Where does he rank among the greats?

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Bonds reached the landmark at San Francisco, belting a homer off the pitching of Kip Wells.

He joins his godfather Willie Ways, who hit 660, record-holder Hank Aaron (755) and Babe Ruth (715).

Bonds has long proved himself the complete player, lightning quick around the bases, sure-handed in the field and a brilliant batter for average as well as home runs.

It's a pity that baseball is basically only an American game, because Bonds deserves to be a huge star throughout the world. He is not 'mister nice guy', but who cares?

When you have the record of homers in one season and a shot at most home runs in a career, you are in the upper echelons of the hall of fame - although he can't become the best, because he can't pitch.
Alexander D, Belgium

A fantastic achievement by Barry, with many more to come. He's putting up big numbers in almost every batting category, and there is no doubt he is one of the greats of the game.

As someone who has discovered the game in the last five years, it's been an absolute pleasure to watch Bonds stamp his mark as one of the greatest players ever.

It is rather sad to see the attention given to Bonds being disliked, and others saying he is a poor role-model (David Parker). Professional sport isn't about being liked, it's about winning!
Dave Grounds, UK

Congratulations on reaching 600, but I don't think Bonds will beat Aaron - Sammy Sosa is the man to do that. He's five years younger than Bonds, already got 483, and doesn't get walked anywhere near as much.

Still, a great achievement, and I look forward to seeing many more homers at PacBell. One other thing, I don't know how Jeff Kent can criticize anyone for being not a team player - definitely the pot calling the kettle black!
Richard Smith, UK in San Francisco

Truly great.
Daniel, Crewe, UK

Simply a class act. From a very jealous Reds fan!
Paul, UK

With endless talk of smaller ballparks you must give Barry some respect. Playing his career in Pittsburgh's now defunct Three Rivers Stadium and Candlestick Park (where the great Willie Mays hit a large number of his bombs) shows that he didn't always get cheap home runs. At the end of the day baseball is a numbers game and 600 home runs, 400+ SB don't lie.

He has won more MVP awards than anybody else in history and like it or not you will have to say he's challenging the Big Boys (Ruth, Mays, Aaron, Williams and Dimaggio) for the best ever. Maybe Cooperstown will round the corners of the great man but that could still be a lot of homers in the future.
Martyn Ruks, England

What a misconception it is to say he is not a nice guy. Just because he doesn't mingle in a world of media friendly soundbites, he is considered unpleasant. He shouldn't be; I have met him and he was a wonderful person. He is an amazing hitter, not the best, but amazing. Let's not forget how many bases he has stolen as well. He is a legend and one of the all-time greats. Let us rejoice in that and not follow media advice in having to hate him.
Peter, Wales

Bonds is by far the greatest player that I have seen play the game. He will break the all time record for home runs and establish himself as the greatest player to ever step up to the plate.
Andrew, USA

Couldn't happen to an un-nicer guy. Surely talented on the field, but off the field a very dubious role model.
David Parker, Seattle, USA

I've just got home from the game. The atmosphere was electric and from the moment the ball left the bat there was no doubt in any fan's mind that it was a home run. Bonds keeps surpassing himself and I wonder now whether even Aaron's record may be within reach.
Mark Rees, San Francisco, CA USA

Bonds is simply the greatest slugger in the game of baseball today. He already has the season home run record of 73 (performed in 2001), and one can only wonder what time will reveal. Congratulations, Mr. Bonds, your place in sport history is indeed secure.
Markus Liles, United States