MLB breaks record for home runs in season

[September 20, 2017]    (Reuters) - Major League Baseball set a record for home runs in a single season on Tuesday with Kansas City Royals outfielder Alex Gordon's round-tripper in Toronto making it 5,694 for the year.

 Royals left fielder Alex Gordon hits a solo home run against the Cleveland Indians during the third inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

The previous record was set in 2000 during what has been dubbed the "Steroid Era".

Miami's Giancarlo Stanton has led the power resurgence this season with a league-leading 55 home runs, while rookie Aaron Judge has 44 to top the American League.

In 2014, there were only 4,186 home runs, the lowest total in a non strike-affected season since 1993. While there has been speculation that the upsurge in home runs is a result of changes to the baseballs themselves, MLB has denied it made any alterations to the ball.

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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