Who Has the Most Home Runs in History? A Comprehensive Look at the Greats of Baseball

Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the United States, and one of the most iconic aspects of the game is the home run. A home run is when a batter hits the ball over the outfield fence, and it is one of the most exciting plays in the game. But who has the most home runs in history? This is a question that has been debated by baseball fans for decades, and it is a title that has been held by several great players over the years. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the greats of baseball and their home run totals, and we will answer the question of who has the most home runs in history.

The Top Contenders for Most Home Runs in History

Hank Aaron

• 755 Career Home Runs
  Hank Aaron holds the record for most career home runs in Major League Baseball, with an impressive total of 755.
• Broke Babe Ruth’s Record
  Aaron broke the previous record held by Babe Ruth, who had 714 career home runs, in 1974.
• Played for Three Teams
  Aaron played for three different teams throughout his career: the Milwaukee Braves, Atlanta Braves, and Milwaukee Brewers.

Hammerin’ Hank’s Rise to the Top

Hank Aaron began his baseball career in 1954 with the Milwaukee Braves, and quickly made a name for himself as a power hitter. In his rookie season, he hit 12 home runs and batted .280. Over the next several years, Aaron continued to improve his batting average and increase his home run total, establishing himself as one of the top players in the league.

Breaking Babe Ruth’s Record

In 1974, at the age of 39, Hank Aaron hit his 715th career home run, breaking Babe Ruth’s long-standing record. The achievement was widely celebrated, but also faced controversy and backlash from some who objected to Aaron’s race and background. Despite this, Aaron continued to play at a high level for several more years, cementing his place as one of the greatest players in baseball history.

Legacy and Impact on the Game

Hank Aaron’s accomplishments on the field are widely recognized and celebrated. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982, and his number 44 was retired by the Atlanta Braves. Aaron’s impact on the game goes beyond his statistical achievements, as he was known for his grace, sportsmanship, and commitment to civil rights. He remains an inspiration to generations of baseball players and fans alike.

Barry Bonds

Barry Bonds is a former professional baseball player who holds the record for most home runs in a single season with 73 home runs in 2001. He also has the second-highest total of career home runs, with 762, behind only Hank Aaron. Bonds played for three teams throughout his career: the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, and Houston Astros. He was known for his incredible power at the plate and his ability to hit the ball a long way. Bonds was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012.

Babe Ruth

Babe Ruth, also known as “The Sultan of Swat,” is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time. He holds the record for most career home runs with 714, which is a testament to his remarkable power and skill at the plate.

• Born in 1895 in Baltimore, Maryland
• Started his professional baseball career in 1914 with the Boston Red Sox
• Won three World Series championships with the Red Sox before being traded to the New York Yankees in 1920
• Led the Yankees to seven World Series championships and established himself as a baseball legend
• Retired in 1935 with a career batting average of .341 and 2,873 hits
• Inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936

During his career, Ruth set numerous records and established new standards for hitting and power. He hit more home runs in a single season than any player before or since, with a career-high 60 home runs in 1927. Ruth’s ability to hit for both power and average made him a feared opponent at the plate, and his influence on the game of baseball is still felt today.

In addition to his impressive statistical accomplishments, Ruth was also known for his larger-than-life personality and charismatic presence on and off the field. He was a master showman who delighted fans with his clutch performances and legendary antics, such as waving home runs out of the park and engaging in good-natured banter with opponents.

Despite his reputation as a dominant slugger, Ruth was also a skilled defensive player who played all positions during his career. He was a five-time All-Star and won 12 consecutive All-Star Game MVP awards, a testament to his all-around talent and athleticism.

Overall, Babe Ruth’s contributions to the game of baseball are immeasurable. He redefined the role of the hitter and set a new standard for power and excellence at the plate. His legacy continues to inspire and captivate baseball fans around the world, making him one of the greatest players of all time.

Willie Mays

Willie Mays, one of the most celebrated players in baseball history, ranks high among the all-time home run leaders. Throughout his storied career, Mays amassed an impressive 660 career home runs, making him a force to be reckoned with at the plate.

Played for the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees

Mays played for three iconic baseball teams during his career: the New York Mets, San Francisco Giants, and New York Yankees. Each team benefited from his incredible talent and leadership, which helped shape the sport and cement his legacy as a baseball great.

Known for his impressive defense and hitting abilities

Mays was not only a power hitter but also an exceptional defender. His skills on the field were unmatched, with an ability to make incredible catches and throws that left fans and opponents alike in awe. He was a five-time Gold Glove Award winner and was inducted into the Major League Baseball All-Century Team as a center fielder.

Furthermore, Mays was known for his hitting prowess, which included a .302 career batting average and a .557 slugging percentage. He was a 24-time All-Star and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility.

In summary, Willie Mays’s impressive career statistics, coupled with his remarkable defense and hitting abilities, make him a top contender for the title of player with the most home runs in baseball history.

Sammy Sosa

Sammy Sosa was a dominant force in Major League Baseball during his career, which spanned from 1989 to 2007. He played for three different teams, including the Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, and Texas Rangers. Sosa is known for his prolific home run-hitting during the 1990s and early 2000s, which made him one of the most feared sluggers in the game.

Sosa finished his career with an impressive 609 career home runs, which ranks him among the all-time leaders in this category. His career average of 34.6 home runs per season is the ninth-highest mark in MLB history, and he finished in the top 10 in home runs for 10 different seasons.

Sosa’s best season came in 1998, when he hit an astonishing 66 home runs for the Chicago Cubs. This total tied him with Mark McGwire for the most home runs in a single season in MLB history, and it helped propel the Cubs to their first playoff appearance in years. Sosa’s home run total that year was the highest since Roger Maris hit 61 home runs in 1961, and it marked the beginning of a new era of power hitting in the majors.

In addition to his impressive home run totals, Sosa was also a four-time All-Star and won two Silver Slugger Awards. He was inducted into the Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame in 2007, and his number 21 was retired by the team in 2009.

Ken Griffey Jr.

Ken Griffey Jr. is one of the most revered baseball players of all time. Over the course of his storied career, he amassed an impressive 630 career home runs, cementing his place among the game’s greatest power hitters.

A true five-tool player, Griffey Jr. played for three different teams throughout his career: the Seattle Mariners, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago White Sox. With each team, he demonstrated his incredible skill and athleticism, making him a fan favorite wherever he went.

In addition to his impressive power hitting, Griffey Jr. was also known for his exceptional defense. He won ten Gold Glove Awards throughout his career, making him one of the greatest defensive outfielders in baseball history.

Griffey Jr. was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2016, solidifying his legacy as one of the all-time greats. His impact on the game of baseball is still felt today, and he continues to inspire young players around the world with his talent, dedication, and passion for the sport.

The Impact of Steroids on Home Run Records

The Steroid Era in Baseball

During the late 1980s to early 2000s, the use of performance-enhancing drugs, particularly anabolic steroids, became widespread among several players in Major League Baseball (MLB). This period, now commonly referred to as the “Steroid Era,” had a significant impact on the game, leading to an unprecedented increase in home run production.

Several factors contributed to the widespread use of steroids in baseball during this time. For one, the pressure to perform at an elite level was immense, with players facing intense scrutiny and criticism if they failed to meet expectations. Additionally, the rise of sports science and the belief that these substances could enhance athletic performance without detection led many players to turn to steroids as a means of gaining an edge over their competitors.

The effects of steroid use on the human body are well-documented, and in the case of baseball players, the consequences were evident in their improved strength, endurance, and overall athleticism. As a result, players who had previously struggled to hit 20 or more home runs in a season now found themselves launching balls over the fence with ease, leading to a dramatic increase in home run production across the league.

However, the use of steroids also had far-reaching implications for the game. The increased power output from players led to a shift in the strategies employed by teams, with many opting to focus on home run production at the expense of other aspects of the game, such as fielding and base running. Furthermore, the widespread use of steroids raised questions about the integrity of the game, as it became clear that some players were gaining an unfair advantage over their competitors.

Despite efforts to crack down on the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball, the legacy of the Steroid Era continues to be felt in the game today. While some players have been able to overcome the stigma associated with steroid use and cement their place in history as all-time greats, others have seen their accomplishments tarnished by allegations of drug use.

The Effect on Home Run Records

• Revised Home Run Records:
  • The single-season record for home runs was set by Barry Bonds in 2001 with 73 home runs.
  • The career home run record was set by Hank Aaron with 755 home runs, but Barry Bonds is in second place with 762 home runs.
  • The single-game record for home runs was set by Roger Maris with six home runs in one game on October 9, 1961.
• Inclusion of Steroid-Era Players in All-Time Home Run Leaders:
  • Debate over whether steroid-era players should be included in discussions of all-time home run leaders.
  • Some argue that the use of performance-enhancing drugs gave players an unfair advantage and skewed the statistics.
  • Others argue that the use of these drugs was widespread during that era and that it would be unfair to exclude players who were using them.
• The Mitchell Report and Subsequent Testing Policies:
  • The Mitchell Report, released in 2007, named several players who had allegedly used performance-enhancing drugs.
  • Subsequent testing policies have been implemented to try to curb the use of these drugs in baseball.
  • However, it is difficult to determine the exact impact of these policies on home run records.
• Admissions of Steroid Use:
  • Some players have admitted to using steroids, including Barry Bonds and Alex Rodriguez.
  • Others have denied using these drugs, such as Sammy Sosa.
  • The admission of steroid use by some players has further fueled the debate over the inclusion of steroid-era players in discussions of all-time home run leaders.

Home Run Records and Races

The Race for Most Home Runs in a Season

Barry Bonds holds the record for the most home runs in a single season with 73 in 2001. This feat is all the more impressive when considering that the previous record of 61 home runs was set by Roger Maris in 1961.

Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire tied for second place with 66 home runs in 1998. This season saw a dramatic increase in home runs across the league, with many players setting personal bests. Sosa and McGwire’s accomplishments were seen as a reflection of the changing nature of the game, with a focus on power hitting and a new generation of sluggers emerging.

Hank Aaron held the record for most home runs in a season by a right-handed hitter with 57 in 1959. Aaron’s season was a testament to his consistency and longevity, as he played for 23 seasons and amassed over 3,000 hits in his career. His 57 home runs in 1959 helped cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in baseball history.

The Race for Most Home Runs in a Career

Hank Aaron, an American professional baseball player, broke Babe Ruth’s record of 714 home runs in 1974. Aaron played for the Milwaukee Braves, Atlanta Braves, and Milwaukee Brewers during his 23-year career in Major League Baseball (MLB). He was known for his consistency and durability, playing in at least 150 games for 18 consecutive seasons. Aaron finished his career with 755 home runs, which stood as the record for over 30 years.

Barry Bonds, a former American professional baseball player, surpassed Aaron’s record in 2007. Bonds played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, and Los Angeles Dodgers throughout his 22-year career in MLB. He was considered one of the greatest hitters of all time, known for his incredible power and skill at the plate. Bonds finished his career with 762 home runs, which still stands as the record today.

Willie Mays, an American professional baseball player, is currently in third place on the all-time home run list with 660 home runs. Mays played for the New York Giants, San Francisco Giants, and New York Mets during his 24-year career in MLB. He was known for his incredible athleticism and defensive skills, as well as his powerful hitting. Mays was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979.

Sammy Sosa, a former American professional baseball player, is currently in fourth place on the all-time home run list with 609 home runs. Sosa played for the Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, and Texas Rangers before spending the majority of his career with the Chicago Cubs. He was known for his incredible power at the plate and his ability to hit home runs in bunches. Sosa was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013.

Home Run Records by Team

The New York Yankees

• Most World Series championships (27)
  • The New York Yankees have won the World Series a record 27 times, a testament to their sustained success and dominance in baseball history. Their first championship came in 1923 and their most recent in 2009.
• Most home runs as a team in a season (317 in 1961)
  • In 1961, the Yankees hit a staggering 317 home runs as a team, a total that still stands as the major league record for most home runs in a single season. The power surge was led by Roger Maris, who hit a then-record 61 home runs that year, breaking Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record of 60.
• Most home runs by a single player in a season (61 by Roger Maris in 1961)
  • Roger Maris’s 61 home runs in 1961 not only broke Babe Ruth’s single-season home run record but also established a new standard for excellence in the sport. Maris’s achievement came during a time when the baseball was allegedly juiced, leading some to question the legitimacy of his record-breaking performance. Nonetheless, Maris’s feat remains one of the most impressive in baseball history and a testament to his incredible talent as a hitter.

The St. Louis Cardinals

• 11 World Series championships
  • The St. Louis Cardinals have a storied history in Major League Baseball, having won 11 World Series championships throughout their franchise’s existence. Their first championship came in 1926, and they went on to win again in 1934, 1942, 1944, 1946, 1964, 1967, 1982, and 2006, 2011, 2013, 2019.
• Most home runs by a single player in a season (49 by Mark McGwire in 1998)
  • Mark McGwire, a former first baseman for the St. Louis Cardinals, holds the record for the most home runs by a single player in a season. In 1998, he hit a total of 49 home runs, breaking the previous record of 47 held by Roger Maris.
• 13 players with 30 or more home runs in a season for the Cardinals
  • The St. Louis Cardinals have had a total of 13 players hit 30 or more home runs in a single season. Some of the most notable players to achieve this feat include Stan Musial, who hit 30 or more home runs in a season six times, and Albert Pujols, who hit 30 or more home runs in a season ten times during his time with the Cardinals. Other players who have achieved this milestone include Enos Slaughter, Ken Boyer, Bill Terry, and Chuck Klein.

The Boston Red Sox

• Four World Series championships since 2004
  • In 2004, the Boston Red Sox ended an 86-year championship drought with a thrilling victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. The team went on to win the championship again in 2007, 2013, and 2018, solidifying their status as one of the most successful franchises in baseball history.
• Most home runs by a single player in a season (54 by David Ortiz in 2006)
  • David Ortiz, a beloved figure in Boston, set the single-season home run record for the Red Sox in 2006 with 54 home runs. He also holds the franchise record for career home runs with 483, cementing his place as one of the greatest hitters in team history.
• Most home runs by a single player in postseason play (23 by David Ortiz)
  • Ortiz’s clutch performances in the postseason earned him the nickname “Big Papi.” He hit a record 23 home runs in postseason play for the Red Sox, including a dramatic walk-off home run in the 2004 ALCS against the Yankees that propelled the team to the World Series.

Famous Home Run Moments

Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot” in the 1932 World Series

Background Information

• Babe Ruth was a legendary baseball player who played for the New York Yankees during the 1920s and 1930s.
• He was known for his powerful swing and ability to hit home runs, and is considered one of the greatest baseball players of all time.
• The 1932 World Series was a best-of-seven championship series between the New York Yankees and the Chicago Cubs.

The “Called Shot” Incident

• In the fifth inning of Game 3 of the 1932 World Series, Babe Ruth allegedly pointed to the outfield before hitting a home run.
• This incident has been referred to as “The Called Shot,” and is one of the most famous moments in baseball history.
• The validity of the story has been debated, with some claiming that Ruth was simply wiping his eyes before the at-bat.

Controversy Surrounding the Incident

• The incident has been the subject of much controversy, with some claiming that Ruth did not actually point to the outfield before hitting the home run.
• Some also argue that the umpire, Charley Moran, did not call the shot, as he claimed in a later interview.
• Despite the controversy, the incident has been immortalized in baseball lore and remains one of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history.

Bobby Thompson’s “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” in 1951

Bobby Thompson’s “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” is one of the most famous home runs in baseball history. It was hit in the bottom of the ninth inning during a playoff game between the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers on October 3, 1951. The Giants were trailing by one run with two outs and no one on base when Thompson came to the plate.

Thompson hit a walk-off home run, which is a home run that wins the game for the team that hits it. The ball sailed over the left field wall, and the Giants won the game by a score of 5-4. This moment marked the end of an era for the Giants, who would later move to San Francisco, and the beginning of a new era for the team.

The “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” is still considered one of the greatest moments in baseball history. It was a dramatic moment that captured the hearts of baseball fans everywhere. The home run was so significant that it was even immortalized in a famous song by Terry Cashman, which is still played at Giants games today.

Overall, Bobby Thompson’s “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” is a moment that will always be remembered in baseball history. It is a testament to the power of sports to bring people together and create unforgettable moments.

Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa’s Home Run Chase in 1998

Background

In 1998, two of the most prolific home run hitters in Major League Baseball (MLB), Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, were locked in a heated race to break the single-season home run record of 61, set by Roger Maris in 1961.

The Chase

Throughout the season, McGwire and Sosa were neck-and-neck, each consistently hitting multiple home runs per week. As the summer progressed, their pursuit of the record became a national obsession, captivating fans and media alike.

The Record-Breaking Moments

On September 8, 1998, McGwire hit his 62nd home run of the season, breaking Maris’s record at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Sosa, who was sitting in the dugout at the time, stood up and applauded McGwire as he rounded the bases.

Sosa would go on to surpass McGwire’s record just a few days later, hitting his 66th home run of the season on September 14, 1998, at Wrigley Field in Chicago. McGwire finished the season with 70 home runs, while Sosa had 66.

The Impact

The home run chase sparked a renewed interest in baseball, drawing in new fans and reinvigorating the sport’s popularity. It also led to increased scrutiny and debate around the use of performance-enhancing drugs in baseball, which both McGwire and Sosa would later admit to using.

Overall, the home run chase of 1998 remains one of the most memorable moments in baseball history, and its impact is still felt today.

FAQs

1. Who has the most home runs in history?

Answer:

The player with the most home runs in baseball history is Hank Aaron. He hit a total of 755 home runs during his career, which spanned from 1954 to 1976. Aaron played for the Milwaukee Braves, Atlanta Braves, and Milwaukee Brewers. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.

2. Who is second on the list of players with the most home runs in history?

The player with the second most home runs in baseball history is Barry Bonds. He hit a total of 762 home runs during his career, which spanned from 1986 to 2007. Bonds played for the Pittsburgh Pirates, San Francisco Giants, and the New York Mets. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2013.

3. Who is third on the list of players with the most home runs in history?

The player with the third most home runs in baseball history is Willie Mays. He hit a total of 660 home runs during his career, which spanned from 1951 to 1973. Mays played for the New York Giants, San Francisco Giants, and the New York Mets. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979.

4. Who is fourth on the list of players with the most home runs in history?

The player with the fourth most home runs in baseball history is Babe Ruth. He hit a total of 714 home runs during his career, which spanned from 1914 to 1935. Ruth played for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and the Boston Braves. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1936.

5. Who is fifth on the list of players with the most home runs in history?

The player with the fifth most home runs in baseball history is Henry Aaron. He hit a total of 755 home runs during his career, which spanned from 1954 to 1976. Aaron played for the Milwaukee Braves, Atlanta Braves, and Milwaukee Brewers. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1982.

Watch the top 10 iconic home runs in baseball history