The Most Home Runs in a Game: A Comprehensive Look at Baseball’s Home Run Records
Hey Readers!
Welcome to the ultimate guide to the home run, one of baseball’s most exciting and iconic feats. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the record books to uncover the players, teams, and games that have produced the most home runs in a single game. Get ready to be amazed by the power and skill of these remarkable achievements.
The Single-Game Home Run Record
Babe Ruth’s Legendary Performance
The legend of Babe Ruth is intertwined with the single-game home run record. On June 13, 1918, “The Bambino” stepped up to the plate against the Chicago Cubs and launched three towering homers. This remarkable feat set the standard that would stand for nearly a century.
The Modern Era: Maris and Mantle Chase History
In the 1960s, the pursuit of Ruth’s record reached fever pitch. Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle chased the home run crown with relentless determination. In 1961, Maris broke Ruth’s record with 61 homers, a record that stood for 37 years. Mantle came close in 1961 with 54 homers, solidifying the era as a golden age for home run hitting.
Team Home Run Records
The Blue Jays’ Historic Outburst
In 1987, the Toronto Blue Jays made history by becoming the first team to hit four home runs in an inning. On July 22 against the Baltimore Orioles, Ernie Whitt, Garth Iorg, Dave Stieb, and George Bell all went deep in a single inning, setting a record that has yet to be matched.
The Rockies Soar at Coors Field
Coors Field, known for its high altitude and hitter-friendly environment, has seen its fair share of home run records. In 1996, Larry Walker hit three homers against the Cincinnati Reds, becoming the first player to accomplish the feat in the park’s first year of operation.
Most Home Runs by Inning
The First Inning: A Power Surge
The first inning of a game often sets the tone for what’s to come. In 2015, the Milwaukee Brewers became the first team to hit three home runs in the top of the first inning. Jonathan Villar, Aaron Hill, and Rickie Weeks all went yard against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Fourth Inning: A Record-Setting Inning
The most home runs hit in a single inning is four, and it has happened twice. In 1995, the Cleveland Indians clobbered four homers against the Seattle Mariners in the bottom of the fourth inning. The 2023 Minnesota Twins matched the feat against the Los Angeles Angels.
Most Home Runs in a Game Table
| Player | Team | Date | Home Runs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shawn Green | Toronto Blue Jays | August 2, 2002 | 4 |
| Sammy Sosa | Chicago Cubs | June 2, 1998 | 4 |
| Fernando Tatis Jr. | San Diego Padres | August 22, 2019 | 4 |
| Mike Schmidt | Philadelphia Phillies | April 17, 1976 | 4 |
| Eddie Murray | Baltimore Orioles | August 3, 1986 | 4 |
The Most Home Runs in a Game: A Legacy of Power
The most home runs in a game is a testament to the incredible power and skill of baseball players. From Babe Ruth’s legendary performance to the modern-day feats of Shawn Green and Fernando Tatis Jr., these records continue to inspire and amaze fans.
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We hope you enjoyed this comprehensive guide to the most home runs in a game. Check out our other articles for more insights into baseball’s most exciting and memorable moments.
FAQ about Most Home Runs in a Game
Who holds the record for the most home runs in a single MLB game?
- Sammy Sosa, 6 home runs (1998)
Who is the youngest player to hit 4 home runs in a game?
- Bryce Harper, 23 years old (2015)
What is the record for most home runs in a game by a pitcher?
- One home run by several pitchers, including Wes Ferrell (1931) and Mike Hampton (2001)
How many times has a player hit 5 home runs in a game?
- Twice: by Carlos Delgado (2003) and J.D. Martinez (2017)
Has a player ever hit 7 home runs in a game?
- No, the record is 6 home runs by Sosa.
How many times has a team hit 8 home runs in a game?
- Four times: by the Chicago Cubs (2019), Texas Rangers (2005), Toronto Blue Jays (2010), and Boston Red Sox (2015)
Has a team ever hit more than 8 home runs in a game?
- No, 8 home runs is the record.
What is the record for the most home runs in a single inning?
- 4 home runs, by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 7th inning against the Baltimore Orioles in 2010
What is the record for the most home runs in a single game by both teams combined?
- 14 home runs, by the Dodgers and Padres (2022)
Has anyone hit a home run in every inning of a game?
- Yes, Shawn Green of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2002