Fast Break

Baseball

Bonds makes surprise showing

Barry Bonds, who still hopes to continue his playing career soon, made a surprise visit to AT&T Park on Saturday night during a special pre-game ceremony to honor former outfielders.

The ceremony was part of the Giants year-long celebration of their 50th anniversary in the city.

Bonds, scheduled for trial in March for allegedly lying to a grand jury about his performance-enhancing drug use, did not appear at a pre-game social gathering, instead choosing to sign autographs outside the park.

His name was left off the official list of confirmed outfielders, although it was rumored Friday night that he would appear.

After the first 24 former outfielders were introduced, Willie Mays walked through the center field gates unannounced. The crowd rose as he walked slowly toward the infield.

A few moments later, Bonds jogged through the left field gates and joined his godfather on the slow walk. He was greeted by a thunderous ovation.

Bonds joked with several of his former teammates and two of his former managers, Felipe Alou and Bruce Bochy.

As Mays left the podium after speaking to the fans, fans began to chant “Barry! Barry! Barry!” until Bonds acquiesced and grabbed the microphone.

“I want to thank the Giants for inviting all these great guys,” said Bonds, who appeared in good spirits. “It’s weird for me not to be in uniform with the Dodgers right there. You heard me Torre, I beat you before and I can beat you again. I haven’t retired. Thank you.”

Los Angeles manager Joe Torre tipped his hat at the comment.

Football

Griz over 19,000 season tickets

More than 19,000 season tickets have been sold for the 2008 University of Montana football season.

Athletics department officials say a record 19,364 season tickets had been sold by Friday. Celine Fisher, Adams Center Box Office manager, says the number increases daily.

The former record for football season ticket sales at Washington Grizzly Stadium was 16,833, set last season.

The east side stadium expansion added 2,000 seats, bringing the total capacity to 25,198.