The Record
Barry Bonds broke Mark McGwire's previous record of 70 home runs when he hit his 73rd home run on October 5, 2001, during the final game of the regular season. This record has stood for over two decades and remains one of the most notable achievements in baseball history.
Barry Bonds' 2001 Season
During the 2001 season, Barry Bonds had an exceptional year both at the plate and in the field. He also set the record for most walks in a season with 177 walks, demonstrating that pitchers were intentionally avoiding pitching to him. His home run record came during a time when he was 36 years old, making it even more impressive.
Context and Competition
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a surge in home run hitting, known as the home run era. Mark McGwire had previously set the record with 70 home runs in 1998, and Bonds surpassed that just three years later. Sammy Sosa also competed during this era, hitting 66 home runs in 1998.
Impact and Legacy
While Bonds' record remains official, some consider this era controversial due to discussions about performance-enhancing drugs in baseball. Despite the debate, Bonds' 73 home runs in 2001 remains the most home runs ever hit in a single MLB season according to official records. 
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