Reaction to Barry Bonds hitting home run No. 756 to become the all-time home run leader:

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“I would like to offer my congratulations to Barry Bonds on becoming baseball’s career home run leader. … My hope today, as it was on that April evening in 1974, is that the achievement of this record will inspire others to chase their own dreams.” – Henry Aaron, who hit 755 home runs

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“I join Hank Aaron in congratulating Barry as the home run king of all time. He has survived! He remains the most feared batter with the most home runs and the most walks. I know his father rejoices tonight.” – Rev. Jesse Jackson

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“I congratulate Barry Bonds for establishing a new, career home run record. Barry’s achievement is noteworthy and remarkable. … While the issues which have swirled around this record will continue to work themselves toward resolution, today is a day for congratulations on a truly remarkable achievement.” – Baseball commissioner Bud Selig.

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“For more than two decades, Barry Bonds has been one of the game’s most dominant players. This is truly one of those moments that all fans will remember,” – Donald M. Fehr, executive director of the Major League Baseball Players Association.

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“I kind of got teary-eyed myself when he was giving the speech. He pointed up at the sky and said thank you to his dad. It was a great moment.” – Padres outfielder Scott Hairston.

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“I think it’s pretty cool. I think it’s good for baseball, and I just think it’s a pretty neat thing.” – St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jim Edmonds.

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“I’m indifferent. My home run chase was Hank Aaron and the Babe. I’ll congratulate him professionally, but that’s about it for me.” – Colorado Rockies manager Clint Hurdle.

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“756 home runs is a lot of home runs. He’s a good hitter. There is no way about it. The majority of players will stand up for him.” – Milwaukee Brewers catcher Damian Miller.

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“I’m glad it didn’t happen against us, but I know the pitcher, I worked with him as a minor league player and he’s a great kid. It’s not a bad thing, not a bad thing at all. I gave up Reggie Jackson’s 500th, and it doesn’t bother me. It’s just a number.” – San Diego Padres manager Bud Black, who gave up No. 500 to Jackson in 1984.

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“It’s an amazing accomplishment. That’s a lot of home runs.” – Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton.

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“I’m sure he’s relieved it’s over, but you know what an accomplishment it is to hit that many home runs. To be able to play as many years as he has and to have the success he has had, he’s going to go down as the greatest player or one of the greatest.” – San Diego Padres outfielder Brian Giles

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“He’s a heck of a hitter. I’d say he’s the most dangerous guy in the batter’s box. To do that at his age is remarkable. … It is an amazing feat. There is no side note or footnote.” – Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Scott Linebrink.

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