Bonds got off to a rough start, before adjusting to the different style of pitching in the American League. He went on a tear in May. But a knee injury in Chicago on June 7 wrecked his season. He later admitted that he should have gotten surgery, missed the rest of the season, and come back stronger in 1976.
Instead, he played on, and never quite adapted to New York. After just the 1 season, he was traded to the California Angels for outfielder Mickey Rivers and pitcher Ed Figueroa. They turned out to be 2 major figures in the Yankees' revival, so Bonds' greatest value to the Yankees was as trade bait.
Today, Bonds is known 3rd for his amazing combination of power and speed, 2nd for being traded so many times, and 1st for being the father of Barry Bonds. That really isn't fair, as Bobby was a fantastic player, one of the best of the 1970s.
As for Murcer, he felt betrayed. Team owner George Steinbrenner had promised him he would be "a Yankee for life." But Steinbrenner had been suspended from operation of the team, and wasn't reinstated until 1976. So general manager Gabe Paul made the call.
Still, Murcer was heartbroken to be traded by the Yankees, to whom he had given as much as anybody could in those dark years between 1964 and 1976, and swore he would never forgive them for trading him. But in 1979, Steinbrenner traded to get him back, and Bobby jumped at the chance, and he remained a part of the Yankee family, as a player until 1983, and then as a broadcaster until his death in 2008. He titled his autobiography Yankee For Life. It made sense, because, as much as he could, Steinbrenner kept his word.
As for Murcer, he felt betrayed. Team owner George Steinbrenner had promised him he would be "a Yankee for life." But Steinbrenner had been suspended from operation of the team, and wasn't reinstated until 1976. So general manager Gabe Paul made the call.
Murcer loved the city of San Francisco, but hated playing in cold, windy Candlestick Park, both as a batter and as an outfielder. He was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 1977, and he enjoyed Wrigley Field a lot more. (Sure, Wrigley also has wind issues, but it is also much more of a hitter's park.)
Still, Murcer was heartbroken to be traded by the Yankees, to whom he had given as much as anybody could in those dark years between 1964 and 1976, and swore he would never forgive them for trading him. But in 1979, Steinbrenner traded to get him back, and Bobby jumped at the chance, and he remained a part of the Yankee family, as a player until 1983, and then as a broadcaster until his death in 2008. He titled his autobiography Yankee For Life. It made sense, because, as much as he could, Steinbrenner kept his word.
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