Former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star pitcher Ricky Bottalico has refuted remarks made by Netflix's Elle Duncan regarding a 1998 incident where Bottalico hit Barry Bonds.
During a pre-show broadcast for the MLB Home Run Derby on Netflix, which featured Bonds, Albert Pujols, and Anthony Rizzo, Duncan discussed the past confrontation between Bottalico and Bonds. According to Duncan's recollection, Bottalico stated that the pitch which hit Bonds was unintentional. However, Bonds himself disputed this, saying, "No, it didn’t, it did not get away. He’s a good pitcher and he’s a good man. In that situation, it was part of the game of baseball during that time, and I accepted it."
Bottalico, appearing on 97.5 The Fanatic, called Duncan's assertion a "bold-faced lie." He stated that he was instructed by his coaches to hit Bonds. "I was told to go in and hit Barry Bonds. It’s that simple," Bottalico said. He explained that he publicly denied the intentionality of the pitch at the time to avoid a month-long suspension, adding, "Yes, we had to lie back then."
Bottalico further elaborated that his team was frustrated with Bonds for stealing a base when the Giants were leading by seven runs. He also mentioned he was not scheduled to pitch that day, having recently recovered from surgery and already pitched the previous night.
Ricky Bottalico was a five-year player for the Phillies before becoming a journeyman reliever. He was a one-time All-Star selection in 1996.