Barry Bonds Hits Number 756 to Become Baseball's All-Time Home Run King

On August 7, 2007, Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants hit his 756th career home run, surpassing Hank Aaron to become Major League Baseball's all-time home run leader. The blast came in the fifth inning against Washington Nationals left-hander Mike Bacsik at AT&T Park in San Francisco. Bonds drove a 3-2 fastball to right-center field, and the ball cleared the fence as 43,154 fans rose to their feet.

The moment had been building for days. Bonds had tied Aaron's record of 755 on August 4, then endured two homerless games before connecting against Bacsik. The Nationals pitcher, a 29-year-old journeyman, later told reporters he had no intention of walking Bonds and wanted to challenge him. "I just threw a fastball right over the plate," Bacsik said. "What's the worst that can happen? He hits a home run? He was going to hit it off someone."

Bonds dropped his bat, watched the ball's flight, and raised both arms above his head as he began his trot around the bases. His son Nikolai, a Giants batboy, met him at home plate. A recorded video message from Aaron played on the stadium scoreboard. "I move over and offer my best wishes to Barry and his family," Aaron said. "It is a great accomplishment which required skill, longevity, and determination."

The record arrived wrapped in controversy. Bonds had been the subject of a federal investigation into steroid use, and many fans, writers, and players questioned whether his late-career power surge was chemically enhanced. Commissioner Bud Selig attended the game but offered muted congratulations.

Bonds finished his career after the 2007 season with 762 home runs. He was never signed by another team. The record still stands, though its legacy remains one of the most debated subjects in baseball history.