Without a doubt, home runs are the most exciting thing that can happen in a baseball game. However, some homers have that special position in the hearts of all fans. It’s not only about the batter’s skill; you have to weigh in the game’s overall setting, what could’ve happened, and what was at stake.
Today, I decided to share my perspective and write about the top 10 famous baseball home runs. Let’s see who made it to my list!
10. When Bucky Dent Confirmed the Curse of the Bambino
In 1978, the Yankees and Red Sox competed for the American League's East Division title. The game started with what seemed like an obvious win for the Boston Sox when they scored 2–0. Bucky Dent came to the rescue when he hit an iconic three-run home run that turned the tables on this worthy rival.
9. When Aaron Boone Extended the Same Curse
We’re back again with the Yankees and Boston Sox; this time in 2003 ALCS. And again, the Boston Sox took the lead before Aaron Boone shattered their dreams by his walk-off home run. By that, the Yankees were able to advance to the World Series, which extended the 86-year agony of the Red Sox for a few more seasons.
8. When Kirby Puckett Made It to the Hall of Fame
In the 1991 World Series, Minnesota Twins were trailing 3–2 against the Atlanta Braves in Game 6. The comeback started when Kirby Puckett made an exemplary catch in the early innings. He ended the game later with a brilliant walk-off home run, which forced Game 7. The next night witnessed a dramatic win for the Twins in what was later known as the longest seven-game World Series.
7. When Chris Chambliss Was Swarmed With Fans
The Yankees were facing the Kansas City Royals in Game 5 of the 1976 ALCS. Chris Chambliss finished the game in the ninth inning with an iconic walk-off home run that gave the Yankees a long-awaited pennant. The fans poured into the field, forcing Chambliss to dodge his way between the bases.
6. When Carlton Fisk Gave Hope to Sox’s Fans
The Red Sox were competing against Cincinnati Reds in Game 6 of the 1975 World Series. Carlton Fisk forced Game 7 with a walk-off home run in the 12th inning. Much to his disappointment, the Cincinnati Reds won Game 7 and topped it off by winning the series.
5. When Roger Maris Broke the Record
In 1961, the Yankees were playing the last game of the season against the Rod Sox. Roger Marris was able to hit his 61st home run in a single season, exceeding Babe Ruth’s record of 60 home runs. Marris held this record for a whopping 37 years until Sammy Sosa broke it with 66 home runs in 1998.
4. When Kirk Gibson Made the Impossible Possible
In the 1988 World Series, the Dodgers were down by 4–3 against Oakland Athletics. Although he was injured, Kirk Gibson was called to play a pinch-hit after two outs in the ninth inning. He dazzled everyone when he hit an amazing home run before limping his way to the home base.
3. When Barry Bonds Topped the Home Run Records
In 1976, the legendary Hank Aaron hit the 755th and final home run of his career. Nobody came close to that record until the controversial Barry Bonds hit the 756th home run in a 2007 game between the Giants and the Washington Nationals.
2. When Bobby Thomson Got the Pennant
The oldest home run on my list goes to the 1951 game between the Dodgers and the Giants. Bobby Thomson won the game with a walk-off home run that made Russ Hodges shout his forever famous sentence, “The Giants win the pennant!”
1. Bill Mazeroski’s Improbable Win
Bill Mazeroski made the ultimate home run in the 1960 World Series. He belted a solo homer that gave the Pirates an impossible win over the Yankees. It’s important to note that this was the first World Series to end with a home run!
Did I miss any iconic hit? Tell us!