Bonds sent a 2-1 pitch from Rick Vanden Hurk over the wall in left-center in the first inning for a solo shot against the Florida Marlins, giving the Giants a 2-1 lead on his 20th homer of the season.

The 43-year-old Bonds, whose drive was estimated at 420 feet, connected off his 444th pitcher — the first hailing from the Netherlands. He has homered off pitchers from 17 different countries, including the United States.

Fans, already on their feet for Bonds' first at-bat, screamed in delight as the ball was clearly a home run — Bonds' first at home since he connected for No. 750 on June 29 against Arizona's Livan Hernandez. They chanted "Barry! Barry!" as he rounded the bases.

Bonds had gone homerless in five games he played and 18 at-bats since hitting two against the Chicago Cubs on July 19 at Wrigley Field. He had been 3-for-18 since his previous homer, but said yesterday he didn't think he was overswinging.

A "Road to History" tribute played on the main center-field scoreboard with a greeting from Michael Jordan.

"Hey Barry, it's Michael Jordan," the message said. "I just want to congratulate you on your historic event. I'm very happy for you. Ever since the first day I saw you in the batting cage, you've been working toward this for a long period of time. So I want to wish you and Elizabeth and that beautiful girl of yours congratulations. I'm very happy for you."

Bonds reached 20 home runs for the 19th time in his 22-year career, one short of Aaron's record of 20 seasons with 20 homers.