NEW YORK -- Barry Bonds was already looking forward to
another trip to New York when he was presented with his record
fourth National League MVP award Sunday night.
Bonds is scheduled to make his first career appearance at Yankee
Stadium on June 7-9 when his San Francisco Giants play the Yankees in an interleague matchup.
"I'm going to thank baseball for another gift," Bonds said at
the New York baseball writers' 79th annual dinner, where he
received his MVP trophy and three other awards. "I am looking
forward to the opportunity to play in Yankee Stadium and to hit
against Roger Clemens."
Bonds then turned to Yankees manager Joe Torre, another award
winner seated on the dais, and said, "Joe, make sure he's pitching
in that series."
Bonds, who set major league records last season with 73 homers,
an .863 slugging percentage and 177 walks, also received the Mel
Ott Award for leading the NL in homers and player of the year
awards from the New York baseball writers, as well as baseball
broadcasters.
Other award winners at the dinner included new Hall of Fame
shortstop Ozzie Smith, Yankees reliever Mariano Rivera, Mets
catcher Mike Piazza and Cy Young winners Clemens and Arizona's
Randy Johnson.
Clemens was presented with his record sixth Cy Young by Yankees
Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra.
Rivera was presented with the AL Fireman of the Year trophy but
presented it to Thomas Von Essen, recently retired New York fire
commissioner, who was also on the dais.
"They were an inspiration for all of us," Rivera said of the
New York City fire and rescue personnel, who lost 343 members at
the World Trade Center on Sept. 11.
Also on the dais was former New York Mets outfielder Rusty
Staub, who received a standing ovation for raising more than $100
million for the New York Police and Fire Widow's and Children's
Benefit Fund, which he heads.
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