SPORTS HISTORY IN BLACK: 23 years ago, Barry Bonds tied Major League Baseball’s home-run record

On Oct. 4, 2001, Major League Baseball outfielder Barry Bonds capped off a record-setting season by hitting his 70th home run. That long ball would tie him with former Cardinals first baseman Mark McGwire for the most home runs in a season. Bonds finished that season with 73 home runs, a record that stands to this day.

Now-retired San Francisco Giant Barry Bonds laughs with his daughter, Aisha, during a ceremony after the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Pacific Bell Park in San Francisco on Oct. 5, 2001. Photo credit: Eric Risberg, The Associated Press
Now-retired San Francisco Giant Barry Bonds laughs with his daughter, Aisha, during a ceremony after the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Pacific Bell Park in San Francisco on Oct. 5, 2001. Photo credit: Eric Risberg, The Associated Press

When people speak about Barry Bonds, there are many different reactions. Some regard him as a cheater for his rumored performance-enhancing drug (PED) use. Others view him as one of the greatest baseball players of all-time. Whether you love him or hate him, you cannot deny the damage that he’s done in the record books.

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