Delgado's consistency creating a historical path.(Carlos Delgado)

Carlos Delgado developed a newfound appreciation for Barry Bonds' home run prowess after surveying the dimensions at San Francisco's SBC Park for the first time last July. After proclaiming it a most hitter-unfriendly park, Delgado deposited a pitch far into McCovey Cove.

If not by their home run frequency, Bonds and Delgado may one day be linked by their consistency.

Delgado, this year was on a pace to hit 35 homers, which would make him one of only nine players to hit 30 or more in nine consecutive seasons.

Bonds owns the record with 13 consecutive 30-homer campaigns. Of the other seven on the list, all but one are in the Hall of Fame or surefire inductees. Sammy Sosa (10) and Jim Thome (9) have active streaks, but both will likely end this season.

Delgado has a chance to join Bonds (13), Jimmie Foxx (12), and Sosa (10) as the only players with 10 or more consecutive 30-homer season totals.

"I always say you can't start thinking about numbers because they distract you from what you want to do," Delgado said.

As good as they were for as long as they were, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Frank Robinson never hit 30 homers as regularly. Mike Schmidt, Eddie Mathews and Lou Gehrig topped out at nine straight seasons. Mickey Mantle and Babe Ruth never hit 30 in more than eight straight.