Bonds returns to SBC Park, greeted by fans

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Barry Bonds returned to SBC Park Monday for the Giants’ home opener and was greeted warmly by the sellout crowd despite an offseason clouded by questions about his performance.

Bonds, who hit a record 73 home runs in 2001, drew a standing ovation when he stepped to the plate in the first inning. He went 1-for-3 with a walk in San Francisco’s 5-3 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.

“It’s always great to be home,” Bonds said after the game. “The fans here have always supported me and I appreciate that more than I can say.”

Giants manager Felipe Alou said he expected Bonds to have another strong season despite missing spring training time due to a knee injury sustained last fall.

The Giants, who finished 95-66 last season, open their 2003 campaign with hopes of reaching the World Series after losing in seven games to the Anaheim Angels last October.

(Copyright 2003 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)