Bonds: Security is MLB's Concern

Jul 01, 11:36 AM

Current Headlines: SAN FRANCISCO -- Barry Bonds said Saturday it's up to Major League Baseball and the Giants to decide how much security is needed around him as he closes in on Hank Aaron's home run record.

"It's being addressed to ensure the safety of our players and employees," Giants spokesman Blake Rhodes said.

In the seventh inning of San Francisco's home game with Arizona on Friday night, a male fan wearing no shoes hopped the fence along the left-field line and ran out to greet the slugger. Andrew Clapp, 24, of Fargo, N.D., faces charges of public drunkenness and interfering with a sporting event.

"It is a big concern, but the guy came out, jumped on the field, had his hands up and said, I just want to shake your hand,' screaming," Bonds said. "I said, Fine, come shake my hand.' ... I said, Let's just walk back together, though, so these guys don't throw you on the ground and you'll show them that you mean no harm.' "

The 42-year-old Bonds, who hit his 750th homer an inning later to pull within five of tying the Hammer, said there is "no reason for me to be in fear." But Bonds -- disliked by most fans around the league because of his alleged steroid use during his pursuit -- said during spring training he has received death threats but hasn't elaborated. Aaron, too, was threatened during his chase of Babe Ruth during the 1973 season.

"I felt safe with him. You come at me one-on-one, you better come with a lot, jack," Bonds said. "More than one-on-one is the time to get nervous."

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