Former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star pitcher Ricky Bottalico was reminded of a notable incident during the MLB Home Run Derby, when a pre-show on Netflix revisited his altercation with Barry Bonds in 1998. Participants in the show included Elle Duncan, Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols, and Anthony Rizzo, where they discussed the game between the Phillies and the San Francisco Giants when Bottalico hit Bonds and triggered Bonds to charge the mound.

Bottalico firmly stated that the pitch did not accidentally slip from his hand, countering Duncan’s claim. Bonds, however, acknowledged that while the incident was part of the game’s competitive nature, he did not believe it was unintentional. He commented, “No, it didn’t, it did not get away. He’s a good pitcher and he’s a good man. In that situation, it was part of the game of baseball during that time, and I accepted it.”

Appearing on 97.5 The Fanatic, Bottalico clarified his position shortly before the MLB All-Star Game in Philadelphia. He explained, “That is a bold-faced lie,” affirming once again his account of the event. Bottalico stated he had been explicitly instructed to hit Bonds, indicating it was a strategic move rather than an accident.

“When it happens, in the newspapers the next day and all that back then, I had to say I didn’t do it on purpose or else I’m suspended for a month. It’s that simple. Yes, we had to lie back then.” — Ricky Bottalico

Bottalico elaborated on the situation, mentioning that the Phillies’ team was irritated with Bonds for stealing a base when the Giants were leading by seven runs. Despite having recently undergone surgery and not planning to pitch that day, Bottalico was brought in, leading to the intentional pitch. His coaches advised him against admitting his intention, emphasizing, “Do not tell me you did it on purpose.”

Ricky Bottalico’s career included one All-Star season in 1996, during which he posted a 3.65 ERA over 69 appearances. He initially spent five years with the Phillies before transitioning to a series of roles with other teams in the league.