Expert: Tom Schott - 5/13/2008

Question
I am wondering who (and how many) has the record for the most HRs in their
career before hitting their first grand slam.

I am watching the Brewers right now and they just mentioned Prince Fielder
has 85 w/o one but I'm guessing the answer is really high.

Thanks!

Answer
Ty,

 Sorry I cannot answer this one completely, but I can tell you what I've found. I cannot be precise with the resources I have; I can only get close since although I can pinpoint the season of their first grand slam, I cannot say at what point they hit it and how many HRs they had so far in that season. But you could safely assume that the numbers below are higher in every case. Also my information will only be good through the 1995 season: my resources won't allow more, except in Jeter's case. I can give you an idea though. You are correct that the number is a lot higher than 85.

Number of HRs Hit before First Grand Slam

Kirk Gibson: at least 192 HRs
Bob Horner: at least 188 HRs
Goose Goslin: at least 169 HRs
Ricky Henderson: at least 169 HRs
Kevin Mitchell: at least 162 HRs
Mel Ott: at least 153 HRs
Elston Howard: at least 152 HRs
Derron Johnson: at least 150 HRs
Sammy Sosa: at least 131 HRs*
Jose Canseco: at least 128 HRs
Tommy Henrich: at least 128 HRs
Fred Lynn: at least 127 HRs
Derek Jeter: at least 127 HRs
George Scott: at least 125 HRs
Kirby Puckett: at least 123 HRs
Tommy Harper: at least 118 HRs
Craig Nettles: at least 105 HRs
Gene Woodling: at least 102 HRs

*had not hit a grand slam through 1995