Happy Birthday, Barry! The 5 greatest moments in Bonds' career

by George Halim Jul 24, 7:15 AM

Robert Galbraith / USA TODAY Sports

Love him or hate him, Barry Bonds is one of the greatest players in the history of baseball.
Though his most dangerous tool was his power, Bonds also led the majors in hitting twice, and notched eight Gold Gloves while flashing some speed.
In celebration of his 51st birthday, we take a look at the five greatest moments of his illustrious career.

Bonds passes Babe Ruth

At some point in his career, Babe Ruth held nearly every significant batting record, and although his career came to an end in 1935, he's still regarded as one of the best players of all time.
So when Bonds clobbered career homer No. 715 to pass Ruth in 2006, there was something particularly special about it.

Bonds joins the 40/40 club

Up until that moment, Jose Canseco stood as the only player in baseball history to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in the same season. But in 1996, Bonds got it done, becoming the first National League player to join the club.

A new home run king is crowned

Leading up to the home run record, nothing on television was more interesting than the moment before No. 756. Baseball and non-baseball fans alike kept tuning in to see if that night would be the night.
On Aug. 7, 2007, Bonds became the new home run king, moving ahead of Hank Aaron on the all-time list.

500/500

No one else in baseball has done this, nor is anyone close to the mark. When Bonds stole his 500th base in 2003, he became the first, and only, player to reach 500 swipes and 500 home runs in a career.

Bonds sets the single-season home run mark

It's only fitting that the man who owns the career home run record also holds the single-season mark. In 2001, Bonds launched his 71st homer of the season over the right-center field wall.
In his next at-bat, he hit No. 72, and two days later, he ripped his 73rd.
(Videos courtesy: MLB.com)