Most Valuable Teammate

After the game, Sweeney and Greene handed out engraved champagne glasses they had ordered to celebrate the occasion. Players and coaches toasted Bonds in the clubhouse. The next day, the inscrutable godson of Willie Mays did the unthinkable, something perhaps more historic than eclipsing Ruth: He praised his teammates, admitting they had "brought out a softer side of me."

"I'm having more fun. I think it's hurting my career because I'm enjoying [the game]," Bonds said. "I'm not mad. I'm just happy."

James Sanders

Says Shortstop Omar Vizquel: "It's important to have someone like [Sweeney] here."

James Sanders

Sweeney: "I'd like us to go from the locker room to the field and show that we're having fun."

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More About

• Walt Sweeney
• Mark Sweeney
• Barry Bonds
• San Francisco Giants
• San Diego Padres

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