Red Sox: Mookie Betts joins a historical group of young sluggers
The Boston Red Sox expected Mookie Betts to have a stronger season than he has but despite the young slugger’s “down” year, he is making history.
Unfortunately for the Boston Red Sox, prized outfielder Mookie Betts is not in the running for American League MVP again this season. However, due to recent changes in his stance and an offensive surge, Betts is showing off his elite hitting ability and joining an impressive group of sluggers in historical fashion.
Betts, in his “down” year this season has 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases yet again after doing so last year. This accomplishment has made him the first Red Sox player to hit for 20 homers and steal 20 bags in back-to-back seasons. While that is a great feat for Betts and for the Boston organization, Betts also made history on September 12th against the Oakland Athletics.
Betts hit a triple and two home runs in that Tuesday night rout and he became part of an elite group of young hitters. That night Betts recorded his 10th game where he hit three extra-base hits while being under the age of 25. And that 10th game put him in company with legends.
According to the Red Sox Media Relations, the leaderboard for the most three extra-base hit games before turning 25 (since 1913) reads as follows:
- Alex Rodriguez – 11 games
- Joe DiMaggio – 11 games
- Lou Gehrig – 10 games
- Mookie Betts – 10 games
As you can see, Betts is now tied with Gehrig and only one more behind DiMaggio and Rodriguez. Unfortunately, Betts turns 25-years old on October 7th which is right around the corner. He likely will not have another three extra-hit base game before then, but as many baseball fans know, anything is possible. Boston faces off with Baltimore, Cincinnati, Toronto, and Houston before the season ends.
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The Boston Red Sox are surely proud of Mookie Betts for making history within their own storied franchise but this other accomplishment by the young outfielder is very impressive. Betts has had a bit of a rough season, but it is moments like this that last forever. The team is still trying to secure the American League East division title and Betts is leading the offensive charge with his red-hot bat.