Bonds makes history

San Francisco's Barry Bonds became MLB's all-time leading home run leader after hitting the 756th of his career off Washington Nationals pitcher Mike Bacsik on Tuesday at AT&T Park.

Bonds surpassed Hank Aaron's record which had stood since 1974 after sending 3-2 pitch from Bacsik into left-centre field with one out in the fifth inning to give the Giants a 5-4 lead.

He had equalled the record on Saturday after connecting with a pitch from San Diego Padres pitcher Clay Hensley in the second inning at Petco Park.

On Tuesday, Bonds had doubled to right-center field and scored in the second inning before he singled up the middle and scored on Bengie Molina's two-run homer in the third before his historic homer in the fifth.

Aaron congratulated Bonds on breaking his record after a short message was played on the video screen at AT&T Park.

Willie Mays, who is fourth on the all-time home run list, came out onto the field along with Bonds' family to congratulate his godson.

"I want to thank all the fans here in San Francisco," said Bonds after hitting his 22nd home run of the season. "I broke it at home, it's been fantastic. I want to thank my team-mates. You guys have been strong, thanks.

"I want to thank my kids. I'm glad I did it before you went to school. I want to thank the Washington Nationals for understanding this day."