Milestone homers in Philadelphia: Aaron, Ruth, Thome
Aaron to Thome: Milestone home runs hit in Philadelphia
By Larry (Baron) Shenk
Philadelphia Phillies
Pro ball has been around Philadelphia dating back to 1883 when the Phillies became a member of the National League. In 1901, the Philadelphia Athletics became a charter member of the American League.
Significant milestone homers that have been hit in Philadelphia. Rewinding ,,,
No. 400
Sept. 2, 1927, Babe Ruth
The New York Yankees, slugger went deep in the first inning off Rube Walberg of the A’s at Shibe Park ... Attendance: listed as 20,000 ... It marked the first time 400 homers had been reached ... Babe hit 108 career homers against the A’s, second only to Detroit (123) ... 68 came at Shibe Park, second only to the Polo Grounds (85) for an enemy park ... Walberg yielded the most (17) among 216 pitchers.
No. 399. No. 400
April 20, 1966, Hank Aaron.
The Atlanta Braves home run king went deep in the first (his career No. 399) in the first inning off Ray Culp at Connie Mack Stadium ... In the ninth Aaron again homered off Bo Belinsky ... Attendance: 6,855 ... The ATL first baseman, Lee Thomas was future Phillies GM.
Section `147
June 14, 2004, Jim Thome
The Phillies bopper went deep in the first inning off Jose Acevedo of the Reds at Citizens Bank Park ... It was rescheduled game from an April rain out ... Attendance: 44,710 ... A few days later bronze plaque was placed at the exact location of the historic blast, Section 147, Row 4, Seat 6.
No. 500
Sept. 24, 1940, Jimmie Foxx.
Old Double X of the Red Sox went deep in the sixth inning off George Caster of the A’s at Shibe Park in the first 1st game of a Tuesday afternoon doubleheader ... Attendance: 1,500 ... Joined Babe Ruth in the 500-HR Club ... Began career at Shibe Park playing for the A’s. Hit 322 homers in that uniform (1925-35) .,. Ended 20-year career back at Shibe Park with the Phillies (1945). Seven of his 534 homers came with the Phillies ... 181 home runs at Shibe Park, most of any player.
No. 713
May 7, 2006, Barry Bonds
The San Francisco Giants bopper went deep in the sixth inning off Jon Lieber of the Phillies ... It was the last home run he hit in Philadelphia ... No. 744 that season was his last one against the Phillies (Lieber), May 5, 2007, at AT&T Park ... 27 home runs at Veterans Stadium is most for a visiting player.
No. 1 and No. 568
Sept. 16, 1972 Mike Schmidt
His first home saw the future Hall of Famer go deep against Montreal Expos LHP Balor Moore and his last was on May 2, 1989, facing Houston Astors’ LHP Jim Deshaies at Veterans Stadium. Each of his milestone home runs came on the road, Nos. 100, 200, 300, 400, 500.
No. 400
Aug. 28, 1961, Robin Roberts
Hall of Famer Roberts allowed his 400th home run as a Phillie against Milwaukee Braves’ Roy McMillan. It came at Connie Mack Stadium. He became the first pitcher to give up 400 home runs.