The leagues have announced their Players of the Week, recognizing two elite performances that powered their clubs over the past seven days.

In the Federal League, Barry Bonds of Boston turned in a dominant week at the plate. At age 32, Bonds showed there may still be another gear to unlock, batting .500 over six games. He collected 10 hits in 20 at-bats, launched 3 home runs, and drove in 7 runs, earning Federal League Player of the Week honors.
On the season, Bonds is batting .333 with 7 home runs, 17 RBIs, and 14 runs scored.

Over in the United League, Dean Palmer of Toronto left little doubt in claiming United League Player of the Week recognition. Palmer hit .423 (11-for-26) for the week, pairing his consistent contact with 4 home runs, 8 RBIs, and 8 runs scored.

“You just go out there and do what you have to do,” Palmer said. “When I’m up, I try to focus and block everything else out of my mind and have a good at-bat. I’m up there to get a hit or advance a runner, not to get caught up in the emotion of the moment. I hope I can win this award every week.”

For the season, Palmer is batting .276 with 6 home runs, 12 RBIs, and 12 runs scored.

Two leagues, two statement weeks — and two bats setting the pace as the season rolls on.