Bonds hit 73 home runs during the 2001 season, passing Mark McGwire's mark to become baseball's single-season home run king. Bonds is famous for his strength, speed and all-purpose talent; The Sporting News named Bonds the top player of the 1990s. Bonds played left field for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1986-1992, when he became a free agent and signed with the San Francisco Giants. He was voted the National League's most valuable player in 1990, 1992 and 1993. In 1996 he joined the elite 40-40 club, hitting 42 home runs and stealing 40 bases. Bonds at times has had strained relations with the press and with fans, gaining a reputation for being somewhat aloof. In 2001 he hit his 500th career home run and by August 12th had hit 50 home runs on the year, reaching that mark earlier in the season than McGwire, Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, or any other player in history. He went on to hit 73 in all, passing McGwire's 1998 record of 70. Barry, the son of Bobby Bonds (a major league player from 1968-81) bats and throws left-handed, and wears #25. He hit home run 756 in August 2007, to break the al-time record of Hank Aaron.from www.who2.com/barrybonds.html
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