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By the way...
Bonds officially in Home Run Derby
Slugger confirms his participation in annual contest
By Rich Draper / MLB.com
Barry Bonds won the Home Run Derby in 1996 in Philadelphia. (Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP)
SAN FRANCISCO -- Giants slugger Barry Bonds confirmed on Thursday that he will compete in the Century 21 Home Run Derby at the 75th All-Star Game next Monday at Minute Maid Park in Houston.
He had been hesitant to reveal his plans for the much-anticipated slugging contest, which will feature fellow members of the 500 home run club Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs and Ken Griffey Jr. of Cincinnati, along with 2002 Derby winner Jason Giambi.
"I'm competing in the homer-hitting contest," said Bonds prior to taking batting practice on Thursday night. The 39-year-old veteran will be making his 13th appearance at the Midsummer Classic.
The Home Run Derby will be a special one this time, featuring a fabled cast of other 500 club members on hand. Attendees will include Hank Aaron, Frank Robinson, Ernie Banks, Harmon Killebrew, Mike Schmidt, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey and Reggie Jackson.
Mays has become almost a surrogate father and batting coach for Bonds following the death of Barry's father, former Giants All-Star Bobby Bonds, last August. Mays (660), McCovey (521) and Bonds make San Francisco the only franchise with three players having more than 500 career homers.
Bonds won the event in 1996 at Veteran's Stadium in Philadelphia
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