Baseball has always been a game of legends and the most legendary of all feats is hitting 700 home runs. While the feat was once considered nearly impossible to achieve, it has become much more common in recent years. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the elite sluggers who have reached this milestone and are part of the 700 Home Run Club.
The Founding Fathers of the 700 Home Run Club
When it comes to the 700 Home Run Club, the original members are considered to be the founding fathers. These players were the first to achieve the milestone and are the most legendary of all the members. They are Hank Aaron, Babe Ruth, Willie Mays, and Alex Rodriguez.
Hank Aaron
Hank Aaron is arguably the most famous member of the 700 Home Run Club. He is the all-time leader in home runs with 755 and is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in baseball history. Aaron played for the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers and was known for his consistent power and longevity. He spent 23 seasons in the majors and was a 14-time All-Star and a three-time MVP. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1982.
Babe Ruth
Babe Ruth is arguably the most iconic player in baseball history and is widely considered to be the greatest slugger of all time. He is second on the all-time home run list with 714 homers and was known for his combination of power and charismatic personality. Ruth was a member of the New York Yankees and Boston Braves and was a 12-time All-Star and two-time MVP. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1936.
Willie Mays
Willie Mays is the third member of the 700 Home Run Club and is one of the most beloved players in baseball history. He is fourth on the all-time home run list with 660 homers and was known for his combination of power, speed, and defense. Mays played for the New York/San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets and was a 24-time All-Star and two-time MVP. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1979.
Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez is the fourth and most recent member of the 700 Home Run Club. He is third on the all-time home run list with 696 homers and was known for his combination of power and speed. Rodriguez played for the Seattle Mariners, Texas Rangers, and New York Yankees and was a 14-time All-Star and three-time MVP. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021.
The Recent Additions to the 700 Home Run Club
In recent years, several more players have achieved the feat of 700 home runs and have joined the 700 Home Run Club. These players are Albert Pujols, Jim Thome, and Manny Ramirez.
Albert Pujols
Albert Pujols is the fifth member of the 700 Home Run Club and is one of the greatest players of his generation. He is sixth on the all-time home run list with 662 homers and was known for his combination of power, contact, and plate discipline. Pujols played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Angels and was a 10-time All-Star and two-time MVP. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021.
Jim Thome
Jim Thome is the sixth member of the 700 Home Run Club and is one of the most underrated power hitters of all time. He is eighth on the all-time home run list with 612 homers and was known for his combination of power and plate discipline. Thome played for the Cleveland Indians, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, and Baltimore Orioles and was a five-time All-Star. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.
Manny Ramirez
Manny Ramirez is the seventh and most recent member of the 700 Home Run Club. He is seventh on the all-time home run list with 609 homers and was known for his combination of power and plate discipline. Ramirez played for the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago White Sox, and Tampa Bay Rays and was a 12-time All-Star. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021.
Conclusion
The 700 Home Run Club is an elite group of sluggers who have achieved one of the most difficult feats in baseball history. These players are the most legendary hitters in the game and are revered for their accomplishments. As more players continue to join the club, the feat of 700 home runs will continue to become more common.