San Francisco-Barry Bonds made a rare public appearance recently and said he is enjoying life away from baseball.

“I’m happy now that I have more time,” Bonds told the crowd at the kickoff event of the Macy’s Christmas tree lighting. “I’ve actually enjoyed myself immensely.”

Bonds, honorary chair of this year’s lighting, did not talk to reporters and left quickly after giving a brief speech during the 30 minute ceremony.

Bonds was questioned by a young fan about potentially returning to baseball. “I had fun,” Bonds said. “But I like my freedom.”

Bonds has donated time and money to the UCSF Children’s Hospital palliative care program, hosting golf tournaments and visiting patients and their families. He passed out autographed baseball cards of himself and politely chatted with several patients, many confined to whellchairs.

“We all go through adversities and tragedies,” Bonds told the crowd, which greeted him with a standing ovation. “It takes every one of us to stick together to make all of our children’s times as precious as we can.”

Bonds hit 762 homers, seven more than the previous record set by all time great, Hank Aaron.

Giants managing partner Bill Neukom said the team has not decided whether to erect a statue of Bonds in his honor as it has done for Hall of Famers Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Juan Marichal and Orlando Cepada.