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In Major League Baseball, the 500 home run club is an informal term applied to the group of players who have hit 500 or more career home runs. In general, the 500th home run is not a surprise, as the player has been approaching the mark for some time. However, teams will often interrupt the game in which the player hits his 500th home run in order to honor him on reaching an historically significant milestone in what has been an excellent baseball career. The 500 home run club was "founded" by Babe Ruth in 1929. At the time, he had more than twice as many home runs as any other player.
Rarely mentioned are the 600 home run club and the 700 home run club, which have 4 and 3 members respectively.
See also: Top 500 Home Run Hitters of all time and the official website for the 500 home run club.
The club
At the start of the 2006 season, there were 20 players in the 500 home run club, but no active players between 450 and 500 home runs. As of July 15, there are four active players between 450 and 500 homers—Frank Thomas (467), Jim Thome (461), Manny Ramírez (459), and Gary Sheffield (453). Alex Rodriguez, currently at 449, is virtually certain to reach 450 in the near future. Although Jeff Bagwell is at 449 and still technically active, he been on the disabled list since the start of the season due to chronic shoulder problems that may force him to retire. No other active player has a realistic chance to reach 450 in 2006.
† indicates a still active player.
"500 home run club"