Who has Hit the Most Home Runs in MLB History?

Whether you are discussing Babe Ruth’s called shot in Game 3 of the 1932 World Series, Kirk Gibson’s gimpy pinch-hit 1988 World Series home run, Jose Bautista’s 2015 ALDS bat flip or any other notable long ball in the storied history of Major League Baseball (MLB), there’s no doubt home runs are one of the most exciting aspects of America’s Pastime. 

Captivating fans and defining the legacies of the game’s greatest players, the pursuit of home run records has been a focal point in baseball history, and the players who have climbed to the top of the home run leaderboard are celebrated as some of the best to ever play the game. This article highlights the player who has hit the most home runs in MLB history and also takes a look at the second and third players on this prestigious list. Recent retiree Albert Pujols is the first player off this list and the only other MLB player to smash 700 career home runs. 

3. Babe Ruth – 714 Home Runs

A member of the Red Sox and then the New York Yankees. A pitcher and a hitter. Babe Ruth, one of the most legendary figures in baseball history, ranks third on the all-time home run list with 714 big flies. Ruth’s career spanned from 1914 to 1935, averaging just over 32 home runs per season. Although the modern slugging approach wouldn’t come until much later, Ruth was instrumental in popularizing the home run as a key element of the game, transforming baseball into the “power” game that it is known for today.

Ruth’s larger-than-life persona and unparalleled skills at the plate made him a national hero and one of the first true sports celebrities. His 60 home runs in the 1927 season stood as a record for 34 years until it was broken by Roger Maris in 1961. Ruth’s influence extends beyond his home run record, as he set the standard for future generations of sluggers.

2. Hank Aaron – 755 Home Runs

While many still herald Hank Aaron as the undisputed home run king for his clean approach to the game, “Hammerin’ Hank” remains second on the all-time home run list with 755 home runs. Aaron’s career in MLB lasted from 1954 to 1976, primarily with the Milwaukee/Atlanta Braves and the Milwaukee Brewers. Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s long-standing record of 714 home runs on April 8, 1974, a historic moment that transcended sports and became a significant cultural milestone in America.

Aaron was a model of consistency and excellence, earning 25 All-Star selections, winning the National League MVP award in 1957 and capturing three Gold Glove awards. Beyond his home run prowess, Aaron retired as the all-time leader in RBIs (2,297) and total bases (6,856), records that still stand today.

1. Barry Bonds – 762 Home Runs

Barry Bonds holds the record for the most home runs in MLB history, with a staggering 762 home runs. Bonds’ career took place from 1986 to 2007, playing primarily for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the San Francisco Giants. Bonds broke Aaron’s home run record on August 7, 2007.

Bonds collected a record seven National League MVP awards, including four consecutive from 2001-04), 14 All-Star selections and eight Gold Gloves. His single-season record of 73 home runs in 2001 remains intact, and after Aaron Judge reached 62 home runs in 2022, Bonds’ feat feels out of reach for the foreseeable future. Bonds’ legacy is clouded by allegations of performance-enhancing drug use, which has led to ongoing debates about his place in baseball history.