Last Updated: June 17th, 2026 by Michael Griffin
Before launch angles and exit velocity, there was pure, raw baseball drama. The 1980s gave us home runs that weren’t just about distance – they were about moments that made millions of fans leap from their sofas, spill their drinks, and high-five total strangers. From the pine tar controversy to World Series heroics, these are the homers that defined a decade.
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Kirk Gibson’s Impossible World Series Homer (1988)
Two bad legs, one mighty swing, and Vin Scully’s perfect call: “In a year that has been so improbable, the impossible has happened!” Gibson could barely walk to the plate, yet somehow took Dennis Eckersley deep into the Los Angeles night. The fist pump rounding first base became baseball’s version of the mic drop, and Dodger Stadium’s roar could be heard all the way to Pasadena. We’re putting this at No. 1 because there are a couple of incidents on here that might upset Dodger faithful.
Ozzie Smith Goes Crazy, Folks! (1985)
This is one of those incidents. The Wizard of Oz had hit zero home runs left-handed in his career until Game 5 of the 1985 NLCS. Then, with one swing, he sent a Tom Niedenfuer (that name’s coming up again) pitch into the right field seats at Busch Stadium, causing Jack Buck to exclaim his famous “Go crazy, folks!” call. The backflipping shortstop finally hit one when it mattered most.
The Pine Tar Incident: George Brett’s Overturned Homer (1983)
It wasn’t just a home run – it was baseball theater at its finest. Brett’s go-ahead homer off Goose Gossage was nullified due to excessive pine tar, causing the Kansas City slugger to storm from the dugout like a man possessed. The called-back homer became an allowed homer, and the game was completed 25 days later. Only in baseball.
Reggie’s 500th: Mr. October in September (1984)
On a warm September night in Anaheim, Reggie Jackson became just the 13th player to reach the 500-homer plateau. The Angels’ DH sent a Bud Black pitch deep into the night, and in typical Reggie fashion, he circled the bases with a strut that only Mr. October could pull off.
Dave Henderson Silences the Angels (1986)
One strike away from elimination, the Red Sox seemed finished. Then Hendu turned on a Donnie Moore pitch, sending it over the left-field wall in Game 5 of the ALCS. His gleeful leap around the bases and permanent smile became an iconic moment of ’80s baseball, even if Boston’s joy would be short-lived in the World Series. Gene Mauch was once again the manager who couldn’t win the Big One.
Darryl Strawberry’s Roof Shot at Olympic Stadium (1988)
The Straw Man’s mammoth blast became instant Montreal folklore when it clanked off the upper reaches of Olympic Stadium – a feat never accomplished before or since. It was hit so hard that the initial camera lost track of it at first. Others had to show what happened. The sound of ball meeting metal echoed through Quebec like a thunderclap, and even the Expos fans had to stand and applaud the sheer power they’d witnessed.
Mike Schmidt’s 500th in Pittsburgh (1987)
On a chilly April afternoon at Three Rivers Stadium, Schmidt became the 14th member of the 500-homer club with a shot off Don Robinson. The Phillies’ third baseman rounded the bases with his trademark businesslike demeanor, but even he couldn’t suppress a smile when his teammates mobbed him at home plate.
Jack Clark Silences Dodger Stadium (1985)
Breathe deep, Dodger fans. With two outs in the ninth and the Cardinals trailing, Clark crushed (yup) Tom Niedenfuer’s pitch into the left field pavilion. The three-run blast stunned the Dodger faithful into silence, sent St. Louis to the World Series, and gave birth to the phrase “Jack the Ripper.” Sometimes, one swing can break 50,000 hearts.
Gary Carter’s Opening Day Walk-Off for the Mets (1985)
The Kid’s first game as a Met couldn’t have been scripted better. After a blockbuster trade from Montreal, Carter christened his Shea Stadium career with a walk-off blast in the 10th inning. The moment announced the Mets as serious contenders and started their march toward the 1986 World Series title after staying in contention during the entire ’85 season.
Canseco’s Monster Shot Clears the SkyDome (1989)
Before the steroid revelations and Twitter meltdowns, Jose Canseco’s at-bats were must-see. His blast off Mike Flanagan became the first to reach the Windows Restaurant at SkyDome, leaving even the most jaded baseball observers searching for new ways to describe what they’d just witnessed.