Like it or not: 755

SAN DIEGO – With a short swing, a half stare and an emphatic clap of his hands, Barry Bonds rounded the bases Saturday. After so many days and so many tries, he had finally caught Hammerin’ Hank.

“The hard part is over right now,” Bonds said.

High above the field in a private box, baseball commissioner Bud Selig was a reluctant witness to history. Choosing to overlook the steroid allegations that have dogged the San Francisco slugger, Selig watched Bonds tie Hank Aaron’s home run record – his mouth agape, hands stuffed in pockets and nary a cheer on his lips.

No. 755 was a strong shot for all the doubters, an opposite-field drive of 382 feet to left-center, moving Bonds within one swing of having baseball’s pinnacle of power all to himself. It came on a 2-1, 91 mph fastball.

“This is the hardest thing I’ve had to do in my entire career,” he said. “I had rashes on my head, I felt like I was getting sick at times.”

And it was a long time coming.

It had been eight days and 28 plate appearances since Bonds hit his 754th home run, and he came out for early batting practice, hoping to break his slump. He did it quickly, leading off the second inning.

“No matter what anybody thinks of the controversy surrounding this event, Mr. Bonds’ achievement is noteworthy and remarkable,” Selig said in a statement.

Bonds said he hadn’t spoken to Selig, but welcomed him anytime. Aaron was not in attendance.

“We as baseball players, especially as African-American ballplayers, have so much respect for Hank Aaron and all our fellow African-American athletes as well. They have paved the road for what we’re doing now,” Bonds said.

Bonds drew a mixed reaction from the crowd at Petco Park after he homered off Clay Hensley. Several fans held up asterisk signs and the slugger was booed as he headed to left field at the end of the inning.

“I want to thank the fans. They have been outstanding,” Bonds said. “It’s been a fun ride. I really appreciate the way San Diego handled it and the way their fans handled it.”

Bonds walked his next three times up and left the game in the eighth for a pinch runner. He drew a standing ovation from many fans who chanted his name.

The Padres won 3-2 in 12 innings.

Bonds said he would not start today, which would give him a chance to break the record at home beginning Monday night.