SAN FRANCISCO — Barry Bonds made a rare public appearance Tuesday and said he is enjoying life away from baseball.
“I’m happy now that I have more time,” Bonds told the crowd at the kickoff event of the Macy’s Christmas tree lighting. “I’ve actually enjoyed myself immensely.”
Bonds, honorary chair of this year’s lighting, was questioned by a young patient about potentially returning to baseball.
“I had fun,” Bonds said. “But I like my freedom.”
Bonds pleaded not guilty to 14 counts of making false declarations to a federal grand jury and one count of obstruction of justice, and his trial is scheduled to start March 2.
• Omar Vizquel, who batted .222 with 23 RBIs for the Giants this season, underwent laser surgery on his right eye and “all went well” according to the shortstop.
Rivera undergoes surgery
NEW YORK — Yankees closer Mariano Rivera had surgery on his right shoulder and is expected to resume throwing in three months.
Footnotes.
Mets pitcher Ambiorix Burgos turned himself in to authorities a week after police say he was involved in a hit-and-run accident that killed two women in the Dominican Republic.
• Longtime Cardinals official George Kissell, 88, was in critical condition at a Tampa, Fla., hospital after being injured in a traffic accident.
• The 15 playoff games on TBS averaged a 2.8 rating — that’s down 26 percent from a 3.8 for 13 games in 2007.
The Associated Press
