He moved on to Georgia where he won a league title with Dinamo Tbilisi, and is now a regular for le Mans in France's top division.

He first signed as an 18-year-old and helped United win the Second Division title in 1936/7, returning to the top flight after "yo-yoing" between the two divisions for 45 years.

Bonds had his breakthrough season in 1990 when he hit.301 with 33 homers and 114 R.B.I., led the Pirates to a division title and was named the league's most valuable player.