The NHL world just went through an emotional rollercoaster as the San Jose Sharks retired Patrick Marleau’s jersey. The SAP Center, home to the hockey team, raised the number 12 on Saturday, Feb. 25th to an emotional audience. Honoring the hockey legend were various former teammates as well as sports greats from the Bay Area, like MLB icons Barry Bonds and Rollie Fingers, and former NBA player Chris Mullin.

Looking at the sheer number of achievements earned by him, it’s only natural that Marleau is the first one to have his jersey retired in league history. When Bonds was announced, he waved to the crowd and bowed down to the Sharks player multiple times. Because, truly, if the player with the most games played in league history doesn’t deserve it, who does?

Barry Bonds honors NHL legend, Patrick Marleau

Bonds may not have played hockey professionally but being a fellow sportsman, he knows how to appreciate a game. The former pro baseballer, whose own number was retired in 2018, posted photos to Instagram welcoming Marleau to the club. He added photos with all the sports greats and Marleau’s family, captioning it, “Congratulations to Patrick Marleau on getting his #12 jersey retired tonight with the @sanjosesharks. You had a storied career…welcome to the club!”

The Giants retired Bonds’ jersey no. 25 in August 2018, and he became only the 12th player in franchise history to earn the privilege. Given his own distinguished career as well as his status as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, it’s no wonder the San Francisco team selected him for the honor.

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What did fans think of this moment where worlds collided?

It was a great day for residents of the Bay Area, especially sports fans. They got to see some legends come together to celebrate another sports superstar and they couldn’t keep the excitement in. First and foremost on Bonds’ post was the Sharks’ official Instagram, which commented, “Thanks for celebrating with us! 👏”. They were joined by the Giants and they were all about San Fran, “👏 #BayAreaUnite”.

“Will Be Missed”: NHL Legend Gets Emotional During a Special Honor as Fans Pay Heartfelt Tributes

One fan commented, “This is the dopest culture crossover of all time”, while another referenced his lack of election into Cooperstown, “Barry doesnt need to be in the MLB HoF for us to know he is the GOAT…”. And another one cheekily referenced Bonds’ past with PED usage, “Lol I almost read a sterioid career”. 

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Despite the subtle digs, fans seemed to love seeing the former pro baseball celebrating the hockey legend!