Credit: Bob Kupbens-Imagn Images (Barry Bonds); Netflix

Netflix is just under a week away from airing its first-ever Major League Baseball game, and the streamer has assembled some high-profile names for its Opening Night broadcast. Elle Duncan, the streamer’s new full-time sports anchor, will host and be joined by recognizable names such as Matt Vasgersian and Lauren Shehadi.

Along with its eight official names officially announced, Netflix left an unassigned “special guest spot reserved for a ninth contributor.” Not only were there reports that Bonds could contribute to Netflix’s coverage, but The San Francisco Standard’s John Shea previously reported that Netflix would be filling the iconic McCovey Cove outside of Oracle Park with 73 kayaks in honor of Barry Bonds’ record-setting 2001 season, in which he hit 73 homers.

Suffice to say, Bonds joining the broadcast team was a pretty safe bet. And on Thursday, the home run king’s Opening Night appearance as a special guest and desk analyst was confirmed by Netflix.

With Bonds’ addition, the streamer has cemented a strong mix of respected journalists, reporters, and legends such as CC Sabathia and Albert Pujols for its Opening Day coverage, whilst adding outside draws, such as comedian Bert Kreischer, who will serve as a contributor.

It’s great to see Bonds being represented and championed in the MLB again after falling short of the Hall of Fame in his 10th and final BBWAA ballot in 2022.

About Qwame Skinner

Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. In addition to his sports coverage at Comeback Media, Qwame writes novels, and his debut; The First Casualty, an adult fantasy, is out now.