Just four families make up one of baseball’s most exclusive clubs: a three-generation MLB family.
The Boones are considered the first to achieve such a unique distinction. Ray Boone played for six teams from 1948 to 1960. His son, Bob, played with three from 1972 to 1990. Bob had two sons who appeared in the majors, too: Bret, who played with five teams from 1992 to 2005, and Aaron, who played with six teams from 1997 to 2009 and now manages the New York Yankees.
The Colemans (Joe, Joe, and Casey), the Bells (Gus, Buddy, David, and Mike), and the Hairstons (Sam, Jerry Sr., Johnny, Jerry Jr., and Scott) would all join them as three-generation MLB families.
One of baseball’s most legendary families, the Bonds, is seeking to join them.
Peyton Bonds has been named to Perfect Game’s preseason All-Conference Team. The 20-year-old has become a prospect to watch as he enters his third season of college baseball.
The outfielder started at Campbell University before transferring to Rutgers for the 2025 season. He hit .300/.384/.430 in 258 PA on the year (57 games) with 10 2B, 5 HR, 40 RBI, and 16 SB. The Scarlet Knights finished the season with a 29-28 record, but are expected to be more competitive in the Big Ten this year.
Bobby Bonds, 1968-1981
Bobby Bonds, the family’s patriarch, suited up with eight teams over a 14-year career that started in San Francisco. He was a three-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner during that time, with almost all of those accolades coming during his tenure with the Giants (he was an All-Star in 1975 with the Yankees).
Bonds hit 302 2B, 332 HR, and stole 461 bases during his career, while slashing .268/.353/.471 (129 OPS+).
Barry Bonds, 1986-2007
Without question, the best-known member of the family is his son, Barry Bonds, the sport’s all-time home run leader.
Bonds began his career by being drafted 6th overall in the 1985 Draft out of Arizona State University. He was in the Pittsburgh Pirates lineup in left field less than a year later and spent seven seasons with the team, collecting a pair of MVP Awards, before departing in free agency to join the San Francisco Giants.
He would win five more MVP Awards during his 15 seasons with the Giants. All told, Bonds would finish his career with a .298/.444/.607 (182 OPS+) line and he still holds the MLB records for home runs (762), walks (2,558), and intentional walks (688).
Bobby Bonds II, 1992-2002
Peyton’s father, Bobby Bonds II, had an 11-year pro career that fell far from the expectations set by his father and brother. Seven of those came in the minor leagues with the Padres‘ organization. Bonds would reach Triple-A but never received an opportunity in the big leagues, hitting a collective .250/.333/.375 with just 38 homers in more than 2,200 plate appearances.
He’d go on to spend five years in the independent leagues, batting .272/.337/.413, before retiring and settling in New Jersey.
Legendary Family Aiming to Join Exclusive Club