The Quest for 600 Home Runs in Major League Baseball

Major League Baseball (MLB) has witnessed some of the greatest sluggers in the history of the sport chase and achieve the incredible feat of hitting 600 or more home runs in their careers. Historically, this milestone has been associated with the most dominant and prolific players in the game. Today, we will explore the current status of players who have reached or are in the process of reaching this remarkable achievement.

The 500 Home Run Club and Beyond

As of September 12, 2024, there are precisely 28 players in MLB who have amassed a total of 500 or more home runs. This group includes some of the most famous names in baseball history, such as Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, and Babe Ruth. The 500 homerun club is often viewed as the measure of a truly legendary hitter. Beyond this mark, a few players have continued to push the envelope, aiming for an even more impressive total.

Players with 600 Home Runs

The quest to hit 600 or more home runs in MLB has been achieved by just a handful of players. Notable among them are:

Barry Bonds: With 762 home runs, Bonds stands tall as the current leader in this category. Hank Aaron: Having hit 755 home runs, Aaron is the second player on the list. Babe Ruth: With 714 home runs, Ruth holds the third position. Alex Rodriguez: A formidable player with 696 home runs, Rodriguez is only three shy of joining the 600 club. Albert Pujols: Notching 703 home runs, Pujols is the fifth on our list. Sammy Sosa: Having hit 609 home runs, Sosa is one of the few players to reach the 600-mark.

The 500 Home Run Club

As per the latest data, only 28 players in MLB have hit over 500 home runs. This group includes both past and present stars:

Barry Bonds: 762 Hank Aaron: 755 Babe Ruth: 714 Alex Rodriguez: 696 Albert Pujols: 703 Willie Mays: 660 Ken Griffey Jr.: 630 Tim Thome: 612 Sammy Sosa: 609 Frank Thomas Harmon Killebrew Rafael Palmeiro Reggie Jackson Manny Ramirez Mike Schmidt Dave Ortiz Mickey Mantle Jimmie Foxx Willie McCovey Frank Robinson Mark McGwire Ernie Banks Eddie Mathews Mel Ott Gary Sheffield Miguel Cabrera: The only active player in MLB to hit over 500 home runs, achieving this on August 22, 2021. Eddie Murray Ted Williams

The Elusive 600 Home Run Club

While reaching 500 home runs is an admirable feat, hitting 600 home runs or more is exceptionally rare. The players who have achieved this milestone are considered among the most gifted hitters in baseball history. Barry Bonds currently holds the record, followed closely by Hank Aaron and Babe Ruth. However, many of these players have been subject to controversy, particularly regarding the use of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs), which has cast doubt over some of the home runs they hit.

Without the use of PEDs, the list narrows down to the giants of the game: Aaron, Ruth, Mays, Griffey, and possibly McGwire. These players, along with Bonds, are often viewed as the most credible candidates for reaching 600 home runs. Interestingly, players who have hit 600 home runs under questionable circumstances include:

Barry Bonds Hank Aaron Babe Ruth Alex Rodriguez Albert Pujols Sammy Sosa

It's worth noting that some players have home run numbers over 750 but their stats remain unverified, such as Josh Gibson and Sadaharu Oh. While Oh is not officially included, his inclusion highlights the inclusion of the Negro League and Japanese League into the conversation.

Conclusion

The quest for 600 home runs in MLB remains a distinguishing mark of sheer hitting prowess. While a select few have achieved this incredible milestone, the pursuit continues for many active players. The future of baseball holds the potential for new sluggers to join their ranks. For now, Barry Bonds, Hank Aaron, and Babe Ruth stand as the shining lights of this illustrious group of home run hitters.

References

MLB Official Home Runs Page