Bonds ends wait, passes Ruth with HR No. 715

SAN FRANCISCO -- Barry Bonds gave his home fans what they had been waiting nearly a month to see: the historic shot that finally moved him past the Babe.

No. 715 was the latest memorable homer he's hit in San Francisco, and could be his last if he doesn't stick around long enough to pass Hank Aaron.

Bonds pulled ahead of Babe Ruth into sole possession of second place Sunday, his first home run at the Giants' waterfront ballpark since May 2.

"For the fans of San Francisco, it can't get any better than this -- even though I made them wait longer than I have in the past," Bonds said, wearing a new 715 shirt and cap. "Age ain't catching up with me."

Now the debate begins whether Bonds will hold up to break Aaron's long-standing record of 755.

Bonds' seventh home run of the season came eight days after he tied Ruth for second place on the career chart.

But at 41, Bonds has been slowed by health problems. He underwent three operations on his right knee last year that limited him to 14 games, and also has bone chips in his left elbow.

And many believe his rapid ascent up the home run ranks was fueled by performance-enhancing drugs -- though he has always denied knowingly taking steroids.

Bonds' latest milestone, a mightier homer than No. 714, was a 445-foot, two-run shot to center before a sellout crowd. He homered in the final game before the Giants began a road trip to Florida and New York.

Bonds' teammates toasted him with champagne in the clubhouse after the Giants' 6-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies.

-- AP