Josh Hamilton’s 4-Home Run Performance is Greatest in American League History
Last night all who were watching witnessed one of the greatest performances from behind the plate in major league history. Texas Rangers slugger Josh Hamilton belted four home runs in five at-bats, turning in what many consider the greatest performance in American League history.
Hamilton set the American League record with 18 total bases, one shy of the Major League record of 19 set by Shawn Green in 2002.
“Obviously it’s, other than being in the World Series, the highlight of my big-league career. I was saying after I hit two, I’ve never hit three in a game before, and what a blessing that was. Then to hit four is just an awesome feeling, to see how excited my teammates got.”
Amazingly, all four home runs game with a player on base, and even more incredibly that player was Elvis Andrus every time. Hamilton went 5-5 on the night with eight RBIs, the only non-homer being a double. You can’t help but wonder how awesome it would have been if Hamilton connected just a bit more on that double. A five homer night is something only legends dream of.
“It reminds you of when you’re in Little League and a little kid, and just the excitement and why we play the game,” Hamilton said. “Things like that. You never know what can happen. It was just an absolute blessing.”
To put into perspective how incredible this feat is, you need only look at how many have done it. Just 16 players in MLB history have gone yard four times in one game. 21 pitchers have thrown perfect games, which is often considered the toughest feat in baseball.
This year has been one of the most exciting in history and we’re only a month into the season. Already we’ve seen a perfect game, no hitter and a four homer performance. Never in MLB history has there been a perfect game and a four homer game.
Congrats Mr. Hamilton, enjoy your place in the history books.
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