MLB Batters in the 500-500 Club: 500 Career Home Runs and One Measured at Least 500 Feet

Baseball statistics have always held a special place in the hearts of fans and baseball historians. However, there's a unique and exclusive club within the Major League Baseball (MLB) realm that comprises players who have accomplished both the feat of hitting 500 career home runs and at least one home run that traveled over 500 feet. As of August 2023, the following players have made it into this elite 500-500 Club:

Notable Members

Babe Ruth: With a 714 career home runs, this legendary player has several home runs that have been measured over 500 feet. Jim Thome: The 612 career home runs of Jim Thome include a particularly notable shot that traveled 511 feet. Mark McGwire: Mark McGwire has a 583 career home runs and several home runs that have surpassed the 500-foot mark. Sammy Sosa: Known for his 609 career home runs, Sammy Sosa has a few measured over 500 feet. Adam Dunn: Adam Dunn has 462 career home runs, though he is often discussed in long-distance home run conversations due to his several home runs over 500 feet. David Ortiz: With 541 career home runs, David Ortiz earned a reputation for hitting home runs that traveled great distances during his career.

Hitting 500: A Rare Accomplishment

While Adam Dunn falls short of the 500 home run total, he is still often included in discussions of long-distance home runs. The primary focus on this club is those who have achieved both significant milestones: a career of 500 home runs and at least one home run that has traveled over 500 feet. Beyond these players, there are a few debates and discussions surrounding other historical figures due to alleged incredible feats.

The Debate: Ruth, Mantle, and Foxx

Two members, Babe Ruth and Mickey Mantle, are part of this discussion with a caveat. According to experts, some of their long-distance home runs are now regarded as impossible. For example, Mantle’s 545-foot home run in the old Washington Senators stadium was a great PR story. However, current measurement techniques and statistical recording suggest these distances may not have been accurately measured. Similarly, Jimmie Foxx, known for his distinctive crushing sound, is often mentioned. If these three did not manage to hit a 500-foot home run, it’s argued that no pre-steroid era player ever did either. These debates are fascinating, especially for baseball enthusiasts who grew up in the 1950s, but modern standards for measurement cast a shadow on some of the records.

Josh Gibson and Negro Leagues

Another historical figure, Josh Gibson, would likely be a member of the 500-500 Club if he had played in the MLB. He is known for his incredible hitting ability and is credited with hitting the two longest home runs in baseball history. However, Josh Gibson played in the Negro Leagues, where the statistical records were not as comprehensive. Given that the post-2014 distance measurements might not fully capture all the long-distance shots in earlier eras, there is a possibility that some players in the 500-500 Club might have had a 500-foot home run that went unrecorded.

Conclusion

While the 500-500 Club is an exclusive group, it also serves as a testament to the incredible talent and power of these baseball legends. From Babe Ruth to modern stars like Jim Thome, the list of players who have achieved both 500 career home runs and a single home run over 500 feet is a celebrated collection. For baseball fans, these players represent a time when the sport was filled with incredible moments that still capture our imaginations.