Home runs symbolize power, precision, and the potential for a game-changing moment. Witnessing a home run is one of the most thrilling experiences in baseball, alongside no-hitters, triple plays, and grand slam home runs.
In this post, we’ll share 12 iconic moments in baseball history, where a home run took center stage. These are moments to be relived. Baseball is not only a great sport to play, but to watch.
If you are new to the game of baseball, then you might enjoy our articles on learning how to play this fascinating game. Our blog also features articles on how to skip core score in baseball, so make sure you sample those along the way. If you’re a longtime fan of baseball, then these moments will be instantly recognizable to you. That’s okay, you can again savor these precious moments. We know that your opinions may differ as far as top home run moments, but this is our own personal list based on our own tastes. Here are the 12 that we chose:
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1. Rafael Belliard Hits First Home Run in Ten Years (Sept. 26, 1997)
Rafael Belliard‘s career in Major League Baseball was characterized by exceptional defensive skills, particularly as a slick-fielding shortstop. Born in the Dominican Republic, Belliard made his MLB debut with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1982. Over his 17-season career, he played for various teams, including the Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers. While not known for his offensive contributions, Belliard’s defensive prowess, agility, and strong arm made him a valuable asset on the field. His reliable glove work earned him a reputation as one of the premier defensive shortstops of his time. That September night, Belliard hit his first home run in 10 years. I found it quite hysterical how he joyously rounds the bases with his hands up, to the roar of his teammates congratulating him on his feat. Watch it here.
2. Andy Pettitte’s First Home Run (Aug. 11, 2006)
As a member of the Houston Astros, Andy Pettitte, renowned for his pitching prowess, unexpectedly made history by hitting his first and only home run. This memorable moment occurred during interleague play against the San Diego Padres, with Chan Ho Park on the mound. Watch it here.
3. Dwight Gooden Hits His First Home Run! (Sept. 22, 1985)
On that thrilling day,Dwight Gooden showcased his prowess both on the pitcher’s mound and at the plate for the New York Mets. Gooden, with a record of 22-4, not only pitched a 4-hitter with one unearned run in eight innings but also went three for four at bat, including a remarkable three-run home run. His performance contributed significantly to the Mets’ 12-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. I’d once seen “Doc” Gooden hit a home run on TV, though I don’t remember the date–perhaps in 1988–and it was the most exciting blasts I’ve witnessed. Other Mets pitchers known for having hit home runs while members of the team were Ron Darling, Rick Aguilera, and Sid Fernandez. All three along with gooden, were considered relatively good hitters. Watch it here.
4. Glenallen Hill’s Home Run Hits the Top of Roof (May 11, 2000)
Glenallen Hill‘s legendary home run onto a Wrigleyville rooftop, which happened 24 years ago, remains an iconic moment for the Chicago Cubs. This unforgettable moment continues to be cherished by Cubs fans, contributing to the team’s rich history. Watch it here.
5. Sosa’s 66th and Final Home Run of 1998 Season (Sept. 13, 1998)
The 1998 baseball season was a thrilling one for us fans. We got to watch home run records being broken in that year, the Cubs were in contention, best thing the San Francisco Giants in a one-game wild card affair that gave Chicago wins hope that perhaps that was a year they would finally win it all. Mark McGwire would emerge as the home run king, though Sammy Sosa was not far behind. A 66th and final home run of the Season occurred in front of a packed crowd at Wrigley Field. A beautiful cherry on the cake to an incredible season. Watch it here.
6. Mark McGwire Breaks Roger Maris’s Record With 62nd Home Run (Sept. 8, 1998)
Mark McGwire‘s historic day breaking Roger Maris’s single-season home run record took place at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. Facing the Chicago Cubs, McGwire accomplished this remarkable feat in the first inning. The iconic 62nd home run, surpassing Maris’s record of 61, solidified McGwire’s place in baseball history. The atmosphere was electric as fans celebrated this unprecedented achievement, and even opposing players acknowledged the significance of the moment. McGwire’s record-breaking home run symbolized a milestone in the sport and remains etched in the memories of us baseball fans. Watch it here.
7. Rick Camp’s Home Run Ties the Game in the 18th Inning (July 5, 1985)
I’ve mentioned this unbelievable event in my article, 10 of the Weirdest Moments in Baseball History. It’s so good, that I decided to include it twice on my blog, and another article. I hadn’t seen this game in its entirety when it was on TV. My most enduring memory is arriving home one day after a party for a cousin, and I could not believe that the Mets were still playing on TV at that hour. And Rick Camp‘s home run was just another bizarre element added to this game, which started on July 4th, and ended the next day at 3:55 a.m. Watch it here.
8. Barry Bonds Breaks Hank Aaron’s Record With Home Run #756 (Aug. 7, 2007)
The momentous event occurred at AT&T Park in San Francisco, during a game against the Washington Nationals. Barry Bonds, known for his powerful swing, sent the historic home run into the right-center field bleachers. The crowd erupted in celebration as Bonds rounded the bases, surpassing Aaron’s longstanding record and etching his name in the record books. The achievement, however, stirred debates due to Bonds’ association with the steroid era, adding a complex layer to this historic baseball moment. Watch it here.
9. 2003 NLCS Gm7: Wood Ties Game With Two-Run Home Run (Oct. 15, 2003)
In a pivotal moment during Game 7 of the 2003 NLCS, Kerry Wood delivered a clutch performance that tied the game with a two-run home run. The game took place in the iconic atmosphere of Wrigley Field. Wood, primarily known for his pitching prowess, surprised everyone with his offensive contribution, showcasing his all-around skills. The two-run blast not only leveled the score but also added an unexpected and memorable twist to the decisive game. Kerry Wood was another pitcher known for his hitting prowess. In May 2000, I was invited by a colleague to attend a game he was pitching against the Houston Astros. In that match, he hit a home run. I regret to this day not accepting my co-worker’s offer. Watch it here.
10. Kansas City Royals Shortstop Alcides Escobar Hits Inside-the-Park Home Run in First Pitch in Game One of 2015 World Series (Oct. 27, 2015)
An inside-the-park home run is among the rarest feats in Major League Baseball [RELATED: 10 of the Rarest Feats in Major League Baseball]. In Game One of the 2015 World Series, on the first pitch thrown by Mets pitcher Matt Harvey, Kansas City shortstop Alcides Escobar hit an inside-the-park home run. This was the second time that it happened in the World Series [the first by Mule Haas in Game 4 of the 1929 World Series]. Watch it here.
11. Tony Gwynn Hits an Inside-the-Park Grand Slam Home Run
An inside-the-park home run is a rare event in baseball, with an inside-the-park grand slam home run an even rarer accomplishment, occurring less frequently than a no-hitter [as of Opening Day 2024, there have been 224 inside-the-park grand slams]. In his storied career, Tony Gwynn hit two inside-the-park home runs. This is perhaps his most memorable. In the 7th inning, he hit a liner to left field. The Dodgers’s Brett Butler was unable to catch the ball. It rolled behind him to the warning track, forcing the center fielder to grab it. Gwynn beat the throw to home plate. Tony Gwynn’s inside-the-park grand slam led the Padres to a 9-7 victory. Butler, making his first left field start since 1983, regretted the aggressive attempt. Gwynn’s marathon-like run marked the first inside-the-park grand slam in the majors since 1991. Watch it here.
12. Aaron Judge Breaks Roger Maris’s American League Home Run Record (Oct. 4, 2022)
We conclude our list with another record-breaking exceptional accomplishment. On the last game of the 2022 season, at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, against the Rangers, Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge broke Roger Maris’s all-time American League home run record with his 62nd. The achievement was celebrated by teammates, fans, and even garnered congratulatory messages from celebrities, Hall of Fame ballplayers, and the nation’s President. Judge, in the race for the AL MVP award, acknowledged the support from his family and fans, expressing regret that the milestone couldn’t be achieved at home. This record-breaking moment was a remarkable achievement, and Judge reflected on the significance but kept his focus on the postseason. Watch it here.