In baseball, a home run is scored when the batter hits the ball out of the field of play. This usually requires the batter to hit the ball high and far, sending it over the outfield fence. Bunting, on the other hand, is a technique where the batter gently taps the ball to put it in play. Bunts are often used as a strategic play to advance runners, rather than trying to get a hit. So at first glance, it may seem impossible to hit a home run by bunting. But there have been a few incredibly rare instances in baseball history where a bunt has resulted in a home run.
What is bunting in baseball?
A bunt is a specialized batting technique where the batter gently taps the ball into play rather than taking a full swing. The purpose is usually to surprise the defense and allow the batter to safely reach first base. Bunts are often used strategically to advance runners into scoring position. In a bunt, the batter angles the bat to tap the ball into the infield, either diagonally towards first or third base. This allows the batter to run to first before any fielders can retrieve the ball.
There are several types of bunts in baseball:
- Sacrifice bunt – Advances a runner at the expense of giving up an out.
- Drag bunt – The batter bunts towards first base, allowing them to run down the line before the ball arrives.
- Squeeze bunt – Tries to score a runner from third when the defense isn’t expecting a bunt.
Bunting requires finesse and precision, with the goal of placing the ball away from fielders to allow the batter to safely reach base. It is rarely used as a strategy to hit for power.
What is a home run in baseball?
In baseball, a home run is scored when the batter hits the ball out of the playing field, resulting in an automatic run scored for the batting team. To hit a home run, the batter usually swings hard at the pitch, making solid contact to drive the ball high and deep into the outfield stands.
For a hit to be considered a home run, the following must happen:
- The ball must clear the outfield fence in fair territory.
- It must land completely outside the field of play.
- The batter must run all four bases to score.
Home runs are the most valuable hit in baseball. They automatically score 1 run (or up to 4 if there are runners on base). Home runs require tremendous power and bat speed from the hitter. The average Major League home run travels over 400 feet after being hit at over 100 mph off the bat.
Have there been any bunt home runs in MLB history?
In the over 150 year history of Major League Baseball, there have only been a few extremely rare instances of a batter hitting a home run by bunting:
- On July 13, 2019, Jon Berti of the Miami Marlins hit a bunt against the New York Mets that cleared the left field fence for a home run. This is the only fair territory bunt home run in MLB history.
- In 1951, Melvin Ott of the New York Giants hit a bunt down the first base line against the Boston Braves. It rolled foul, then spun back into fair territory and passed the fence for a home run.
- In 1927, Jimmie Foxx (playing for the Philadelphia Athletics) bunted against the Cleveland Indians. It also rolled foul before spinning into fair territory for a homer.
There may have been a few additional bunt homers in the early 20th century, but clear records are not readily available. In over 200,000 games played, only a few bunt home runs have ever been recorded.
Details on the only fair territory bunt homerun
On July 13, 2019, Jon Berti of the Miami Marlins made history by hitting the first and only fair territory bunt home run in Major League history. It happened at Citi Field in New York against the Mets.
In the top of the 6th inning, Berti came up to bat against Mets pitcher Walker Lockett. With two strikes in the count, Berti surprise-bunted the ball down the third base line. The ball rolled perfectly down the line, hugging the chalk. It maintained just enough speed to pass the left field pole in fair territory for a home run.
The homer stunned observers, who couldn’t believe a bunt could have enough force to clear the fences. The distance was estimated at 348 feet. Berti was the first player ever to hit an undisputable fair territory bunt home run in an MLB game.
| Batter | Pitcher | Date | Inning | Outs | Count | Fair/Foul | Estimated Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jon Berti | Walker Lockett | 7/13/2019 | Top 6th | 0 | 2 strikes | Fair | 348 feet |
Other rare bunt homers
There were a couple other bunt homers in MLB history that initially rolled foul before curling back into fair territory:
Melvin Ott – 1951
- Bunted against Boston Braves pitcher Mickey Haefner
- Rolled foul down first base line then spun fair
- Ott was known for hitting some bunt homers during batting practice
Jimmie Foxx – 1927
- Bunted against Cleveland Indians pitcher Willis Hudlin
- Also rolled foul before spinning into fair territory
- Foxx was surprised the bunt went over the fence
While these bunts technically did result in home runs, some baseball experts discount them since they initially rolled foul. The 2019 Jon Berti bunt is considered the only undisputed fair territory bunt homer in MLB history.
Why are bunt home runs so rare?
There are several reasons why bunt home runs are nearly impossible and extremely rare in Major League games:
- Bunting technique – Bunts are intended to dribble the ball on the infield, not hit it with force. Bunts use a controlled, redirected force rather than swing momentum.
- Direction – Bunts go down the third or first base line. Achieving distance down the line is unlikely.
- Speed off the bat – The speed of a bunted ball is much slower than a hit from a full swing. Bunts are fielded by infielders, not outfielders.
- Bat angle – The bat angle is angled downward on a bunt, making a lofted ball unlikely.
These factors make bunts highly unlikely to ever carry over the outfield fence. In most cases, bunting a homer would require tremendous luck with the exact angle, spin, and conditions.
Could another fair territory bunt homer happen?
While highly improbable, there is a possibility we could see another fair territory bunt home run at some point in MLB’s future. However, it would likely require a perfect combination of:
- A fast infield playing surface
- Perfect bunt angle and exit velocity
- Precise spin to keep the ball straight and in fair territory
- A shallow left or right field porch
- Ideal wind and weather conditions
The odds are firmly against it. But after Jon Berti’s improbable homer, we can’t fully rule out an exact right set of circumstances leading to another fair bunt homer someday.
Famous players who bunted home runs
While bunt homers are extremely rare, a few legendary players have pulled off the unlikely feat:
- Mel Ott – New York Giants slugger had bunt homers in batting practice
- Jimmie Foxx – Philadelphia Athletics infielder bunted a foul-spinning homer
- Wade Boggs – Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer bunted for power in batting practice
- Jon Berti – Only player with a fair bunt homer, accomplishing the miracle shot in 2019
Ott and Foxx played in the 1920s and 30s. Though rare, bunt homers have fascinated players and fans for generations due to the sheer improbability.
Bunt home run myth: Mickey Mantle
There is an urban legend that Mickey Mantle once bunted a ball that cleared the fence during spring training. However, this has been largely debunked as a myth. There is no evidence Mantle ever bunted a documented homer in a game.
Manager and player reactions to bunt home runs
Given the extreme rarity, bunt home runs often elicit shocked reactions from managers, players, and fans alike. Here are some notable reactions to the only fair territory bunt homer:
- Mets manager Mickey Callaway: “I’ve never seen a bunt go that far.”
- Marlins manager Don Mattingly: “Jon ran one play good today. That was about it.”
- Berti on his emotions after the bunt homer: “I was just shocked. Everyone else was equally as shocked.”
- Berti on the celebration at home plate: “That was by far my most excited trip around the bases.”
The unprecedented feat was celebrated despite Berti and the Marlins losing the game 6-2. Both clubs recognized the moment as an unforgettable rarity in baseball history.
Conclusion
In conclusion, bunt home runs are one of the rarest feats in baseball. The extreme unlikelihood comes from bunting technique inhibiting distance or loft. In over 150 years, only Berti’s fair bunt homer and a couple foul-spinning bunts have ever cleared the fences.
Seeing another fair territory bunt homer would require extraordinary circumstances aligning perfectly. While we can’t rule it out, the probabilities remain astronomically low. Jon Berti’s 2019 bunt shot stands on its own as a one-of-a-kind moment that stunned baseball fans and experts alike.