other. Leyland had enough and confronted his star for all to see.

A version edited for language can be seen here: