What is a home run?
A home run in baseball is a hit that lets the batter circle all four bases and score. Usually the ball is hit over the outfield fence in fair territory.
When a batter hits a home run, they and any teammates on base all score. A home run with the bases loaded, scoring four runs, is called a grand slam. Most home runs are hit over the fence, but an inside-the-park home run happens when the batter races around all the bases before the fielders can tag them out.
Home runs are one of the most exciting plays in baseball. Fans in the stands often try to catch the ball, which they are allowed to keep. Hitting a home run also earns a trot, the batter's relaxed jog around the bases.
Home run records
Barry Bonds holds the career record for Major League Baseball with 762 home runs, and the single-season record with 73 in 2001. Hank Aaron, with 755, and Babe Ruth, with 714, are other legends. In Japan, Sadaharu Oh hit 868 home runs in his professional career.
Did You Know?
A walk-off home run ends the game immediately, because the home team takes the lead in the final inning and the players walk off the field.