#ThisDayThatYear: Barry Bonds sets single-season walks record, surpassing Babe Ruth
On October 3, 2001, Barry Bonds, the San Francisco Giants slugger, made history by being walked for the 171st time during an 11-8 victory against the Houston Astros at the Pacific Bell Park. This achievement broke New York Yankees Babe Ruth's 1923 Major League Baseball single-season record for walks (170 times). Bonds ended the 2001 baseball season with 177 walks. Here's more.
Giants top Astros as Bonds breaks 78-year-old record
In a thrilling game, the Giants triumphed over the Astros, 11-8. Bonds contributed significantly, going 2-for-3 with three runs two walks, and one RBI, while Benito Santiago managed the Giants' sole homer in the eighth inning. Meanwhile, the Astros were scoreless in six innings compared to the Giants scoring in five innings and four consecutive ones.
Bonds' 2001 season recap and Giants' 2001 season record
The Giants finished the 2001 season with a record of 90-72 (second in the NL West) but did not clinch a playoff berth, finishing three games behind the St. Louis Cardinals for the Wild Card spot. Bonds had an outstanding year, hitting .328 with 73 homers, 137 RBIs, and a staggering 177 walks, including 129 runs and 156 hits and a .863 slugging percentage.
Slugger's career stats - Regular and postseason
Across 22 seasons, Bonds played for the Giants and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Bond's illustrious career includes 2,986 games played, 9,847 at-bats, 2,935 hits, and 762 home runs, making him MLB's all-time home run leader, hitting at .298. In postseason play, he recorded 151 at-bats, 37 hits, and nine home runs, 24 RBI, 52 walks, and boasts an average of .245.
Records and achievements
Bonds boasts numerous accolades: 14× All-Star, 7× NL MVP, 8× Gold Glove Award, and 12× Silver Slugger Award. He set multiple records, including 762 career home runs and 2,558 walks. Additionally, Bonds is also a member of the San Francisco Giants Wall of Fame. This highlights his commendable journey in the history of baseball.
