Barry Bonds finished his 2,986 game career with 762 homers – give or take an asterisk – which is the most in baseball history.
But that’s not the only record he holds. Bonds’ 2,558 walks also lead baseball by nearly 400 more than the guy, Rickey Henderson, in second place. And, as I’m sure you can imagine, his MLB-leading 688 intentional walks has a lot to do with that.
After all, the guy was intentionally walked all the freakin’ time … even during the 2004 home run derby!
During the 2004 season, Bonds walked a career high 232 times, including 120 of the intentional variety. But can you blame the pitchers? He was slashing .363/.609/.812 (233 wRC+) over the course of the season.
For what it’s worth, Bonds did not end up winning the Home Run Derby that year, as Miguel Tejada and his 27 total long balls walked away with the trophy. Still, getting fake intentionally walked when you’re standing next to some of the best home run hitters in baseball … that’s some serious respect (or maybe fear?).