MLB Single Season Home Run Record: A Historical Retrospective

mlb single season home run record

Introduction

Greetings, readers! Today, we embark on an exciting journey into the hallowed halls of baseball history, where we’ll uncover the thrilling tale of the MLB single season home run record. This record, a testament to raw power and exceptional skill, has captivated fans for decades, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Join us as we delve into the legendary sluggers who shattered expectations and etched their names forever into baseball’s illustrious tapestry.

The Dawn of the Home Run Era

In the early days of baseball, the home run was a rare and awe-inspiring feat. However, as the game evolved and players grew stronger, the frequency of long balls increased. In 1903, Sam Crawford of the Detroit Tigers became the first player to hit over 10 home runs in a single season. This marked the dawn of a new era, where power hitters would dominate the sport.

Ruth’s Record-Breaking Season

The name Babe Ruth is synonymous with home runs. In 1919, as a pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, Ruth hit 29 home runs, a record that would stand for three years. However, it was in 1927, when Ruth joined the New York Yankees, that he would forever cement his place in history. That season, Ruth launched an astounding 60 home runs, shattering the previous record by a staggering 16. This record would stand for 34 years, until it was finally surpassed by Roger Maris in 1961.

The Battle of the Bash Brothers

The late 1980s and early 1990s witnessed an unprecedented surge in home run hitting. Players like Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa engaged in an epic battle, breaking Ruth’s record multiple times. In 1998, McGwire hit 70 home runs, only to be surpassed by Sosa’s 66 the following season. These two powerhouses pushed each other to the limits, creating an unforgettable chapter in baseball history.

The Steroid Era Controversy

Unfortunately, the surge in home run hitting during the late 1990s and early 2000s was marred by allegations of steroid use. Players like Barry Bonds, who hit a record 73 home runs in 2001, were accused of using performance-enhancing drugs to boost their power. This controversy cast a shadow over the home run race, and the legitimacy of some records came into question.

The New Era of Home Run Hitting

In recent years, MLB has taken a strong stance against steroid use. As a result, home run numbers have declined slightly. However, some players have continued to excel at hitting long balls. In 2017, Giancarlo Stanton hit 59 home runs for the Miami Marlins, the highest total since Sosa’s record-breaking season in 1998.

MLB Single Season Home Run Record Holders

The following table lists the players who hold the MLB single season home run record:

Player Season Home Runs
Babe Ruth 1927 60
Roger Maris 1961 61
Mark McGwire 1998 70
Sammy Sosa 1999 66
Barry Bonds 2001 73

Conclusion

The MLB single season home run record is a testament to the incredible power and skill of some of the greatest hitters to ever play the game. From Babe Ruth’s towering shots to Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa’s epic battle, the record has been broken and re-broken, leaving fans in awe each time.

As we conclude this article, we invite you to check out our other articles on the greatest home run hitters of all time, the evolution of home run hitting techniques, and the impact of steroids on the game. Continue exploring our website for more fascinating insights into the world of baseball.

FAQ about MLB Single Season Home Run Record

Who holds the single-season home run record in MLB?

Aaron Judge holds the current MLB single-season home run record with 62, set in 2022.

What was the previous MLB single-season home run record?

Barry Bonds held the previous record of 73 home runs, set in 2001.

How many players have hit 60 or more home runs in a season?

Only 8 players in MLB history have hit 60 or more home runs in a season.

How close was Judge to breaking the all-time record of 73 home runs?

Judge finished the season 11 home runs short of breaking Barry Bonds’ all-time record of 73.

When was the last time the MLB single-season home run record was broken?

Judge broke the record on October 4, 2022, against the Texas Rangers.

Who was the first player to hit 60 home runs in a season?

Babe Ruth was the first player to hit 60 home runs in a season, doing so in 1927.

Which team does Aaron Judge play for?

Aaron Judge plays for the New York Yankees.

What is Judge’s career high in home runs?

Judge’s career high in home runs is 62, set in 2022.

How many games did it take Judge to hit 62 home runs?

It took Judge 161 games to hit 62 home runs in 2022.

Was Judge’s 62nd home run a walk-off?

No, Judge’s 62nd home run was not a walk-off.

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