The Unbelievable Feat: Who Has Hit the Most Home Runs in One Game?
The record for the most home runs hit in a single professional baseball game is a staggering eight, a mark held by Jay Clarke playing for Corsicana of the Texas League on June 15, 1902. However, the veracity of this record is heavily disputed; contemporary reports from some newspapers suggest Clarke only hit three home runs in that game. The lack of a surviving official box score makes definitive confirmation impossible.
The Elusive Pursuit of Multiple Home Runs in a Single Game
The allure of hitting multiple home runs in a single game is one of baseball’s most captivating spectacles. While Clarke’s alleged eight homers remain shrouded in mystery, the achievement of hitting even four home runs in a single Major League Baseball (MLB) game is exceptionally rare. The MLB record is four home runs. Let’s delve into the facts, folklore, and sheer improbability of such feats.
Major League Baseball’s Four-Homer Club
In Major League Baseball history, there have been only 15 four-home-run games. This exclusive club includes legendary Hall of Famers like Mike Schmidt, Willie Mays, Ed Delahanty, Chuck Klein, and Lou Gehrig. Interestingly, it also includes players who never achieved All-Star status, such as Bobby Lowe, Pat Seerey, and Mark Whiten, demonstrating that even unsung heroes can reach extraordinary heights.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Home Run Records
Here are some frequently asked questions related to home run records and other impressive offensive achievements in baseball:
1. Has anyone ever hit 5 home runs in a single MLB game?
No. The MLB record remains at four home runs in a single game, a feat accomplished by 15 different players. The tantalizing possibility of a five-homer game continues to fuel the dreams of hitters and fans alike.
2. Who has the most three-home run games in MLB history?
The original “Big Cat,” Johnny Mize, and Sammy Sosa are tied for the lead with six different three-home-run games each. Power hitters like Joe Carter, Dave Kingman, Mark McGwire, and Carlos Delgado each achieved this feat in five different games.
3. What is the MLB record for the most home runs hit by a team in a single game?
Recently, the Arizona Diamondbacks and Philadelphia Phillies combined to set a MLB RECORD with 13 Home Runs.
4. What is the MLB record for most runs scored in a single game?
The highest-scoring MLB game occurred in 1922 when the Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies combined for 49 runs. The Cubs won the game 26-23.
5. What is the modern-era record for runs scored by a team in a single game?
The Texas Rangers scored 30 runs against the Baltimore Orioles on August 22, 2007. This also represents the modern-era record for margin of victory, as the Rangers won the game 30-3.
6. Has anyone ever hit a home run estimated to be 600 feet or more?
Babe Ruth was rumored to have hit a home run over 600 feet, and a Mickey Mantle homer was once estimated at a phenomenal 734 feet. However, these distances are based on estimations as accurate measurement technologies were not available at the time.
7. Has Aaron Judge ever had a three-home run game?
Yes, Aaron Judge has had multiple three-home run games in his career. His performance is particularly notable as it marked the first time a Yankees player had recorded multiple such games in a single season.
8. How many players have hit two home runs in a single inning multiple times?
A select group of players has hit two home runs in a single inning multiple times. This exclusive club includes Edwin Encarnación, Alex Rodriguez, Jeff King, Andre Dawson, and Willie McCovey. Trea Turner is the most recent player to hit two home runs in one inning.
9. What are some other remarkable hitting records in MLB?
- Wilbert Robinson and Rennie Stennett share the record for the most hits in a nine-inning game, with seven hits each.
- Johnny Damon is the only major leaguer since 1900 to get three hits in one inning.
- The Waco player Rye hit three home runs in one inning on August 6, 1930.
- Nolan Arenado, Nolan Gorman, Juan Yepez, and Dylan Carlson hit four consecutive home runs in a single inning, tying an MLB record.
10. Who holds the MLB record for career home runs?
Barry Bonds holds the record for most career home runs, with a staggering 762 over his 22-year career.
11. Who are some of the players who have achieved both 3,000 hits and 500 home runs?
Only a handful of players have reached both the 3,000-hit and 500-home run milestones. These include Hank Aaron, Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, and others, solidifying their place among baseball’s elite.
12. What are some other interesting MLB records?
- Ron Necciai struck out 27 hitters in a nine-inning game in professional baseball.
- Brandon Belt holds the record for the longest at-bat, with 21 pitches in 2018.
- Babe Ruth set the single-season home run record four times, ultimately reaching 60 home runs in 1927.
- Many believe Mickey Mantle hit balls completely out of Yankee Stadium up to three times during batting practices.
13. How common are three-homer games?
While not as rare as four-homer games, three-homer games are still relatively uncommon. Considering the thousands of games played each season, only a handful of players typically achieve this feat annually. Johnny Bench hit three homers in a game three times during his career, and Babe Ruth did so in his final game.
14. Where can I learn more about the intersection of games and learning?
For more information on how games can be used for educational purposes, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization explores the potential of games to enhance learning experiences across various fields.
15. What was the biggest blowout win in MLB history?
In June 2023, the Los Angeles Angels defeated the Colorado Rockies 25-1. The largest margin of victory in MLB history dates back to the 19th century.
Hitting a home run is one of the most exhilarating experiences in baseball. Chasing the single-game home run record keeps baseball fans on the edge of their seats.