UPDATE: In a thrilling moment for baseball fans, Bobby Witt Jr. of the Kansas City Royals hit his 100th career home run during a decisive game against the Texas Rangers on July 25, 2023. The two-run shot in the eighth inning contributed to the Royals’ 5-2 victory, marking their fifth consecutive win. This achievement places Witt among a select group of elite players in Major League Baseball history.
Witt, who is just 26 years old, has now made history as the youngest player in Royals franchise history to reach the 100-homer milestone, surpassing Carlos Beltran by over a year. “I want him up there every inning,” said Royals manager Matt Quatraro, acknowledging the immense pressure on the young star. “He has the physical ability, the makeup, and the mental capacity to handle it.”
The pivotal homer came off Texas reliever Cole Winn, traveling an impressive 449 feet to dead center field. Witt joins an exclusive club, becoming only the fourth player in MLB history to record at least 100 home runs and 100 stolen bases in his first four seasons, alongside legends like Julio Rodríguez and Darryl Strawberry.
As the Royals continue their push for a wild-card spot, Witt’s performance remains vital. He is currently hitting .291 with 18 homers and 69 RBIs this season. His consistency is praised by teammates, including Seth Lugo, who noted, “He goes about his business the same way… He’s a master of consistency.”
Witt’s accolades extend beyond his batting prowess; he is also a skilled fielder with a Gold Glove award. Last season, he led the majors with a .332 batting average, hitting 32 home runs and stealing 31 bases. Although his current numbers may not exactly mirror last year’s, his 32 stolen bases this season showcase his continued speed and agility on the base paths.
With the Royals winning five games in a row and seven of their last eight, every match is critical as they strive for postseason contention. As Witt himself stated, “It was special… but now it’s just on to the next game.” The Royals face the Rangers again tonight, with fans eager to see how this young star continues to shine.
Witt’s milestone not only highlights his individual talent but also intensifies the excitement surrounding the Royals as they fight for a place in the playoffs. This is a story that fans will be following closely, and it’s clear that Bobby Witt Jr. is a name to watch in the coming games as he cements his legacy in baseball history.
