Barry Bonds had a comrade upon his return to the field on Monday night. Christopher Laub, a nine year-old cancer patient from Tiburon California wrote to Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants during Bonds' recovery period from three knee operations. Laub encouraged Bonds to stay strong during his rehabilitation. Bonds was so moved by Laub's letter that he invited Christopher to be his guest on the first day of his return to the field.

Bonds make good on that promise on September 12th 2005 during the Giants' game against the San Diego Padres.

The Giants (or "Giantes" as their shirts stated) also made the commitment to Christopher that, if he felt up to it, he would be able to join Bonds in left field.

Christopher was invited to take left field with Bonds.

At the start of the game, when Barry came out of the dugout to start the game Christopher joined him.

Christopher, who is from Bel Aire School in Tiburon, has leukemia. He has also served as his town's honorary mayor.

Bonds returned on Monday night to active duty for the fist time since he went on the disabled list sixty days ago. He has been in rehabilitation after having had three knee operations since January 31st.

The forty-one year-old Bonds made his debut three weeks before the end of the 2005 regular season.

Bonds has won many awards in his career including:

* 1990: National League Most Valuable Player
* 1990: National League Gold Glove at OF
* 1991: National League Gold Glove at OF
* 1992: National League Gold Glove at OF
* 1992: National League Most Valuable Player
* 1993: National League Most Valuable Player
* 1993: National League Gold Glove at OF
* 1994: National League Gold Glove at OF
* 1994 ESPY: Outstanding Baseball Performer
* 1994 ESPY: Male Athlete of the Year
* 1996: National League Gold Glove at OF
* 1997: National League Gold Glove at OF
* 1998: National League Gold Glove at OF
* 2001: National League Most Valuable Player
* 2002 ESPY: Moment of the Year
* 2002: National League Most Valuable Player
* 2002 ESPY: Outstanding Baseball Performer
* 2003: National League Most Valuable Player

Bonds entered the game against the Padres on Monday night 6-for-19 with three homers lifetime against Adam Eaton, San Diego's starter in the series' first game. Bonds is eleven home runs behind Babe Ruth and fifty-two behind Hank Aaron in the record books.

In the bottom of the second inning on Monday night, Bonds had his first opportunity up at bat. The crowd, including Laub, not only cheered, they were all standing. After hitting numerous foul balls into the stands, Bonds hit what we thought was a home run. In fact, it was correctly called a ground rule double. A fan in left center field put out his glove to catch the ball. The ball ricocheted off the fan's glove and went into the stands. The next batter, Ray Durham singled deep into right field scoring Bonds. It was the Giants' first run of the night and a great start for Bonds' return.

The fun is back for Giants baseball.

Barry Bonds and Christopher Laub are committed to encouraging each other. Rugged Elegance salutes Bonds and Laub.

Keep up the great work! We're cheering you both on.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "in it together" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King, Rugged Elegance, LLC