Baseball is a sport rich in history, and few moments in that history are as iconic as a game-winning home run. These moments often define seasons, shape legacies, and are etched in the memories of fans for years to come. Whether it’s a walk-off in the World Series or a milestone home run that cements a player’s place in history, the bat that delivers the home run can sometimes be as legendary as the player who swung it.
We’re going to dive into some of the most famous home runs in baseball history and take a closer look at the bats that were behind these historic moments. From Babe Ruth’s Called Shot to Mark McGwire’s record-breaking season, the stories of the bats and the players who wielded them are just as compelling as the home runs themselves.
1. Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot” The Bat of Legends
One of the most famous home runs in baseball history is undoubtedly Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot” during Game 3 of the 1932 World Series. Ruth’s legendary home run is surrounded by mystery, debate, and legend. With the Chicago Cubs’ fans heckling Ruth, he allegedly pointed toward the centerfield bleachers, then proceeded to hit a towering home run to exactly the spot he had pointed to.
Whether Ruth actually “called” the shot or it was just an embellishment over time is still up for debate, but what remains undeniable is the immense power and skill he exhibited with the bat in his hands.
The Bat:
Ruth used a Louisville Slugger bat during most of his career, and it was during the 1920s and early 1930s that his signature model was produced. Ruth’s bat was large usually around 34 inches in length and weighing 40 ounces. The bat had a large barrel, which allowed him to generate more power and hit balls out of the park with ease. The bat was made of ash, which was the preferred wood for baseball bats at the time. Ruth’s massive frame and powerful swing made it easy for him to use such a large and heavy bat to create home run after home run.
The “Called Shot” home run remains a defining moment of Ruth’s career, and it is inextricably linked to his larger-than-life personality and unparalleled skill. The bat Ruth used is now an iconic symbol of baseball history.
2. Hank Aaron’s 715th Home Run A Milestone and a Moment of Triumph
When Hank Aaron hit his 715th career home run on April 8, 1974, he didn’t just break Babe Ruth’s long-standing record. He became a symbol of perseverance, grace, and excellence in the face of adversity. Aaron’s historic blast off of pitcher Al Downing moved him past Ruth’s career total, and his record stood for more than three decades.
The Bat:
Aaron’s bat during this momentous home run was a Louisville Slugger model, similar to the one used by Ruth, but with subtle differences. Aaron’s bat was slightly lighter and shorter than Ruth’s, typically weighing around 33 ounces and measuring 34 inches in length. Aaron preferred a bat that was balanced, which allowed him to generate both power and speed with a fluid swing. His bats were crafted from ash, but over the course of his career, Aaron occasionally used maple bats as well.
Aaron’s home run was not just a testament to his strength, but also his consistency. Over the years, he had come to embody the combination of precision and power that made his swing so feared. The bat that helped him to break Ruth’s record became an indelible part of the history of baseball.
3. Mark McGwire’s 70th Home Run A Record-Breaking Season
In 1998, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa captivated the nation as they both chased the single-season home run record. But it was McGwire who ultimately emerged as the record-breaker, hitting a towering 70th home run on September 27, 1998, to surpass the previous record of 61 held by Roger Maris. McGwire’s 70th home run remains one of the most memorable moments of the steroid era of baseball, as his 1998 season was one of the most electrifying performances in MLB history.
The Bat:
During his 1998 campaign, McGwire famously used Louisville Slugger bats. His bat of choice was a model known as the M110, a custom design that became synonymous with McGwire’s power-hitting approach. The M110 bat had a large barrel and a slightly tapered handle, which allowed for better control while still generating maximum power. McGwire’s bat was heavier than most at 34 inches and 32 ounces, which suited his strength and ability to drive the ball over the fence.
Though McGwire’s 1998 season was marred by controversy and the suspicion of steroid use, his 70th home run and the bats he used to get there remain a part of baseball’s complicated but thrilling history.
4. Bobby Thomson’s “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” A Moment of Glory
One of the most iconic home runs in baseball history was Bobby Thomson’s walk-off home run in the 1951 National League playoff series between the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers. With the Giants trailing the Dodgers in the series and in the game, Thomson stepped up to the plate and hit a three run homer off Ralph Branca to win the game and the pennant for the Giants. This home run, famously known as the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World,” remains one of the most dramatic moments in baseball history.
The Bat:
Thomson’s bat during the historic home run was a Louisville Slugger model, similar to those used by many major league players of the time. His bat was around 34 inches in length and weighed around 32 ounces. The ash wood used for the bat was light, providing Thomson with excellent bat speed and control. The bat was relatively thin in the handle, which allowed Thomson to have better control over the swing while maintaining the power needed to clear the fence.
Thomson’s clutch home run was a key moment in baseball’s history, and the bat that he used to hit it became an integral part of the story.
Read More: Baseball Bat Materials: Bamboo, Birch, Ash, and More Explained
5. Willie Mays’ Iconic 660th Home Run A Career Defining Moment
Willie Mays is considered one of the greatest players to ever step onto a baseball field. His 660th home run was one of the defining moments of his illustrious career. The home run, which came on September 13, 1965, at Candlestick Park, was significant not only for its timing but also for its sheer beauty. Mays’ career had already been full of memorable plays, but this home run solidified his place as one of the all-time greats.
The Bat:
Mays’ bat during his career was a Louisville Slugger model, which was built to his specifications. Like many players of his era, Mays preferred a 34-inch bat weighing around 32 ounces, which allowed him to combine both power and bat speed. Mays’ bat was typically made from ash, which gave him the flexibility and pop needed to drive the ball out of the park.
Mays’ swing was fluid and powerful, and the bat he wielded helped him hit many memorable home runs, including his 660th. The bat itself became part of the legacy of one of baseball’s most legendary figures.
6. Barry Bonds’ 756th Home Run – The Controversial Record
One of the most controversial home runs in baseball history came when Barry Bonds hit his 756th career home run on August 7, 2007, surpassing Hank Aaron’s long-standing record. Bonds’ achievement was marred by allegations of performance enhancing drug use, but it nonetheless marked a significant moment in baseball history. His record of 762 career home runs remains the most in MLB history.
The Bat:
Bonds used a Louisville Slugger bat, and during his record-breaking season, he was often seen using a model of bat known as the I13. The bat was made of maple and was tailored to Bonds’ preferences for power. Bonds’ bat was slightly shorter and lighter than the typical bat, weighing around 31 ounces and measuring 34 inches. The use of maple gave Bonds’ bat a denser, harder feel, which allowed for more “pop” and exit velocity on his hits.
Bonds’ 756th home run may be controversial, but the bat that he used to hit it became part of his complex legacy as one of the greatest—and most scrutinized—players in the history of the game.
7. Chris Davis’ 53rd Home Run A Breakout Year
In 2013, Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles had one of the most productive power-hitting seasons in recent memory. Davis set a career high with 53 home runs and helped lead the Orioles to the postseason. His 53rd home run, which came during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, was a signature moment in his breakout year.
The Bat:
Davis used Louisville Slugger bats during his record-setting 2013 season. His bat of choice was typically a C271 model, which is known for its balanced feel and power potential. The C271 bat was typically made of ash or maple, and Davis favored a bat that was between 33.5 and 34 inches in length and weighed around 33 ounces. Davis’ bat had a medium-sized barrel with a slightly tapered handle, providing him with both power and control.
Davis’ 53rd home run marked a career-high achievement, and the bat that he used during that season became part of the story of one of the most dominant power hitters of the early 2010s.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why do most MLB players use Louisville Slugger bats?
Louisville Slugger has a long-standing history and reputation for producing high-quality, durable bats. Many MLB players prefer the craftsmanship and performance that comes with using a Louisville Slugger, making it the most popular bat among professionals. - What type of wood do MLB players use for their bats?
MLB players primarily use ash, maple, or birch for their bats. Ash is known for its flexibility and lighter weight, while maple is denser and offers more power. - How did Babe Ruth’s bat differ from modern bats?
Babe Ruth’s bat was significantly heavier and longer than many modern bats. His bats were around 34 inches long and weighed about 40 ounces, much heavier than the typical bat used by modern players. - What made Barry Bonds’ 756th home run so controversial?
Barry Bonds’ record-breaking home run was controversial due to allegations of steroid use during his career, which led many to question the legitimacy of his accomplishments. - What is the most popular bat model used by MLB players?
Louisville Slugger is the most popular brand, with many models like the C271 and M110 being favorites among players. - Do professional players ever use custom bats?
Yes, many professional players have custom bats made to suit their specific swing preferences, including length, weight, handle size, and material. - What bat did Hank Aaron use when he hit his 715th home run?
Hank Aaron used a Louisville Slugger bat, typically a 34-inch model weighing 33 ounces, during his career, including when he hit his historic 715th home run.
Conclusion
Famous home runs are not just about the players they are also about the iconic baseball bats that helped create them. Whether it’s Babe Ruth’s Called Shot, Hank Aaron’s record-breaking 715th home run, or Barry Bonds’ 756th, the bats used in these legendary moments have become integral to the history of baseball.
From Louisville Slugger to maple and ash, the materials and design of these bats have played a significant role in shaping the game’s most unforgettable moments. As baseball continues to evolve, the connection between players and their bats will remain as crucial as ever.
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