El Bullpen: 400 for Cruz, Celebrations in Houston and Peña Honored in Tampa
By Tab Bamford
The Boomstick reaches a milestone
Before the 2019 season began Nelson Cruz shared a confident prediction with the Twins’ front office. He was going to get 400 career home runs this season.
At the end of spring training, Nelson Cruz told me he planned to hit his 400th HR this season because he had a charity idea this winter (meaning he needed to hit 40 this year)...he also told me to plan on playing October baseball at Target Field.
— Dustin Morse (@morsecode) September 22, 2019
His word seems good.#MNTwins
He reached that mark with his 40th of the season.
.@Twins slugger Nelson Cruz on becoming the 57th player in @MLB history to hit 400 home runs: "It's a dream come true" pic.twitter.com/Z7gCsFs715
— FOX Sports North (@fsnorth) September 22, 2019
Launching in Houston
Before Sunday’s game, the Astros celebrated the heritage of their Latino players.
When the game started, the Astros were intent on clinching the American League West. George Springer had never hit three home runs in a game before. Springer went yard in his first three at bats and the West was won.
Rays honor Peña
Carlos Peña was honored by the Rays. Peña spent five years in Tampa during which time he appeared in an All-Star Game, won a Gold Glove Award and a Silver Slugger Award. Congrats, Carlos!
More Eloy History
Eloy Jiménez became the youngest player in White Sox history to hit 30 home runs in a season.
Eloy Jiménez hits his 8th HR of September today and his 30th of the season.
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) September 22, 2019
At 22 years old, Jiménez is the youngest player in White Sox history to hit 30 HR in a single season. The Big Hurt, Frank Thomas, held the previous mark when he hit 32 HR in his age-23 season. pic.twitter.com/LQ3HTIxjBm
A toast at Wrigley
The Cardinals were able to raise a glass after completing a historic four-game sweep. Sunday’s loss was the fifth consecutive one-run loss for the Cubs, the first time that has happened to the organization since late July 1915. The postseason is assured for the Cardinals.
Pro Post of the Day
Miguel Rojas continued his tradition of sharing his season with the fans.
Thank you @Marlins fans. Looking forward to see you all again in 2020 ? https://t.co/cxB0hBNWeP
— Miguel Rojas (@MRojasOfficial) September 22, 2019
Fan Post of the Day
A beautiful night for a ballgame in Tijuana.
OTD
2012 – Albert Pujols reached 100 RBI for the 11th time in his 12 major league seasons.
2008 – Manny Ramirez joined Carlos Beltran as the only major leaguers in history to record 50 RBI in each league in a season.
2001 – Sammy Sosa became the first player in history to hit three home runs in a game three times in a season.
2001 – Alex Rodriguez hit his 48th home run of the year to set a new major-league record for shortstops.
2001 – Mariano Rivera established a new Yankees franchise single-season record with his 47th save.
1988 – Jose Canseco became the first player in big league history to hit 40 home runs and steal 40 bases in a single season.
1956 – Ozzie Virgil became the first Dominican to reach the majors. The 23-year-old played third base for the Giants.
Happy birthday!
González Germen (b. 1987)
Miguel González (b. 1983)
Óscar Zamora (b. 1944)
Marcelino López (b. 1943)
Winston Llenas (b. 1943)
Featured Image: Minnesota Twins Instagram