Dominic Smith’s journey from Southern California to the San Francisco Giants’ first baseman isn’t your average baseball story. It’s about opportunity, admiration, and making a real impact in the community.
He moved from the Yankees to the Giants for a bunch of reasons. Smith loves the West Coast, has huge respect for Giants legend Barry Bonds, and cares deeply about giving back.
When Smith opted out of his minor-league deal with the Yankees, he didn’t see the Giants coming. But the fit felt right for him.
Find the best accommodations
Check availability at 5* hotels, guest houses and apartments rated "superb" or "exceptional" by visitors just like you.
NO RESERVATION FEES
CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR YOUR DATES HERE
He wanted a chance to play every day in the big leagues. Being from Southern California, staying close to home just made sense.
Smith has always liked Oracle Park and the Giants’ history. That definitely played into his decision.
Barry Bonds influenced Smith in a big way. He’s not just a fan—he looks up to Bonds as an idol and maybe even a mentor.
Years back, Smith got to interview Bonds for an MLB Network production. They went live on Instagram, chatting about everything from career highlights to making baseball more accessible for young Black players.
Smith believes Bonds belongs in the Hall of Fame. He’s passionate about making sure people recognize Bonds’ greatness.
That 2021 interview with Bonds meant a lot to Smith. Now, as a Giant, he sometimes seeks advice from Bonds, who often hangs around the batting cage at Oracle Park before night games.
Smith has already helped the Giants win four straight one-run games, including a tense 3-2 victory over the Braves. He’s made plays on both sides of the ball and still checks in with Bonds for tips and inspiration.
Bonds’ stats speak for themselves, but Smith just wants to learn whatever he can from the hitting legend, who hasn’t played in nearly two decades.
Giving back isn’t just a side note for Smith—it’s central to who he is. Growing up in Compton, where crime and gang violence were part of daily life, Smith found a path through Major League Baseball’s RBI program and the Compton Youth Academy.
These programs gave him a shot to play baseball all over the country and even the world. Now, Smith runs a foundation called Baseball Generations (BBG) with two childhood friends, Ron Miller and Tim Ravare.
Their mission? Make baseball accessible to kids by providing gear, life skills, and opportunities to succeed on and off the field. BBG gets help from other big-leaguers and some corporations, mainly focusing on inner-city kids in Los Angeles.
Smith hopes he can bring that work to Bay Area communities if he sticks around with the Giants. He wants kids to know they can reach their dreams, no matter where they start.
Smith’s love for baseball started early. He grew up rooting for the Angels, even though that’s a sore spot for Giants fans after the 2002 World Series.
He admired the Angels’ gritty style and tried to play the same way. Bonds was a big part of why Smith fell in love with the game in the first place.
In his interview with Bonds, Smith talked about the challenges Black players have faced in baseball, from the Negro Leagues to today. They even discussed Bonds’ .609 on-base percentage from 2004—a record Bonds is pretty sure no one will ever break.
Looking Ahead
Smith’s pretty thrilled to have the chance to sit down with Bonds and pick the brain of one of baseball’s all-time best hitters. The Giants seem just as happy to have Smith on board.
He’s pumped to play at Oracle Park, a spot he actually loved visiting as a rival. Smith really appreciates the support and energy from Giants fans.
He can’t wait to help the team win. Hitting splash balls into McCovey Cove? That’s something he’s been dreaming about for a while.
Smith hopes to leave his mark, both on the field and in the Bay Area community. He’s genuinely excited to make a difference, however he can.
For more on Dominic Smith’s journey and his thoughts on Barry Bonds, check out the full article here.
Book Your Dream Vacation Today
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences
- Schools Covered
- College Football Articles
- Men's College Basketball Articles
- Men's College Soccer Articles
- Women's College Basketball Articles
- Olympic Athlete Articles
- Men's College Baseball Articles
- College Sports Media Professionals Articles
- Hall of Fame Member Articles
- Former College Player Articles
- Game Previews
