On the night of August 7, 2007, Barry Bonds hit a full-count pitch from Washington Nationals' pitcher, Mike Bascik, to the deepest part of AT&T Park in right center field, an estimated 435 feet. The stadium immediately erupted while fans fought for the historic and valuable ball.
Bud Selig was not in attendance. In his place were Major League Baseball executive vice president Jimmie Lee Solomon and Hall of Famer Frank Robinson. As was earlier reported, Selig was not in attendance due to a meeting with steroid investigator, George Mitchell.
With Willie Mays by his side, the Giants played a surprising video message from Hank Aaron.
“I would like to offer my congratulations to Barry Bonds on becoming baseball’s career home run leader. It is a great accomplishment which required skill, longevity and determination. Throughout the past century, the home run has held a special place in baseball and I have been privileged to hold this record for 33 of those years. I move over now and offer my best wishes to Barry and his family on this historical achievement. My hope today, as it was on that April evening in 1974, is that the achievement of this record will inspire others to chase their dream.”
During the ceremony following the record-breaking home run, Bonds, nearly in tears, thanked the fans, his family, and the Nationals in a very emotional speech.
"Thank you very much. I got to thank all of you, all the fans here in San Francisco. Road and Home, it's been fantastic. I want to thank you all. I've got to thank my teammates for their support. Through all of this, you guys have been strong, and you've given me all of the support in the world and I'll never forget it, as long as I live. Thank you."
"I gotta to thank my family, my mother, my wife, Liz, my kids Nikolia, Shikari and Aisha. I’m glad I did it before you guys went to school. Thanks for being here. I gotta to thank the Washington nationals for your supports. Thanks for understanding this day. It means a lot to me. My Dad. Thank you for everything. Thank you."
Selig again released a statement after the game.
"I congratulate Barry Bonds for establishing a new, career home run record. Barry's achievement is noteworthy and remarkable… While the issues which have swirled around this record will continue to work themselves toward resolution, today is a day for congratulations on a truly remarkable achievement."
After the game Bonds was asked if he thought the record was tainted.
"This record is not tainted at all. At all. Period."
Video of Barry Bonds hitting home run #756 and the ensuing ceremony.
