The Last Home Run of the 20th Century

Stepping up to the plate in the eighth inning of Game 4 of the World Series vs. the Atlanta Braves on October 27, 1999, 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 and the Series, four games to none.

As this was the last scoring hit of the evening and 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 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.)

This is the ball that Leyritz hit for the last homer of the 20th century. Just think how many home runs were hit in between Monte Cross' and Jim Leyritz's home runs! The ball comes directly from Leyritz's ex-wife.