Baseball Reference Blog
Top 5 Leaders in Postseason Home Runs
Posted by Darren Baker on November 22, 2024
(last updated on November 29, 2025)
When fall arrives, that means October memories are around the corner. When a player hits a monumental postseason home run for his team and city, he can become instantly immortalized. Even a seemingly ordinary MLB player can acquire folk hero status with a bomb at the appropriate moment. Just ask Bill Mazeroski, Bucky Dent, Jim Leyritz, and Matt Stairs. These blasts are what make baseball such great theater and pure Americana. But what players have hit the most long balls when it matters most in the fall? This list will look at the all-time leaders in postseason home runs.
It’s important to note that all of the names in this group are relatively recent. That’s simply because of the expansion of the MLB playoffs in the last 30 years. Ruth, DiMaggio, and Mantle only had the World Series to launch epic homers. Now the postseason has four rounds, so modern players have a lot more opportunities to build stats on the back of their card. That’s not to discount any players on this list. It’s just to help put things in perspective for baseball fans with a deep appreciation for the game’s history. You’ve heard enough preamble, so let’s count down the most prolific power hitters in postseason history … the Legends of the Fall.
Derek Jeter
Position: Shortstop
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-3, 195lb (190cm, 88kg)
Born:
June 26, 1974
Draft: Drafted by the New York Yankees in the 1st round (6th) of the 1992 MLB June Amateur Draft from Central HS (Kalamazoo, MI).
High School: Central HS (Kalamazoo, MI)
Debut:
May 29, 1995
(Age 20-337d,
16,670th in major league history)
vs. SEA 5 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Last Game:
September 28, 2014
(Age 40-094d)
vs. BOS 2 AB, 1 H, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 0 SB
Hall of Fame: Inducted as Player in 2020.
(Voted by BBWAA on 396/397 ballots)
View Derek Jeter’s Page at the Baseball Hall of Fame (plaque, photos, videos).
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 1996 season
Agents: Casey Close (Excel Sports Management) • Previously: CAA Sports (Jennifer Brasile)
National Team: us USA (WBC)
Full Name: Derek Sanderson Jeter
Nicknames: Mr. November, The Captain, Captain Clutch or DJ
Pronunciation: \JEE-ter\
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
View Player Bio from the SABR BioProject
- Hall of Fame
- Rookie of the Year
- 14x All-Star
- 5x World Series
- 5x Gold Glove
- 5x Silver Slugger
- WS MVP
- AS MVP
- Clemente
Career
71.3
11195
3465
260
.310
1923
1311
358
.377
.440
.817
115
As legendary Yankees PA Announcer Bob Sheppard would eloquently state, “Now batting for the New York Yankees … the shortstop, number 2, Derek Jeter … number 2.” The Captain appeared in about a season’s worth of playoff games as a Yankee (158), and he was a part of five World Series champions. His 20 postseason home runs are sixth all time. His first playoff round-tripper was the controversial home run against Baltimore in Game 1 of the ‘96 ALCS, where a fan reached over the fence to help the home team. This Hall of Famer didn’t look back after that. Since the Yanks were playoff fixtures, Jeter’s fall moments were numerous, but he may have shined brightest in the 2000 World Series against the Mets. In the Subway Series, he was the World Series MVP and led off Game 4 with a blast at Shea to demoralize the crosstown rivals. He followed that up with a game-tying homer in the series-clinching Game 5. In his postseason career, #2 is also the all-time leader in hits (200), runs (111), doubles (32), total bases (302), plate appearances (734), and games (158). There is no doubt Derek Jeter is an all-time baseball name, and being so high up on the all-time postseason homer list only validates that status.
Bernie Williams
Position: Centerfielder
Bats: Both • Throws: Right
6-2, 180lb (188cm, 81kg)
Born:
September 13, 1968
High School: Escuela Libre de Musica (Puerto Rico)
Debut:
July 7, 1991
(Age 22-297d,
15,977th in major league history)
vs. BAL 3 AB, 1 H, 0 HR, 2 RBI, 0 SB
Last Game:
October 1, 2006
(Age 38-018d)
vs. TOR 1 AB, 1 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 1991 season
Agents: Boras Corporation
Full Name: Bernabe Williams
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
View Player Bio from the SABR BioProject
Career
49.6
7869
2336
287
.297
1366
1257
147
.381
.477
.858
125
It shouldn’t be shocking that another member of the Yankees Core Four is on this list: Bernie Williams. The Yanks center fielder during their glorious run in the 1990s and 2000s is fifth all time in postseason home runs (22). His most memorable playoff moment may be his walk-off shot against the Orioles in Game 1 of the 1996 ALCS, a series where he was named MVP with 2 homers, 3 doubles, 6 RBIs, and a .474 batting average. Williams added another blast off the Braves in the ‘96 Fall Classic to help the Bronx Bombers to their first title in 18 years. Altogether, he hit five homers in his six World Series appearances as he helped the Yanks capture four championships. If you really examine Bernie’s postseason pop, you will find that he actually hit multiple long balls in six different series in his storied October career. Ironically, he sits second to his teammate #2 in all-time playoff hits (128), doubles (29), total bases (223), and plate appearances (545). However, this native Puerto Rican and four-time Gold Glover is the all-time playoff leader in RBIs (80). Bernie Williams was a very important Yankee during their dynasty of the late 90s and early 2000s, and he is also one of the most productive power hitters ever in the postseason.
Kyle Schwarber
Positions: Leftfielder and Designated Hitter
Bats: Left • Throws: Right
5-11, 229lb (180cm, 103kg)
Born:
March 5, 1993
Draft: Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 1st round (4th) of the 2014 MLB June Amateur Draft from Indiana University Bloomington (Bloomington, IN).
High School: Middletown HS (Middletown, OH)
School: Indiana University Bloomington (Bloomington, IN)
Debut:
June 16, 2015
(Age 22-103d,
20,918th in major league history)
vs. CLE 1 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 2015 season
2026 Contract Status: Free Agent
Service Time (01/2026): 10.086 • Free Agent: 2026
Agents: Excel Sports Management
National Team: us USA (WBC,College)
Full Name: Kyle Joseph Schwarber
Nicknames: Hulk, Schwarbs, Warbird or Schwarbie
Pronunciation: \SHWAR-burr\
Instagram: @kschwarb12
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
2025
Career
4.7
19.9
604
4544
145
1050
56
340
.240
.231
111
800
132
784
10
37
.365
.346
.563
.500
.928
.846
150
127
As an incredibly devout Phillies fan, I hope Kyle Schwarber elevates much higher on this list, but as of the moment he sits tied for third all time in postseason homers with 23. Schwarber’s playoff theatrics first came with the Chicago Cubs, then the Boston Red Sox, and now with the Philadelphia Phillies. Back in 2015 as a rookie, Schwarber immediately proved his October mettle by hitting five home runs for the Cubs in just nine games before they bowed out in the NLCS. That included some mammoth shots against the Pirates in the Wild Card Game and the Cardinals in the NLDS. Fast forward to 2021 in Boston when this former Hoosier took Gerrit Cole and the Yankees deep in the AL Wild Card Game. That heavy lifting extended into the ALCS against Houston as he blasted a grand slam at Fenway. Then in 2022 he helped lead the Phils to the Fall Classic with three bombs in the NLCS vs. the Padres. His 488-foot blast in Game 1 was one of the longest postseason homers ever. He added three long balls in the 2022 World Series in a losing effort to the Astros. Schwarbs continued his playoff pop in 2023 by belting four dingers in the NLCS. Then he led off Game 1 of the 2024 NLDS with a titanic clout. Most recently he bombed two homers more at Chavez Ravine in Game 3 of the 2025 NLDS to bring his current total to 23. Kyle Schwarber has been one of the most productive postseason bombers ever, and if me and other Phillies fans get their way, he will be much higher on this list soon.
George Springer
Position: Rightfielder
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-1, 220lb (185cm, 99kg)
Team: Toronto Blue Jays (majors)
Born:
September 19, 1989
Draft: Drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 48th round of the 2008 MLB June Amateur Draft from Avon Old Farms School (Avon, CT) and the Houston Astros in the 1st round (11th) of the 2011 MLB June Amateur Draft from University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT).
High School: Avon Old Farms School (Avon, CT)
School: University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT)
Debut:
April 16, 2014
(Age 24-209d,
20,587th in major league history)
vs. KCR 5 AB, 1 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 2014 season
2026 Contract Status: Signed thru 2026, 6 yrs/$150M (21-26)
Service Time (01/2026): 11.166 • Free Agent: 2027
Agents: Excel Sports Management • Previously: The Legacy Agency
National Team: us USA (College)
Full Name: George Chelston Springer
Nicknames: Horhay
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
2025
Career
4.8
42.3
498
5555
154
1480
32
293
.309
.266
106
982
84
796
18
120
.399
.353
.560
.478
.959
.831
161
128
The guy tied with Schwarber for third all time in postseason home runs had a scorching October in 2025: George Springer. Springer’s 23 playoff shots have come with the Houston Astros and the Toronto Blue Jays. In 2017, Springer was the World Series MVP as he tied a Fall Classic record with five homers in a series to help the franchise to its first ever title. He made this an autumn tradition by blasting four postseason homers in each of the following falls for Houston (2018, 2019, & 2020). Let’s skip to 2025. This veteran outfielder from UConn helped get the Jays to the World Series with four more playoff dingers, including a go-ahead, late-inning blast that nearly burned down Rogers Centre in Game 7 of the ALCS vs. Seattle. George Springer undeniably has that clutch gene, and that is why he has earned such a lofty spot on MLB’s all-time list of postseason home-run hitters.
Jose Altuve
Position: Second Baseman
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
5-6, 167lb (168cm, 75kg)
Team: Houston Astros (majors)
Born:
May 6, 1990
Debut:
July 20, 2011
(Age 21-075d,
20,014th in major league history)
vs. WSN 5 AB, 1 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 2011 season
2026 Contract Status: Signed thru 2029, 5 yrs/$125M (25-29)
Service Time (01/2026): 14.072 • Free Agent: 2030
Agents: Boras Corporation • Previously: Octagon
Full Name: Jose Carlos Altuve
Nicknames: Tuve
Pronunciation: \al-TOO-vay\
Instagram: @josealtuve27
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
2025
Career
0.5
53.4
588
7881
156
2388
26
255
.265
.303
80
1236
77
889
10
325
.329
.360
.442
.466
.771
.826
112
127
Jose Altuve may be small in stature, but he has come up huge in the biggest moments for the Houston Astros. As of now, Altuve is second all time in postseason home runs (27). It is no coincidence that this second baseman’s ascension has coincided with the Astros run of team success. Yes, he has won an AL MVP and three AL batting titles, but his postseason production is what truly makes him special. During Houston’s World Series title journey in 2017, #27 belted 7 homers and drove in 14 runs as the Stros brought home their first ever championship. That included three home runs in Game 1 of the ALDS against Boston (two off of nasty lefty Chris Sale) and two crucial round-trippers in the Fall Classic against the Dodgers. The little man’s biggest moment was probably his pennant-clinching, walk-off homer in Game 6 of the 2019 ALCS off of Aroldis Chapman and the Yankees; Altuve was named MVP of that series. Another unforgettably clutch delivery by Jose was his go-ahead, three-run bomb in the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2023 ALCS at Texas. Jose Altuve and his 27 playoff home runs have helped the Houston Astros to seven ALCS appearances, four AL pennants, and two World Series titles, and if one of the biggest little men in MLB history provides some more October power in the coming years, he might be the all-time leader in playoff home runs before we blink.
Manny Ramírez
Position: Outfielder
Bats: Right • Throws: Right
6-0, 225lb (183cm, 102kg)
Born: May 30, 1972 (Age: 52-123d) in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic do
Draft: Drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 1st round (13th) of the 1991 MLB June Amateur Draft from George Washington HS (New York, NY).
High School: George Washington HS (New York, NY)
Debut:
September 2, 1993
(Age 21-095d,
16,395th in major league history)
vs. MIN 4 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Last Game:
April 6, 2011
(Age 38-311d)
vs. LAA 1 AB, 0 H, 0 HR, 0 RBI, 0 SB
Rookie Status: Exceeded rookie limits during 1994 season
Agents: Boras Corporation • Previously: Eric Goldschmidt, Greg Genske, Jeff Moorad
Full Name: Manuel Aristides Ramírez
Nicknames: Man-Ram, Manny Being Manny or Mannywood
Pronunciation: \Ruh-MEER-ez\
View Player Info from the B-R Bullpen
View Player Bio from the SABR BioProject
Career
69.3
8244
2574
555
.312
1544
1831
38
.411
.585
.996
154
He may have been a little quirky, but there is no doubt Manny Ramirez was one of the most feared hitters in baseball during his career, and that ramped up during the playoffs, so it is no shock that Manny is the all-time leader in postseason home runs with 29. Ramirez had huge October moments with Cleveland, Boston, and LA. In 1995 and 1997, this outfielder was a part of high-octane Indian offenses that reached the World Series (only to lose in each attempt). Manny did his part with seven blasts in those two fall runs. Once this man got to Boston, he helped the Red Sox end the curse in 2004 and was the World Series MVP with a .412 batting average. He had an emphatic homer in Game 3 that helped silence the Cardinals faithful. Then in 2007, the Red Sox won another title with the help of a Ramirez walk-off jack in Game 2 of the ALDS over the Angels. After arriving in LA at the 2008 trade deadline, he powered the Dodgers to consecutive NLCS appearances. In fact, during the 2008 NL playoffs this owner of 555 lifetime home runs slammed 4 homers, hit .520, and had a 1.080 OPS. Aside from home runs, Man-Ram is tied for 1st in postseason walks (72), 2nd in RBIs (78), 4th in hits (117), and 4th in runs (67). Manny Ramirez made a huge impact for three different franchises when it mattered the most in October, and he holds the claim of the all-time MLB leader in postseason home runs.
FAQs
Randy Arozarena has the single-season postseason home-run record. He hit 10 home runs in the 2020 playoffs. It is important to note that it was the pandemic-shortened season, and there was an extra round of playoffs compared to the previous years.
The record for most home runs in a World Series game is three. Four players have done it: Babe Ruth (twice – 1926 & 1928), Reggie Jackson (1977), Alber Pujols (2011), and Pablo Sandoval (2012).
Manny Ramirez is the career postseason home-run leader with 29. He has done that with the Cleveland Indians (13), the Boston Red Sox (11), and the Los Angeles Dodgers (5).
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