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Bonds Relishes No. 755 Moment

The Associated Press

Published: Aug 6, 2007

SAN DIEGO - Barry Bonds isn't ready to call his next history-making shot.

A day before taking his quest for the record back home to San Francisco, Bonds sat back and took a deep breath to enjoy his 755th home run.

"There's no pressure on me to do this right away. If I keep my mechanics right, you guys won't be around long," Bonds said Sunday. "I'd love to do a lot of things, but a lot of good fortunes have to come with that, too. I'm going to do my best."

Tying Hank Aaron's record on the road lined up Bonds to be crowned the king in his Northern California comfort zone.

Bonds had a strong feeling he was headed for history as ball after ball hit his bat and flew over Petco Park's faraway fences during his early batting practice Saturday. Five hours later, Bonds hit an opposite-field drive of 382 feet to left-center to match Aaron's 33-year-old mark.

"When I'm swinging the bat, doing things in batting practice, I can tell," Bonds said Sunday, standing at his locker as he leisurely got ready for a series finale in which he did not start. "If I get into position to do some things, you're in trouble."

Bonds, like Aaron in 1974, tied the record on the road. Bonds was playing some 400 miles south of his hometown of San Francisco, the city where he is beloved despite allegations that steroids fueled his pursuit.

After the big drive, Bonds spoke to pal Ken Griffey Jr. and received a congratulatory message from Alex Rodriguez, who hit his 500th homer earlier Saturday. Bonds' Hall of Fame godfather, Willie Mays, also left a greeting on his voicemail.

There was nothing from Aaron, who repeatedly has said he will have no part in celebrating the feat.

"This is the hardest thing I've had to do in my entire career," Bonds said. "I had rashes on my head; I felt like I was getting sick at times."

Bonds reiterated Sunday his appreciation of San Diego fans' courteous treatment. Many around the country still consider his quest for Hammerin' Hank's record to be tainted because of the suspicions Bonds used performance-enhancing drugs.

"I think we all have so much respect for Hank Aaron, who's been the all-time home run king," Giants manager Bruce Bochy said Sunday. "He and Babe Ruth are legends. Here we have the guy who just tied him. You realize what just happened. It's a moment to celebrate. This man, what he accomplished last night is remarkable. That's a lot of home runs."

Commissioner Bud Selig was there to see it live, but made quite a statement by issuing a statement. Selig is close friends with the Hammer, who began and ended his career in the commissioner's native Milwaukee.

"No matter what anybody thinks of the controversy surrounding this event, Mr. Bonds' achievement is noteworthy and remarkable," Selig said, adding that "all citizens in this country are innocent until proven guilty."

Selig stood with his hands in his pockets as Bonds' family and friends cheered during this long-awaited trot.

"I didn't see it," Bonds said of the commissioner's reaction. "I didn't read anything yet. I just got here."