Mookie Betts Ties MLB Record with 10th Leadoff Homer for Dodgers
Los Angeles, CA – Mookie Betts of the Los Angeles Dodgers made history on Saturday night, hitting his 10th leadoff home run of the season. With this achievement, Betts now shares the record for the most leadoff homers in the first half of a season in major league history.
Betts’ impressive 408-foot solo shot came on only the second pitch of the game by Angels starter Reid Detmers. The home run was also Betts’ 26th of the season, further solidifying his position as a power hitter.
By equaling the mark set by San Francisco’s Bobby Bonds in 1973, Betts has now tied for seventh all-time with Philadelphia’s Jimmy Rollins in leadoff homers, with both players boasting 46 throughout their careers. Additionally, Betts broke the Dodgers’ single-season record of nine leadoff homers, previously held by Joc Pederson in 2019.
Teammate Freddie Freeman praised Betts, saying, “Seems like every swing he’s barreling up the ball… For 30, 35 games now, it’s been that special.”
Betts’ achievement marks the ninth time in MLB history that a player has reached 10 leadoff homers in a single season, according to ESPN Stats & Information. The most recent player to accomplish this feat was Jose Altuve, who hit 12 leadoff homers last season. The all-time record for a season stands at 13, set by Alfonso Soriano in 2003.
In addition to his historic home run, Betts went 3-for-4 with two homers, a double, and four RBIs in the Dodgers’ 11-4 victory over the Angels on Friday night. His exceptional performance has led to his selection to participate in the Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star festivities in Seattle on Monday.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts commented on Betts’ dedication, saying, “Mookie might be the only guy that wants to play through the break.”
With this record-breaking season, Betts continues to establish himself as one of the premier leadoff hitters in the league. As the Dodgers chase postseason success, Betts’ power and consistency will undoubtedly be crucial in their pursuit of a championship.
(Note: The Associated Press contributed to this report.)