SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 21 (UPI) -- The San Francisco Giants announced Tuesday that Barry Bonds will remain under contract through the 2006 season.
Bonds, under contract for next season, had an option for 2006 based on plate appearances. The Giants decided not to wait and guaranteed Bonds' pact for 2006, dropping their option to void the final year of his deal.
"This is what I want, to end my career in San Francisco," Bonds said Tuesday prior to a game against Houston. "It's very important for me, Willie (Mays, his godfather) and my father (Bobby, who passed away last year)."
The 2006 season is the fifth of a five-year, $90 million contract Bonds signed after hitting 73 homers in 2001.
Bonds is the third major league player to hit at least 700 home runs. He has 701 behind Hank Aaron (755) and Babe Ruth (714). He entered Tuesday's game leading the league in hitting (.372) and walks (208) and among the leaders with 43 homers and 97 RBI.
