Danny Moloshok / Reuters

The San Francisco Giants' Barry Bonds rounds the bases after hitting his major league record 756th career home run against the Washington Nationals.

Bonds homered exactly three years after Greg Maddux earned his 300th victory at the same ballpark. It’s been quite a week of baseball milestones — over the weekend, Alex Rodriguez hit his 500th home run and Tom Glavine won No. 300.

A seven-time NL MVP, the 43-year-old Bonds hit his 22nd home run of the year. Bonds broke Mark McGwire’s single-season record by hitting 73 in 2001 and while he’s no longer such a force, opposing pitchers remain wary.

Bonds and Giants management bickered in the offseason over contract issues. This big night was the main reason owner Peter Magowan brought back the star left fielder for a 15th season in San Francisco, signing him to a $15.8 million, one-year contract.

Bonds’ once-rapid quest for the record had slowed in recent years as his age and balky knees diminished his pace. He hit 258 home runs from 2000-04, but has only 53 since then.

While steroids have tinged Bonds’ pursuit, it was race that was the predominant issue when Aaron broke Ruth’s mark in 1974. Aaron dealt with hate mail and death threats from racist fans who thought a black man was not worthy of breaking the record set by a white hero, the beloved Babe.

Bonds was destined for stardom at an early age. The son of All-Star outfielder Bobby Bonds and the godson of one of the game’s greatest players, Bonds spent his childhood years roaming the clubhouse at Candlestick Park, getting tips from Mays and other Giants.

“I visualized him playing sports at a high level. He was 5 when he was in my locker all the time,” Mays said.

In a matter of years, Bonds went from a wiry leadoff hitter with Pittsburgh in 1986 to a bulked-up slugger. That transformation is at the heart of his many doubters, who believe Bonds cheated to accomplish his feats and should not be considered the record-holder.

There are plenty of fans already hoping for the day that Bonds’ total — whatever it ends up — is topped. Rodriguez may have the best chance, with his 500 home runs at age 32 far ahead of Bonds’ pace.

Bonds said he hadn’t yet thought beyond 756. He plans to play in 2008.

“I’ll tell you one thing: I’m going to hit a lot better from now on,” he said after a champagne celebration in the clubhouse.