Everyone stand up and thank Torii Hunter for stating the obvious. After learning that home runs were down around Major League Baseball in the biggest drop in 15 years, the Los Angeles Angels center fielder said the following:

“I think the steroid testing has something to do with it,” he said. “If there were any guys who were taking it, they’re not taking it anymore. I’d say it’s a small percentage, but of course it’s going to have an impact.”

We appreciate Hunter bringing this to our attention, but everyone, even non-baseball fans, knew that home run production would drop drastically after MLB instituted this drug testing policy.

According to an ESPN.com story, 2.01 home runs were hit this season, with Detroit Tigers infielder Miguel Cabrera leading the American League (37) and Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Ryan Howard topping the National League (48). Hunter went on to say the NL has advantage in long balls with more smaller parks.

Everyone likes the home run. It’s sexy, flashy and downright beastly, at times. But, what’s wrong with a few stolen bases, hit-and-runs, sacrifice bunts and putting the strategy back into the game. I certainly don’t mind it. But then again, chicks dig the long ball, as Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine remind us.

Image: Newscom

Today on the Thursday 10, I’m bringing you 10 of the funniest commercials involving current and former Major League Baseball players. The commercials are in no particular order. Sit back and enjoy the show.

I’ll kick things off with a commercial that wasn’t on my first list, but while watching another, it was recommended and I loved it. It’s a Dunkin’ Donuts spot with former Boston Red Sox player Johnny Damon and General Manager Theo Epstein. Damon has a secret and Epstein is reaping the benefits of knowing what it is. Take a look.

The next video is one that I would consider the greatest commercial of all-time that involves MLB players. Here’s a hint, “Come on, Alice!” It stars Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine with an appearance by Mark McGwire. Have a look at why chicks dig the long ball.

Before running across this next video on YouTube, I had honestly never heard or seen it before. But, this is a hilarious video. It’s about the New York Yankees and a new dance move. Seen in the commercial are David Cone and Luis Sojo, talking about what Orlando Hernandez has done in the nightclub scene.

The best part of this next commercial is the very end. It’s really slow at first, but the line fired off by former MVP Justin Morneau makes it worth the wait. Several All-Star players wait in line for a store to open and Morneau appears to jump at the front of the line. Take a look.

Let’s take a trip back to the mid-70s for this next clip. Did you know Pete Rose could sing? If you didn’t, you do now… Check it out.

The Seattle Mariners have some great marketing people. I’ve run across about 10-15 commercials that could have made this list and some that are just great commercials, but this is one of the best. It seems long ago since Ken Griffey, Jr. wore a Mariners jersey with the number 24 on the back, but I bet Seattle fans would love to see this on the field.

Here’s another great spot highlighting Griffey from Nike. Griffey takes aim at a fan’s sign that says, “Hit it here!”

Here’s another local team commercial. This one is from this season - a Minnesota Twins preseason spot. The entire Twins pitching staff is standing out on the field and about to sing you a song. Make sure you take a look at the groundskeeper that is watering the field during the song.

This next commercial is the only one that I’ve seen that even comes close to the Maddux and Glavine long ball spot. It’s a Pepsi commercial where Vladimir Guerrero and Alex Rodriguez have a little hitting contest that ends when the lights go out. Have a look.

The last commercial I have today is another fairly recent commercial by Vitamin Water. It stars David Ortiz and Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher on the badminton court. The slam of the shuttlecock by Ortiz is hilarious.

I’m sure I missed some other very funny commercials. So, let me know about it. Which commercial do you think is the funniest? Also, make sure you check back next Thursday for 10 of the worst commercials ever made that star MLB players.