Bonds' last game as a Giant just like the last 15 years

Giants fans know not to expect much from Barry Bonds besides his on-the-field brilliance. Not because he's not capable of giving more, but because he's spent the past 15 years telling San Francisco fans how much he loves them while simultaneously refusing to be anything remotely close to an affable guy.

He's spent the last 15 years wowing us on the field. He's the all-time home run leader, the single-season home run leader, and the only player ever to have 500 home runs and 500 steals. He's also spent the last 15 years sulking in the clubhouse, attracting negative media attention, alienating his teammates, and giving a metaphorical middle finger to the Bay Area press. the concept of going above and beyond to be more than just a great player is foreign to him. So is it any surprise that Bonds' last game as a Giant on Tuesday was more of the same?

No, of course not. But even the most self-centered of people usually know that there are times to suck up your pride and do something that's more for others than for you. Apparently though, Bonds doesn't. Tuesday's bittersweet finale included three forgetful at-bats from Bonds and a tip of the hat to the crowd. After the game, the fans endured an 11-3 loss for a video tribute after the game and the expectation that Bonds would take the field for one last curtain call. Bonds' teammates held off on retreating to the locker room after the blowout to throw autographed balls into the stands. It was San Francisco's last chance to acknowledge their star, and their star's last chance to acknowledge San Francisco.

One problem though. Turns out Bonds left the ballpark somewhere around the eighth inning. Despite the exceptional circumstances, Barry couldn't bring himself to stay another hour for the fans who have given him so much over the years, and who the week before he referred to as "family."

This is how it's gone for San Francisco since 1993. Bonds has brought some exciting moments, but at a price. He hit most of his milestone home runs at AT&T Park, but he also brought the wrath of sports fans and media across the country home to McCovey Cove as speculation swirled that those home runs were fueled by steroids. He brought the Giants to within five outs of a World Series championship, but he was also one of the major contributors to a defensive meltdown that stole victory out of the Giant's hands.

More recently, Bonds has provided the only reason to go see a game in San Francisco: the all-time home run chase. But that home-run chase was also a distraction in the clubhouse that showed on the field. He wanted to win a World Series in San Francisco, but refused to take the cut in salary necessary for the Giants to be able to afford decent players with which to surround him.

In the end, Bonds' last game was indeed a fitting close to his San Francisco career. He gave the fans just enough to satisfy his own desires and ego, but ultimately left them wanting more. Barry is a great ball player, but he will never be a sports hero like Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, and all the others. To be a hero you have to be a great player, and then go above and beyond for your fans.

As Bonds' fans showered him with unconditional love Tuesday night, you couldn't watch and think that he was going to stick around for his own tribute. Bonds doesn't go above and beyond. He never really has.