The Major League Baseball Single-Season Home Run Record
Babe Ruth's Historic Record
In the 1920s, Babe Ruth set the single-season home run record with a whopping 60 homers in a single season. This record stood for many decades and was thought to be unbreakable. Ruth's record was finally bested by Roger Maris in 1961, who hit 61 home runs in the same season.
The Maris-McGwire Showdown
In 1998, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa had an epic showdown to see who could break Maris' single-season home run record. McGwire ultimately won the race, hitting an incredible 70 home runs in the same season. This record was thought to be unbreakable, as no other player had ever come close to breaking it.
Barry Bonds Breaks the Record
In 2001, Barry Bonds shattered McGwire's single-season home run record. Bonds hit an incredible 73 home runs in a single season, setting a new record and cementing himself as one of the greatest home run hitters of all time. This record was thought to be untouchable for many years.
The Rise of Giancarlo Stanton
In 2017, Giancarlo Stanton set out to break Bonds' record. Stanton had an incredible season, hitting 59 home runs and leading the league in home runs. Although he didn't break the record, he put up an impressive performance and showed that he was capable of hitting at an elite level.
Aaron Judge Sets a New Record
In 2018, the New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge set the new single-season home run record. Judge hit an incredible 52 home runs in a single season, surpassing both Maris and McGwire. Judge's record was thought to be unbreakable, as no other player had ever come close to matching his performance.
The Rise of Pete Alonso
In 2019, Pete Alonso of the New York Mets set out to break Judge's record. Alonso had an incredible season, hitting 53 home runs and leading the league in home runs. Alonso bested Judge and set a new single-season home run record of 54 home runs in a single season.
A New Record Set in 2021
In 2021, the Washington Nationals slugger Juan Soto set the new single-season home run record. Soto hit an incredible 57 home runs in a single season, surpassing both Judge and Alonso. Soto's record was thought to be unbreakable, as no other player had ever come close to matching his performance.
Where We Are Now
Today, Juan Soto's single-season home run record of 57 still stands strong. It is thought to be unbreakable, but with the rise of new stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., anything is possible. Maybe in the near future, we will see a new record set. Only time will tell.