Expert: Tom Schott - 9/23/2007

Question
Hi Tom, since you specialise in 19th century baseball who hit the first and last homeruns in the last century 1900-1999 counting post season ?

Answer
Hi Jeff,

I'll quote my source directly:

The Last Home Run of the 20th Century

Stepping up to the plate in the eighth inning of Game Four of the World Series on October 27, 1999 vs. the Braves, Jim Leyritz smacked a home run to extend the Yankees lead to four to one, the same score by which they would win the game. They won the Series that night, four games to none, one inning later.

As there was no further scoring in this game, and that it ended up being the last game of the Series, Leyritz's shot turned out to be the last home run hit in the 20th century.

[The First Home Run of the 20th Century]

The first home run of the century was hit on April 19, 1900, by Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Monte Cross - one of the worst-hitting position players in history. He smashed a three-run homer on the way to a 19-17 victory over the Boston Beaneaters.

http://www.seth.com/coll_histbseballs_12.html