Baseball is one of the most beloved sports in the United States, with generations of fans cheering on their favorite teams and players. Throughout the years, some of the game’s greatest players have achieved legendary status for their incredible feats of hitting home runs. One such feat is reaching the 700 home run milestone, a benchmark that only seven players in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB) have accomplished. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these seven sluggers and the legacy they have left behind.
Babe Ruth: The Sultan of Swat
When it comes to baseball, there is no name more iconic than Babe Ruth. Ruth, who played for the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, and the Boston Braves, is widely considered one of the greatest hitters of all time. He was the first player to reach the 700 home run milestone, doing so in 1934. During his career, he hit 714 home runs, a record that stood until Hank Aaron broke it in 1974. He is also the all-time leader in slugging percentage, with a .690 mark. Ruth is remembered as a larger-than-life figure and his legacy lives on today.
Hank Aaron: Hammerin’ Hank
Hank Aaron is one of the most beloved players in baseball history. He spent the majority of his career with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and is arguably the greatest hitter in the history of the franchise. Aaron was a consistent performer and hit 755 home runs during his career, a record that stands to this day. His achievement of reaching 700 home runs in 1974 cemented his place in baseball lore and he is one of the most revered players in the game.
Willie Mays: The Say Hey Kid
Willie Mays is one of the most iconic figures in baseball history. He played 22 seasons in the Major Leagues, mostly with the New York/San Francisco Giants. During that time, he hit 660 home runs, including his 700th in 1969. He was an electrifying player who was known for his remarkable defense and base-running prowess. Mays is one of the few players to be inducted into the Hall of Fame twice, once as a player and once as a manager.
Barry Bonds: The Home Run King
Barry Bonds is one of the most controversial players in MLB history. He spent the majority of his career with the San Francisco Giants, hitting a total of 762 home runs, the most of any player in history. Bonds reached the 700 home run milestone in 2004 and is widely considered to be the greatest hitter of his generation. However, due to his involvement in the steroid scandal, his legacy is often met with mixed reactions.
Alex Rodriguez: A-Rod
Alex Rodriguez is one of the most accomplished players of the modern era. He played 22 seasons in the Major Leagues, mostly with the New York Yankees and Seattle Mariners. During his career, he hit 696 home runs, including his 700th in 2010. He is a three-time MVP and 14-time All-Star, and he holds several records, including the most home runs hit by a shortstop and the most home runs hit in a single season by a third baseman.
Ken Griffey Jr.: The Kid
Ken Griffey Jr. was one of the most beloved players of the 1990s and early 2000s. He spent the majority of his career with the Seattle Mariners, but also played for the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago White Sox. He is one of the few players to hit 600 home runs and he became the sixth member of the 700 home run club in 2008. Griffey was a 13-time All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove Award recipient, and he is widely considered to be one of the greatest players of his generation.
Albert Pujols: The Machine
Albert Pujols is one of the most feared hitters of the modern era. He has spent the majority of his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, but has also played for the Los Angeles Angels and San Diego Padres. He has hit 667 home runs in his career, including his 700th in 2017. He is a three-time MVP and 10-time All-Star, and he holds several records, such as most home runs in the first 10 seasons of a career.
Conclusion
The 700 home run milestone is one of the most prestigious achievements in baseball. Only seven players in MLB history have reached that mark, and each of them has left an indelible mark on the game. From Babe Ruth to Albert Pujols, these seven sluggers have cemented their place in baseball lore and will continue to be remembered for generations to come.