The record fell on a clear night in San Francisco. Barry Bonds stood in against Washington Nationals left-hander Mike Bacsik in the fifth inning and drove a 3-2 fastball high into the right-center seats — 435 feet from home plate — for his 756th career home run. Hank Aaron’s reign, which had lasted 12,173 days, was over.
A fastball, a decision, a record
The pitch was an 84-mph fastball right over the plate. Bacsik had faced Bonds twice already that night, surrendering a double and a single, and the Nationals’ scouting report was blunt: do not let him beat you. Bacsik later explained his thinking simply. “I just threw a fastball right over the plate,” he said. “What’s the worst that can happen? He hits a home run? He was going to hit it off someone.”
Three days from 755 to 756
Bonds had tied Aaron’s mark of 755 on August 4 with a shot to left‑centre in San Diego. He then played two homerless games before stepping in against Bacsik. When the ball cleared the fence, the crowd of 43,154 rose as one. His godfather Willie Mays was in attendance; Commissioner Bud Selig and Aaron himself were not.
A fan named Matt Murphy, wearing a Mets jersey, emerged from the scramble with the historic ball and a bloodied face, and was escorted to a secure room. The Nationals went on to win the contest 8–6, but the outcome belonged to the record books.
Ten crowns, one summit
The home run sealed a career already dense with landmarks. Bonds had won seven Most Valuable Player awards, including four consecutively from 2001 through 2004, and in 2001 he had shattered the single‑season mark with 73 home runs. He was already the sole member of the 500‑homer, 500‑stolen‑base club, and his .700 on‑base percentage in the 2002 World Series remains a record.
After the game, Bonds addressed the controversy that shadowed his pursuit. “This record is not tainted at all,” he told reporters. “At all. Period.”
He finished his career after the 2007 season with 762 home runs and was never signed by another club. The Hall of Fame ballot later shut its door, but on this night the number itself was settled.
