Barry Bonds steals the show during Netflix's first baseball broadcast

The Giants legend and all-time home run king made his debut as an on-air analyst during the streaming service's opening night MLB game between the Giants and Yankees.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 11:18pm by Ben Kaplan

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Former Giants slugger Barry Bonds, who has been retired for nearly two decades, made his debut as an on-air analyst during Netflix's inaugural Major League Baseball broadcast, which featured a star-studded pregame show and a 7-0 Yankees win over the Giants. Bonds, who is still not in the Baseball Hall of Fame because of his association with steroids, was engaging and humorous throughout the telecast, even alluding to his famously prickly personality. The broadcast also featured appearances by a number of celebrities, including actors, wrestlers, and an NFL quarterback.

Why it matters

Bonds' appearance on the broadcast was significant, as networks have been trying to sign him to a contract for years, but the former slugger has always resisted. His presence on the Netflix broadcast, which was seen in nearly 200 countries, could help expand baseball's fanbase globally and inspire more young people to play the game.

The details

The broadcast featured a Hollywood-scale pregame show, including a spectacular national anthem performance and a pyrotechnic drone display. However, there were also some technical issues, such as distracting green screen ads behind home plate and a missed challenge call due to a sideline interview. NFL quarterback Jameis Winston also made an unexpected appearance, playing the role of enthusiastic fan and class clown, which was well-suited for the Netflix vibe.

  • The 2026 Major League Baseball opening night game between the New York Yankees and San Francisco Giants took place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
  • Bonds joined the broadcast team in the bottom of the sixth inning.

The players

Barry Bonds

A former Giants slugger and all-time home run king who made his debut as an on-air analyst during the Netflix broadcast.

Jameis Winston

An NFL quarterback who played the role of enthusiastic fan and class clown during the broadcast, joining the Giants grounds crew, throwing hot dogs to kayakers, and interviewing players.

Matt Vasgersian

A veteran broadcaster who led the broadcast booth for Netflix, and will also call games for MLB Network and NBC/Peacock this season.

Elle Duncan

The pre- and postgame host for the Netflix broadcast, who was signed away from ESPN by Netflix in December.

Tony Vitello

The new manager of the San Francisco Giants, whose debut was spoiled by the Yankees' 7-0 win.

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What they’re saying

“With all the criticism I've been through … I may not have talked to anybody off the field. That was just me, all right? But on that field, I was probably the best teammate you would ever have. I took more walks for my team. Got on base for my team. And that's what baseball is about.”

— Barry Bonds

“I'm from the same city as Willie Mays, the Say Hey Kid. Baseball has been a big part of my life, and for me to somehow end up at this particular park with the impact that Willie Mays and Barry Bonds had, it's truly a blessing to be here.”

— Jameis Winston

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.