OTD: 16 Years Ago Barry Bonds Became the Only Member of the 500 HR/500 Stolen Base Club

762 career home runs. 35 splash hits. A .607 slugging percentage.

Barry Bonds is well-known for his prestigious power that made him the Home Run King. However, Bonds was not a one-trick pony and provided value in many other areas. One of those areas was his base running ability that put him in his own elite company on this day in 2003.

Against the division rival Los Angeles Dodgers on June 23, Bonds stole his 500th base, making him the only member of the 500 home run/500 stolen base club. As it stands, Bonds is still the only member of that club and may very well be the only member to ever be in that club.

When looking back on this milestone, it’s incredible to think that arguably the best hitter of all-time was also a prolific base runner. In fact, Bonds’ power/speed combination is unmatched by any other player and the gap between the next closest contestants is rather large.

Among the 27 players in the 500 home run club, Bonds’ 514 stolen bases are 176 more than the next closest player: Bonds’ godfather and Giants legend Willie Mays (338). Among the 39 members in the 500 stolen base club, nobody comes close to Bonds’ power output (Rickey Henderson at 297 home runs).

Unsurprisingly, Bonds racked up plenty of 20 home run/20 stolen base seasons, accomplishing the feat ten times, which is tied for the most all-time. The other player to accomplish this feat? Barry’s father Bobby Bonds. Both Barry and Bobby are also players to reach the 30 home run/30 stolen base mark in five different seasons.

Barry Bonds will forever be remembered as the man who hit tape-measure home runs but he also provided tons of value elsewhere, namely his fantastic base running. He was truly a one-of-a-kind talent who wowed fans with both his remarkable power and blazing speed.