More homers were hit during this past MLB season than any other year in baseball history. As a matter of fact, the 6,105 homers this past year shattered the previous record of 5,693 HRs set at the height of the steroid era (2000).
Put another way, 37 different players hit at least 30 home runs this year (wow), and an unbelievable 89 guys hit 20 or more. For reference, only 47 players reached that 20-HR plateau back in 2014.
And with so many balls leaving the park, a few homers from this past season were especially insane/unique – but not necessarily for their exit velocity or distance. Instead, take a look at the two homers hit on the lowest and highest pitch of the year.
Starting from the bottom …
According to @statcast, the lowest pitch hit for a home run in 2017 was …
8.8 inches off the ground? Wait, what? https://t.co/895Ckku3wEpic.twitter.com/gmjAfivq94
— Cut4 (@Cut4) November 28, 2017
What, just what?!
According to Statcast, that pitch was just 8.8 inches off the ground when Odubel Herrera took it deep … which is just insane. Talk about a golf swing. But wait until you see the highest homer of the season.
It’s just as ridiculous to watch:
And the highest pitch hit for a homer in 2017 … Mark Trumbo at 4.57 feet! pic.twitter.com/jckhq0j8s4
— Cut4 (@Cut4) November 28, 2017
The highest pitch taken for a homer this season was an hilarious 4.57 feet off the ground when Mark Trumbo tomahawked it into the stands. For me, while the first one may have looked funnier, this one is more extreme and insane. Getting your bat around and connecting on a pitch at shoulder height is just laughably impressive … if ill-advised.
But what do you think? Which one was the most extreme?