Ronald Acuña Jr. makes his mark as the first player with 30 HR and 60 SB in a season
The historic season for the Atlanta Braves continued on Thursday evening under the stars in Los Angeles with a grand slam that will be remembered forever.
Ronald Acuña Jr. made more history as he hit his long-awaited 30th home run of the season. This gave the Atlanta Braves their 4th player with 30 or more homers. More importantly, this home run was historic.
Acuña came to the plate in the second inning at Dodger Stadium and on a 2-2 count with bases loaded, launched a grand slam into the left field seats. This made him the first player in MLB history to reach the mark of 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season.
Love hearing @IngramRadio make home run calls. It never gets old. https://t.co/ChdMUDybk7
— House That Hank Built (@HouseHankBuilt) September 1, 2023
He is the only player to accomplish this feat and for good reason. It takes a very special player to even come close to completing this task. For example, Eric Davis and Barry Bonds were both able to reach the mark of 30 home runs and 50 stolen bases in a season.
Acuña could potentially reach 70 stolen bases this season and set himself apart even more in the record books. There's a chance he could push for 40 home runs on the season and I think that would set him over the top for MVP. However, he will have to beat out Mookie Betts who is absolutely incredible right now and on pace for 40 homers himself.
"I feel very happy, I feel very special. I'm very thankful, I feel very privileged. It's not just about me, it's about the teammates and fan base to be able to share this moment"
Ronald's record breaking home run was also the 150th of his career. He has reached 150 homers and 150 steals in his career before the age of 25. The only other player to accomplish this feat is Mike Trout.
He had a big day yesterday as that grand slam was a big part of helping Atlanta secure an 8-7 win over the Dodgers in what was one of the most entertaining and nerve wracking games this season. Ronald also got married yesterday and I guess that's the secret to having a big night at the plate.
Matt Olson said after the game the secret must be the "power of love" and that he would "renew his vows tomorrow."
Acuña and the Braves will look to continue their great season in game two with the Dodgers this evening. Fans are being treated to an amazing series and getting to see 4 MVP candidates square off. I'm sure there will be more fireworks tonight as Max Fried faces off with Julio Urias.