After one of the greatest second halves in history in 1998 (.387–31–86), Belle moved to Baltimore and cozy Camden Yards. Prior to ’99, experts predicted 50, 60, even 70 home runs from the brawny slugger. Even if he clubs “just” 44 per year (his pace since 1995), he’d reach 500 in early ’03. Milestone: 500…

Albert, who had led the majors with 50 homers in the year before the “Year of the Home Run,” hit 48 more in 1996 to complete one of the more incredible two-year power binges in recent memory. The Indians’ intense slugger hit homers at a pace of one every 11.7 at-bats over that span.

Despite a season shortened to just 144 games, Belle became just the 12th man in the history of the game to hit 50 home runs in a season in 1995. Along with his 50 long balls, Albert also drove in 126 runs and scored another 121.

Coming up with the bases loaded, his team two runs behind and Angels reliever Lee Smith on the mound, Albert belted a ninth-inning grand slam to give the Indians a 7-5 comeback win 7-18-95.

Watch this guy. I can’t believe it. He doesn’t miss over his head, it doesn’t matter. He must have been watching a game last year, was an amateur and dreamed of hitting balls over his head, and he crushes it to right field, to center field, straight away — unbelievable. You can’t get him out…