In the rich tapestry of Major League Baseball’s history, there have been countless awe-inspiring home runs that have left fans breathless and etched their mark in the annals of the sport. From iconic moments to jaw-dropping feats of power, these five homers stand out as the crème de la crème. Join us as we take a trip down memory lane to relive the magic and recount the top five greatest Major League Baseball home runs of all time.

1. Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot” (1932):

No list of iconic baseball moments is complete without the Sultan of Swat himself, Babe Ruth. In Game 3 of the 1932 World Series, the New York Yankees faced the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. With the count at two strikes, Ruth pointed towards the centerfield bleachers, seemingly calling his shot. On the next pitch, he smashed a legendary home run right where he had gestured. Whether or not it was a predetermined action, the “Called Shot” remains one of the most captivating and debated moments in baseball history.

2. Bobby Thomson’s “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” (1951):

The year was 1951, and the New York Giants faced the Brooklyn Dodgers in a decisive playoff game known as the “Miracle at Coogan’s Bluff.” Trailing by a run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, Bobby Thomson stepped up to the plate. As Ralph Branca delivered the pitch, Thomson connected, sending the ball soaring into the left-field seats. The roar of the crowd and the unforgettable call by announcer Russ Hodges, “The Giants win the pennant! The Giants win the pennant!” made this home run an everlasting symbol of baseball’s thrilling unpredictability.

3. Hank Aaron’s Record-Breaking 715th Home Run (1974):

On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron stepped up to the plate for the Atlanta Braves in a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Tied with Babe Ruth’s long-standing career home run record of 714, the tension was palpable. As the pitch came in, Aaron launched it deep into the Atlanta night, crossing the outfield wall and forever etching his name in the record books. The significance of Aaron’s achievement extended beyond baseball, symbolizing triumph in the face of adversity and inspiring generations of athletes.

4. Kirk Gibson’s Dramatic Walk-Off Home Run (1988):

Game 1 of the 1988 World Series saw the underdog Los Angeles Dodgers pitted against the mighty Oakland Athletics. Injured and limping, Kirk Gibson was unexpectedly called upon to pinch-hit in the bottom of the ninth inning. Facing a dominant closer, Gibson battled through the count before delivering a thunderous shot over the right-field fence. His iconic fist pump and hobble around the bases showcased sheer determination and cemented this home run as one of the most inspiring moments in World Series history.

5. Mark McGwire’s Record-Breaking 70th Home Run (1998):

During the summer of 1998, baseball fans across the nation were captivated by the exhilarating race between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa to break Roger Maris’ single-season home run record of 61. On September 27, in the final game of the regular season, McGwire sent a pitch from Carl Pavano soaring over the left-field wall, making him the first player to reach the historic 70 home run milestone. The home run chase of ’98 injected new life into baseball and reinvigorated fans following a period marred by controversy.