Boston Red Sox: Mookie Betts already entering record books
In just his fourth major league season, Boston Red Sox star Mookie Betts is entering the franchise’s record books.
Over the years, some of the greatest players in baseball history have called the Boston Red Sox home. From pure hitters like Tris Speaker, to the sluggers of modern times in David Ortiz and Manny Ramirez, to arguably the greatest player ever to set foot on the diamond in Ted Williams, the Red Sox have had quite a few legendary players. Over the years, 35 members of the MLB Hall of Fame spent time with the Red Sox, further illustrating the proud history of the franchise.
Through all those years, only two players had hit three homers in a single game three times in a Red Sox uniform – Williams and Mookie Betts. What the Splendid Splinter accomplished in his 19 year career, Betts had equaled in just his fourth full season in the majors.
After Wednesday’s slate of action, Betts now stands alone atop the Red Sox list of most three home run games. He teed off against Royals starter Danny Duffy, going deep in the fourth, fifth, and seventh innings of the Red Sox 5-4 victory.
More from Call to the Pen
- Philadelphia Phillies, ready for a stretch run, bomb St. Louis Cardinals
- Philadelphia Phillies: The 4 players on the franchise’s Mount Rushmore
- Boston Red Sox fans should be upset over Mookie Betts’ comment
- Analyzing the Boston Red Sox trade for Dave Henderson and Spike Owen
- 2023 MLB postseason likely to have a strange look without Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals
Betts reached that milestone in style. His first and third homers, which traveled 452 feet and 440 feet respectively, were the two longest he hit in his career. Those shots helped Betts to the major league lead with 11 homers for the 2018 campaign.
He not only made Red Sox history, but major league history as well. At just 25 years old, he joins Albert Pujols as the only active players with four three homer games. One of only 17 players to have that many three homer games, Betts also became the first player to do so before his 26th birthday.
This performance only furthers his already impressive resume. Betts has already made two All Star Games, and won the Silver Slugger award twice. He has finished in the top six of the MVP vote in each of the last two years, including a second place finish in 2016. He has won a Gold Glove and been named the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year. In only four seasons, Betts has a resume that many players would be jealous of.
Next: Say goodbye to Yawkey Way
Mookie Betts still has a long way to go before his career comes to an end. As it stands, he has alreday carved his name into the Boston Red Sox history books.