SAN FRANCISCO (Rotters News Service)
April 12, 2004

Slugger Barry Bonds, fighting suspicions amid a growing steroid scandal, hit his 660th career home run on Monday, tying his godfather Willie Mays for third place in baseball history. Bonds now trails only Babe Ruth, who holds second place with 714 home runs and Hank Aaron's record of 755.

Playing at the San Francisco Giants home game opener, Bonds rocketed a three-run homer over the right field wall into the San Francisco Bay in the fifth inning against Milwaukee Brewers right-hand pitcher Matt Kinney.

The record holder with 73 home runs in a single season, Bonds has faced growing questions about whether he ever used steroids after his personal trainer was indicted on steroid distribution charges. He has denied using steroids.

Willie Mays, a friend and father figure, told reporters, "I'm real happy for Barry beating my record, but they should put an asterisk beside his name when it goes in Cooperstown. If he ain't on steroids, I'll kiss your ass."

Mays was referring to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, Ohio. Bonds, a record holder in numerous categories, is expected to be a first round pick when considered for the Hall of Fame.

Mays added, "If they don't put an asterisk beside Bond's name, I have another idea: they should put that 660th ball in a glass case — and add a plaster cast of Barry's testicles — and maybe a magnifying glass. I saw him getting out of the shower after the game today, and his balls look like a drought-stricken pair of peanuts."

Mays paused for a moment, obviously overcome by emotion; finally, he mumbled as he turned to leave the crowd of reporters, "I shoulda drowned his skinny ass at the christening."