CORRECTION: Below is a terrific story except there's an error. Ken Griffley Jr. hit his 500th HR June 20, 2004, not June 21. Thanks to my voluntary proofer reader Steve Basford for catching that.

500 Career Home Runs

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI - Ken Griffey, Jr. hit his 500th home run on this date in 2004 becoming the 20th major leaguer to reach that mark. At 34-years old he was the 6th youngest to hit 500. It was also Father's Day, which was fitting since Ken Griffey, Sr., a former player himself was in the stands.

Hitting 500 home runs in a career has always been a right of passage into the Baseball Fall of Fame. Will it continue to be? It's not as remarkable an achievement as it once was.

Up to 1950, the first 74 years of major league baseball, 3 players had reached 500 home runs. In the 69 years since 20 players have reached the 500 home run mark.

Players who reached 500 home runs from 1876 to 1950
1. Babe Ruth
2. Jimmie Foxx
3. Mel Ott

Players who reached 500 home runs from 1950 to 2011
1. Barry Bonds
2. Hank Aaron
3. Willie Mays
4. Ken Griffey, JR.
5. Alex Rodriguez
6. Sammy Sosa
7. Jim Thome
8. Frank Robinson
9. Mark McGwire
10. Harmon Killebrew
11. Rafael Palmiero
12. Reggie Jackson
13. Manny Ramirez
14. Mike Schmidt
15. Mickey Mantle
16. Ted Williams
17. Willie McCovey
18. Frank Thomas
19. Ernie Banks
20. Eddie Matthews
21. Gary Sheffield
22. Eddie Murray

CONTRIBUTING SOURCES:
BASEBALL-ALMANAC milestones
BASEBALL-REFERENCE milestones
Retrosheet milestones

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