Who are the members of the MLB 500 Home Run Club?

By Oliver Wiener April 08, 2024 13:24

Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images

The MLB 500 Home Run Club is an exclusive group of Major League Baseball players who have achieved a remarkable feat by hitting 500 or more regular-season home runs in their careers.

This elite club boasts a rich history and has seen the likes of legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the sport.

Historical Context

The journey of the 500 Home Run Club began on August 11, 1929, when the iconic Babe Ruth became the first player to achieve this milestone, setting a career home run record of 714 that stood until 1974.

Mel Ott followed suit, becoming the charter member of the 500 home run club for the National League on August 1, 1945. The club's significance grew over the years, with many considering it a guaranteed ticket to the Baseball Hall of Fame.

The Members of the Club

The 500 Home Run Club currently comprises 28 members, each of whom has made an indelible impact on the sport. Here's a detailed look at some of the most prolific members of this esteemed group:

Babe Ruth

Home Runs: 714
Date of 500th: August 11, 1929
Teams: Boston (AL), New York (AL), Boston (NL)
Seasons: 1914-1935

Hank Aaron

Home Runs: 755
Date of 500th: July 4, 1968
Teams: Milwaukee/Atlanta, Milwaukee (AL)
Seasons: 1954-1976

Barry Bonds

Home Runs: 762
Date of 500th: April 17, 2001
Teams: Pittsburgh, San Francisco
Seasons: 1986-2007

Albert Pujols

Home Runs: 703
Date of 500th: April 22, 2014
Teams: St. Louis, Los Angeles (AL), Los Angeles (NL)
Seasons: 2001-2022

Alex Rodriguez

Home Runs: 696
Date of 500th: August 8, 2007
Teams: Seattle, Texas, New York (AL)
Seasons: 1994-2016

Willie Mays

Home Runs: 660
Date of 500th: September 13, 1965
Teams: New York/San Francisco, New York (NL)
Seasons: 1951-1973

Ken Griffey Jr.

Home Runs: 630
Date of 500th: June 20, 2004
Teams: Seattle, Cincinnati, Chicago (AL)
Seasons: 1989-2010

This illustrious list of players showcases the extraordinary talent and impact these individuals had on the game of baseball. Their contributions have solidified their places in the annals of baseball history.

Records and Trivia

Several intriguing records and trivia surround the 500 Home Run Club, adding depth to its historical significance:

Alex Rodriguez holds the distinction of being the youngest player to hit 500 home runs, achieving this feat at 32 years and 8 days old.
Willie Mays is the youngest 500 home run hitter in National League history, accomplishing this at the age of 34 years and 130 days old.
Ted Williams holds the record for being the oldest player to hit his 500th home run at 41 years and 292 days old.
Mark McGwire is the quickest player in Major League history to hit 500 home runs, achieving this in his 1,639th game and his 5,487th at-bat.

These records serve as testaments to the remarkable talent and longevity displayed by the members of this exclusive club.