I get it: There have been so many home runs this year, it’s sometimes hard to get excited about it. The last time, around 1998 or so, we fell hard for all of it and wound up burned because we wouldn’t believe our own lyin’ eyes.
Still, home runs are irresistible. Two teams this week saw their home run records fall: the Mets, thanks to Pete Alonso, and the Royals, when Jorge Soler hit No. 39 (they were the last team to be without a 40-homer player until Soler took care of that Wednesday).
When you look at the list of teams and their single-season home run leaders … well, it’s a fun tour, and there may be a few other teams that fall before the end of the year. Take a seat shotgun to me, and let’s take a look (all 2019 totals entering Friday’s games):
Angels: Troy Glaus (47, 2000), though Mike Trout, just two shy entering Friday, seems certain to claim another Angels milestone awfully soon.
Astros: Jeff Bagwell (47, 2000), and I know you’re thinking: Hey! What a coincidence so many records were set in 1999 and 2000 and 2001 and …
Athletics: Jimmy Foxx (58, 1932) has held the record through three (and soon four) cities and 87 years. Good luck to whoever wants to break this one.
Blue Jays: Jose Bautista (54, 2010), who you have to think is merely a placeholder before Vladimir Guerrero Jr. decides it’s time.
Braves: Andruw Jones (51, 2005), and surely this one will belong to Ronald Acuna Jr. sometime before he turns 30.
Brewers: Prince Fielder (50, 2007), though Christian Yelich (43) is almost sure to have a crack or two at this as long as he plays in Milwaukee.
Cardinals: Mark McGwire (70, 1998), my kingdom for a new name here.
Cubs: Sammy Sosa (66, 1998). Ditto.
Diamondbacks: Luis Gonzalez (57, 2001), and, yes, that really happened.
Dodgers: Shawn Green (49, 2001), and here comes Clay Bellinger (44) roaring in on the outside.
Giants: Barry Bonds (73, 2001), and, well: *
Indians: Jim Thome (52, 2002) may ultimately be one of the longest-tenured of these current names.
Mariners: Ken Griffey Jr. (56, 1997/’98). This one may well keep forever.
Marlins: Giancarlo Stanton (59, 2017). Next.
Mets: Pete Alonso (45 entering Friday, 2019), a rookie not just breaking the old team mark of 41, but smashing it, as home run hitters do.
Nationals: Alfonso Soriano (46, 2006). Your dime, your dance floor, Juan Soto.
Orioles: Chris Davis (53, 2013), and you have to think both that Camden Yards could make this quest possible for some future O, though he might not yet be born.
Padres: Greg Vaughn (50, 1998), and you totally forgot he hit 50 back in the day didn’t you?
Phillies: Ryan Howard (58, 2006). Isn’t this why they pay Bryce Harper?
Pirates: Ralph Kiner (54, 1949). You have it in you some year, Josh Bell?
Rays: Carlos Pena (46, 2007), and this might be safe because as soon as a player is good enough to hit 47, he’ll be on the Dodgers, Yankees or Red Sox.
Rangers: Alex Rodriguez (57, 2002) may have to sweat out Joey Gallo the next few years.