Who are the Yankees with 500+ home runs?

Yankees with 500+ home runs
Inna Zeyger
Saturday August 5, 2023

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Back on August 4, 2007, a significant moment unfolded in MLB history as Alex Rodriguez, the Yankees’ third baseman, became the youngest player to join the club of men with 500 career home runs. After an eight-game wait, Rodriguez wasted no time, driving the very first pitch he saw from Kansas City pitcher Kyle Davies deep into left field to secure his milestone homer.

The Yankees star joined an exclusive club of baseball legends as the 22nd player to accomplish the remarkable feat of hitting 500 home runs. His achievement is even more impressive as he reached this milestone at the age of 32 years and 8 days, making him the youngest player in history to do so. The previous record holder was Jimmie Foxx, who achieved this milestone at 32 years and 338 days of age.

As of now, a total of 28 MLB players have managed to hit 500 or more home runs throughout their careers. Among these distinguished players, five have had the honor of donning the pinstripes for the Yankees.

#1. Babe Ruth, 714 HRs

Babe Ruth

George Herman “Babe” Ruth, the original slugger of baseball, made his mark on the sport before the era of television, earning a legendary status within the baseball community. Often regarded as a mythical figure, “The Bambino” is considered by many to be the greatest player in the history of the sport. His astounding record of 714 home runs is just one aspect of his incredible legacy. Additionally, the Yankees’ biggest legend holds the all-time MLB records for On-Base Plus Slugging (1.164) and Wins Above Replacement (163.1), further solidifying his unparalleled greatness.

Babe Ruth, a founding member of the MLB 500 home run club, is renowned for his numerous nicknames, almost as many as the home runs he hit. The Sultan of Swat, the Behemoth of Bust, the Big Bam, and the Great Bambino are just a few of the names associated with him. His career commenced in 1914, and he was the first player to display exceptional power hitting, setting a remarkable record of 714 home runs that remained unbroken from 1935 until 1974 when it was surpassed by the second player on our list. The impact of Babe Ruth on the New York Yankees cannot be overstated, as his presence brought excitement and championships to the Big Apple, ultimately shaping the team into the powerhouse they are today.

According to MLB Stats’ Twitter account, almost a century ago, Babe Ruth had a season that remains highly esteemed as one of the finest in baseball history. In the year 1923, Babe Ruth achieved a remarkable feat, becoming the sole American League player to accomplish a season with both 40+ home runs and an on-base percentage (OBP) of .540 or higher.

#2. Alex Rodriguez, 696 HRs

Alex Rodriguez in pinstripes
NYT

Alex Rodriguez, despite being a contentious figure, stood as one of the most prolific and divisive power hitters of his time. While he surpassed Willie Mays on the all-time home run list, the Yankees star’s career is tarnished in the eyes of many baseball fans due to his acknowledgment of using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).

Alex Rodriguez, a 14-time All-Star who showcased his talent on both coasts during his career, amassed an impressive 696 home runs, positioning him as the fourth-leading home run hitter of all time. While he is predominantly associated with the New York Yankees, Rodriguez also left a significant mark during his tremendous years with the Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners. Had it not been for his suspension in 2014, he might have climbed higher on the home run list, but instead, he settles with the notable record of 696 home runs and retains his status as one of the world’s most renowned athletes today.

#3. Reggie Jackson, 563 HRs

reggie-jackson-new-york-yankees
goldenagebaseballcards.com

Reggie Jackson is most celebrated for his iconic three-home run performance for the Yankees during the 1977 World Series, earning him the reputation as the most clutch power hitter in baseball’s history. Recognized as “Mr. October,” he played a pivotal role in five World Series-winning teams during the 1970s and achieved the honor of being a 14-time All-Star. In 1993, he received induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. With an impressive career, the Yankees’ Mr. October concluded with an impressive tally of 563 home runs.

#4. Mickey Mantle, 536 HRs

mickey-mantle-new-york-yankees

Mickey Mantle, arguably the most exceptional center fielder in the annals of baseball, continues to hold a cherished place in the hearts of Yankees fans, just as he did throughout his illustrious playing days. Fondly known as “The Mick,” he earned an impressive record of accomplishments, boasting 20 All-Star appearances, seven World Series championships, three AL MVP titles, and even a coveted Triple Crown. Throughout his Hall of Fame career, the Yankees legend showcased his remarkable power, slugging a total of 536 home runs.

#5. Gary Sheffield, 509 HRs

Gary Sheffield
Pinterest

Gary Sheffield, possessing extraordinary talent and a distinct batting stance, experienced a fruitful 21-year journey in Major League Baseball. This nine-time All-Star showcased his skills while representing eight different teams, ultimately accumulating an impressive tally of 509 home runs throughout his career. Regrettably, allegations of PED use have prevented the accomplished outfielder from being enshrined in the esteemed Baseball Hall of Fame at Cooperstown. He played for the Yankees from 2004 to 2006.

The MLB 500-HR club

Gary Sheffield’s 500th home run marked a significant milestone in his career, and it happened to be his first-ever home run as a member of the New York Mets. This unique achievement distinguished Sheffield as the first player to hit his 500th home run with a franchise where it was also his first. On the other end of the age spectrum, Alex Rodriguez holds the record for the youngest player to reach this feat, achieving it at the age of 32 years and 8 days, while the legendary Ted Williams accomplished the milestone at the ripe age of 41 years and 291 days, making him the oldest player to do so.

The latest addition to the 500-home run club is Miguel Cabrera, who achieved this milestone on August 22, 2021. Among the members of this elite group, six players were born outside of the United States: Sammy Sosa, Manny Ramirez, Albert Pujols, and David Ortiz hail from the Dominican Republic, Rafael Palmeiro is from Cuba, and Miguel Cabrera was born in Venezuela.

PlayerHRDateTeamSeasons playedOpposing pitcher
Barry Bonds76217-Apr-01San Francisco Giants1986–2007Terry Adams
Hank Aaron75514-Jul-68Atlanta Braves1954–1976Mike McCormick
Babe Ruth71411-Aug-29New York Yankees1914–1935Willis Hudlin
Albert Pujols70322-Apr-14Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim2001–2022Taylor Jordan
Alex Rodriguez6964-Aug-07New York Yankees1994–2013, 2015–2016Kyle Davies
Willie Mays66013-Sep-65San Francisco Giants1951–1952, 1954–1973Don Nottebart
Ken Griffey Jr.63020-Jun-04Cincinnati Reds1989–2010Matt Morris
Jim Thome61216-Sep-07Chicago White Sox1991–2012Dustin Moseley
Sammy Sosa6094-Apr-03Chicago Cubs1989–2005, 2007Scott Sullivan
Frank Robinson58613-Sep-71Baltimore Orioles1956–1976Fred Scherman
Mark McGwire5835-Aug-99St. Louis Cardinals1986–2001Andy Ashby
Harmon Killebrew57310-Aug-71Minnesota Twins1954–1975Mike Cuellar
Rafael Palmeiro56911-May-03Texas Rangers1986–2005Dave Elder
Reggie Jackson56317-Sep-84California Angels1967–1987Bud Black
Manny Ramirez55531-May-08Boston Red Sox1993–2011Chad Bradford
Mike Schmidt54818-Apr-87Philadelphia Phillies1972–1989Don Robinson
David Ortis54112-Sep-15Boston Red Sox1997–2016Matt Moore
Mickey Mantle53614-May-67New York Yankees1951–1968Stu Miller
Jimmie Foxx53424-Sep-40Boston Red Sox1925–1942, 1944–1945George Caster
Willie McCovey52130-Jun-78San Francisco Giants1959–1980Jamie Easterly
Frank Thomas52128-Jun-07Toronto Blue Jays1990–2008Carlos Silva
Ted Williams52117-Jun-60Boston Red Sox1939–1942, 1946–1960Wynn Hawkins
Ernie Banks51212-May-70Chicago Cubs1953–1971Pat Jarvis
Eddie Mathews51214-Jul-67Houston Astros1952–1968Juan Marichal
Mel Ott*5111-Aug-45New York Giants1926–1947Johnny Hutchings
Gary Sheffield50917-Apr-09New York Mets1988–2009Mitch Stetter
Miguel Cabrera‡50822-Aug-21Detroit Tigers2003–presentSteven Matz
Eddie Murray5046-Sep-96Baltimore Orioles1977–1997Felipe Lira

Can Yankees’ Aaron Judge and Stanton ever reach the 500-HR club?

Giancarlo Stanton in action for the New York Yankees
MLB.com

At 33 years old, Giancarlo Stanton has the potential to add more home runs to his current tally of 394, achieved over 14 seasons as of August 5, 2023. If the Yankees’ hardest hitter maintains an average of 25 to 30 home runs over the next five years and remains healthy, he could come close to joining the prestigious 500-home run club.

Yankees captain Aaron Judge at Yankee Stadium on June 1, 2023.
Ap

At 31 years old, Aaron Judge holds the impressive AL record for the most home runs in a single season, hitting a remarkable 62 home runs in 2022. Over the last eight years, the Yankees’ captain has accumulated a total of 240 home runs as of August 5, 2023. While known for his incredible exit velocity and power hitting, Judge’s abilities extend beyond just hitting home runs; he is a truly great hitter overall and is expected to continue hitting a significant number of homers over the next seven years. However, due to his age, it may be challenging for him to reach the 500-home run milestone, even if he maintains an average of 40 home runs over the next six seasons. Nonetheless, if the Yankees’ slugger has a few more seasons like his exceptional performance in 2022, it could greatly enhance his chances of achieving this milestone.

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