The Top 10 Greatest Home Runs in Baseball History | Spond (2024)

Game: New York Giants vs. Brooklyn Dodgers, 1951 National League Pennant
Location: Polo Grounds, New York City

Bobby Thomson’s three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning remains one of the most dramatic moments in sports history. With the Giants trailing 4-2, Thomson’s shot off Ralph Branca secured a 5-4 victory and clinched the National League pennant, making it one of the greatest home runs ever.

• This iconic moment completed the Giants’ historic comeback from a 13-game deficit during the season.
• Known as the “Shot Heard ’Round the World,” it was broadcast live to millions.
• Thomson’s hit remains a symbol of October baseball magic.

Game: Atlanta Braves vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, Regular Season, 1974
Location: Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium, Atlanta

Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s iconic record with his 715th career home run, cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats. Despite facing racial hostility, Aaron’s poise and determination shone through, making this one of the greatest home runs in baseball history.

• Aaron’s achievement transcended sports, symbolizing perseverance and racial equality.
• It marked a turning point for the game and inspired generations of players.
• The Atlanta crowd’s emotional celebration underscored the significance of the moment.

Game: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Oakland Athletics, World Series Game 1, 1988
Location: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles

Hobbled by injuries, Kirk Gibson delivered one of the most improbable moments in baseball. Facing Dennis Eckersley, Gibson launched a two-run walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth, giving the Dodgers a 5-4 victory. This unforgettable hit remains one of the greatest home runs in postseason history.

• Gibson’s resilience and determination inspired his team and fans.
• The image of him pumping his fist while rounding the bases is iconic.
• This moment set the tone for the Dodgers’ eventual World Series triumph.

Game: Pittsburgh Pirates vs. New York Yankees, World Series Game 7, 1960
Location: Forbes Field, Pittsburgh

Bill Mazeroski’s solo shot in the bottom of the ninth gave the Pirates a dramatic 10-9 victory and their first championship since 1925. It is the only walk-off home run in a Game 7 of the World Series, making it one of the greatest home runs in baseball history.

• The game itself featured multiple lead changes and incredible drama.
• Mazeroski’s blast shocked a Yankees team filled with legends like Mantle and Berra.
• The moment is immortalized with a statue outside PNC Park in Pittsburgh.

Game: Toronto Blue Jays vs. Philadelphia Phillies, World Series Game 6, 1993
Location: SkyDome, Toronto

Joe Carter’s three-run home run in the ninth inning clinched the Blue Jays’ second consecutive championship. As the ultimate walk-off moment, Carter’s hit is celebrated as one of the greatest home runs in baseball history.

• Carter joined an exclusive group to end a World Series with a home run.
• The Blue Jays solidified their dominance in the 1990s.
• Carter’s joyous leap around the bases is an enduring image in baseball lore.

Game: Boston Red Sox vs. New York Yankees, 2004 ALCS Game 4
Location: Fenway Park, Boston

Facing elimination, David Ortiz hit a dramatic two-run homer in the 12th inning to keep the Red Sox alive. This moment sparked Boston’s comeback from a 3-0 series deficit, culminating in their first championship since 1918.

• Ortiz’s home run ignited one of baseball’s most legendary comebacks.
• It marked the beginning of the “Curse of the Bambino” being broken.
• Big Papi cemented his status as a clutch postseason performer.

Game: St. Louis Cardinals vs. Chicago Cubs, 1998 Regular Season
Location: Busch Stadium, St. Louis

Mark McGwire broke Roger Maris’ single-season home run record with his 62nd blast, marking a historic moment in baseball’s modern era. The epic home run against the Cubs during the intense 1998 home run chase captivated fans and revived interest in the game, making it one of the greatest home runs of all time.

• McGwire’s home run race with Sammy Sosa brought excitement back to baseball after the 1994 strike.
• The hit was celebrated not only by Cardinals fans but also by the Cubs players on the field.
• Though later tainted by controversy, this home run remains a symbol of baseball’s dramatic flair.

Game: San Francisco Giants vs. Washington Nationals, 2007 Regular Season
Location: AT&T Park, San Francisco

Barry Bonds shattered Hank Aaron’s all-time record with his 756th career home run. Bonds’ towering shot against the Nationals was a monumental moment in baseball history, celebrated by fans in San Francisco as one of the greatest home runs ever hit.

• Bonds’ home run marked the culmination of a storied career and unmatched power-hitting ability.
• The game paused for a tribute, with Bonds’ family and Aaron himself recognizing the achievement.
• The moment sparked debates about the steroid era but remains a significant milestone.

Game: New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox, 2003 ALCS Game 7
Location: Yankee Stadium, New York

Aaron Boone’s eleventh-inning home run off Tim Wakefield secured a dramatic Game 7 victory for the Yankees, sending them to the World Series. The hit epitomized the fierce Yankees-Red Sox rivalry and remains one of the greatest home runs in postseason history.

• Boone’s clutch performance crushed Boston’s hopes and added to the “Curse of the Bambino.”
• The game was a back-and-forth battle, with Boone’s hit providing a thrilling finale.
• The home run solidified Boone’s place in Yankees lore despite his otherwise modest career.

Game: New York Yankees vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, 1977 World Series Game 6
Location: Yankee Stadium, New York

Reggie Jackson earned the nickname “Mr. October” by smashing three home runs on three consecutive pitches in the deciding game of the 1977 World Series. His performance sealed the Yankees’ championship and is regarded as one of the greatest home runs in World Series history.

• Each home run came off a different Dodgers pitcher, showcasing Jackson’s dominance.
• The Yankees celebrated their first championship in 15 years with Jackson as their star.
• Jackson’s incredible performance is immortalized in World Series history.