MLB
OTD 1999: Barry Bonds Became Career IBB Leader
July 15, 1999: San Francisco Giants OF Barry Bonds passed Hank Aaron as the most intentionally walked MLB player of all-time
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Barry Bonds is renowned as one of the greatest offensive threats in the history of Major League Baseball. He holds the records for most home runs in a single season and most career home runs. His skill not only made it difficult to pitch against him, contributing to his other record of being the most walked player of all time, but it also instilled so much feat to the other team to even try. Pitchers often intentionally walked Bonds when the game was on the line, making him the most intentionally walked player of ever.
BARRY BONDS PASSED HANK AARON FOR MOST INTENTIONAL BB EVER
Bonds passed all-time player Hank Aaron to achieve this record, demonstrating what kind of respect was warranted to its holder. Only the best hitters in the game are intentionally walked. Bonds was so good in fact, he was one time walked with the bases loaded.
The opposing team calculated it was better to give up a forced run that way than allow Bonds the opportunity to hit and drive in multiple runs. At one point, Bonds was walked a record seven times in seven straight appearances at the plate. He ended his career with a total of 688 intentional BBs, which is by far the most in history and likely won’t get surpassed anytime soon.
July 15, 1999: San Francisco Giants OF Barry Bonds surpassed OF Hank Aaron (293) for the most Intentional Walks in MLB history. Bonds added another 394 IBB to finish his illustrious career with 688 which will stand as the all-time record for a long time pic.twitter.com/N9ILfUrrTS
— Best of Pro Sports (@pro_sports_best) July 16, 2021
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