37-Year-Old Mike Hessman Sets MiLB Record with 433 Career Home Runs

After spending the majority of his professional career in the minors, Toledo Mud Hens infielder Mike Hessman (Triple-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers) now owns the MiLB record for career home runs.

And he broke the record in style.

In the bottom of the seventh inning of Monday's game against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies), Hessman crushed a 2-0 pitch over the left field wall for a go-ahead grand slam. 

The 37-year-old Hessman's 16th long ball of the season gave him 433 career home runs in the minors, breaking a tie with Buzz Arlett (who played from 1918-1937) for the most in MiLB history. 

Here's what Hessman had to say about the record, per Kelsie Heneghan of MiLB.com:

"

The home run was the last thing on my mind, to be honest. We were down a couple runs, so I just wanted to make sure that we got one of those runs in and help the team get closer. ...

I just enjoyed the pursuit of it all and everything that's taken place. I've never looked at it, what else is out there, but this is probably the most special one for me. And then I just [want to] try to go out there and still have fun and play the game hard.

"

Hessman, who the Atlanta Braves drafted in the 15th round of the 1996 MLB draft, has spent much of the past 13 years at the Triple-A level. He has had a few stints in the majors during that time, however. The slugger has 14 home runs in 109 major league games.

[MiLB.com]