Study the game with the naked eye or on the stats sheet, and you will quickly learn what those in the batter's box already know: hitting a home run is a tough job.
While many Major Leaguers bat for average by putting the ball on the ground before hustling to get on base, those hitting clean-up set their sights a little further beyond the in-field.
Although brilliant fielders and the fleet of foot have entertained fans for well over a century, the long bombers still win the loudest of their cheers.
From a pair of Bash Brothers in the Bay Area to a Polar Bear in Queens Borough, here is the full list of Major League Baseballers to have hit at least 33 home runs in their rookie season.
| Player | Home runs | Season | Team |
| Pete Alonso | 53 | 2019 | New York Mets |
| Aaron Judge | 52 | 2017 | New York Yankees |
| Mark McGwire | 49 | 1987 | Oakland Athletics |
| Cody Bellinger | 39 | 2017 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Frank Robinson | 38 | 1956 | Cincinnati Reds |
| Wally Berger | 38 | 1930 | Boston Braves |
| Albert Pujols | 37 | 2001 | St. Louis Cardinals |
| Al Rosen | 37 | 1950 | Cleveland Indians |
| Jose Abreu | 36 | 2014 | Chicago White Sox |
| Mike Piazza | 35 | 1993 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
| Ron Kittle | 35 | 1983 | Chicago White Sox |
| Rudy York | 35 | 1937 | Detroit Tigers |
| Hal Trosky Sr. | 35 | 1934 | Cleveland Indians |
| Ryan Braun | 34 | 2007 | Milwaukee Brewers |
| Walt Dropo | 34 | 1950 | Boston Red Sox |
| Ryan Mountcastle | 33 | 2021 | Baltimore Orioles |
| Jose Canseco | 33 | 1986 | Oakland Athletics |
| Earl Williams | 33 | 1971 | Atlanta Braves |
| Jimmy Hall | 33 | 1964 | Minnesota Twins |
