Record Home Runs in a Season: A Look at the History of MLB

Introduction

Baseball is one of America’s favorite sports. Every year, millions of fans tune in to watch the Major League Baseball season and root for their favorite teams. But one of the most exciting moments of the season is when a player sets a new record for home runs in a season. It’s a moment that’s celebrated by fans and players alike, and it’s a moment that will never be forgotten. In this article, we’ll take a look at the history of record home runs in a season and some of the players who have achieved this impressive feat.

The Early Years

The record for the most home runs in a single season was first set in 1921 by Babe Ruth. He hit a total of 59 home runs that year, a record that would stand for 34 years. Ruth was known for his long ball hitting and he was one of the first players to really make a name for himself with his home run hitting prowess.

The Modern Era

Since Ruth’s record in 1921, the record for most home runs in a season has been broken several times. In 1961, Roger Maris hit 61 home runs, breaking Ruth’s record. In 1998, Mark McGwire hit 70 home runs, breaking Maris’ record. And in 2001, Barry Bonds hit an astonishing 73 home runs, setting a new record.

The Steroid Era

The late 1990s and early 2000s were marred by the use of performance-enhancing drugs, or steroids, by some players. This was most notably seen in the home run records set by McGwire and Bonds. While both players have since admitted to using steroids, their records still stand and are considered legitimate. However, there is an asterisk attached to these records, as the use of steroids is widely viewed as an unfair advantage.

The Post-Steroid Era

Since Bonds’ record in 2001, no player has managed to break the single-season home run record. In fact, the record has not even been approached. In 2019, Pete Alonso of the New York Mets came closest, hitting 53 home runs. This is a testament to the strength of Bonds’ record, as well as to the increased scrutiny and testing of players for performance-enhancing drugs.

Conclusion

The record for most home runs in a single season is one of the most impressive achievements in Major League Baseball. It’s a record that has been broken several times over the years, but it still stands as a testament to the power of the players who have achieved it. From Babe Ruth to Barry Bonds, these players have made history and will always be remembered for their remarkable accomplishments.