Home Run Kings

Barry Bonds maybe the modern home run king, but when I think of sluggers, I think Roger Maris and Babe Ruth. But, should I?

Ruth retired with a record 714 home runs, including 60 in 1927. Not bad, but he may not have even been the best power hitter of his generation. Negro League catcher Josh Gibson hit 69 home runs in 1934 and is credited with hitting "almost 800" in his career by the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Gibson was known as "the black Babe Ruth." Others called Ruth, "the white Josh Gibson."

As great as Ruth and Gibson were, they aren't even close to the all time home run record. Sadaharu Oh played 22 season in Japan and hit a staggering 868 home runs.

All of these guys are in the Baseball Hall of Fame with the exception of Bonds who is not yet eligible and may not make it due to controversy over steroid use. It is interesting to consider competition and debate who is the true sultan of swat. Any conversation must include Ruth, Gibson, Maris, Oh, and Bonds.