MINNEAPOLIS — With his first swing of the day on Saturday, José Ramírez made history.
Ramírez blasted a first-inning solo homer off Twins starter Joe Ryan, his 30th of the season. That made him the first player in franchise history with three 30-30 seasons — as in, 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases.
It was part of a big afternoon for the Guardians, who beat the Twins 6-0 at Target Field. They picked up another game on the reeling Tigers, who blew a lead in the ninth inning and lost 6-5 to the Braves. Cleveland enters Game 2 of Saturday’s doubleheader trailing first-place detroit by just 1 1/2 games in the AL Central. The Guardians also pulled to a game behind Houston and Boston for the third AL Wild Card spot.
Ramírez Joins Elite Company in MLB History
Ramírez is now the second switch-hitter and second third baseman in MLB history with three 30-30 seasons. He joins former Mets slugger Howard Johnson in both categories. Only Alfonsio Soriano (four times), Bobby Bonds (five) and Barry Bonds (five) have more than two 30-30 seasons.
A Historic Weekend for Power and Speed
Its already been a historic weekend for ramírez, who stole his 40th base of the season on Friday night. Coupled with his 41-steal season last year, it made him the fourth player in franchise history with at least two 40-steal seasons.He joins Kenny Lofton (six times), Omar Vizquel (twice) and Brett Butler (twice) in that exclusive club.
Moreover, only Ramírez, Bobby Bonds (four times), Barry Bonds (twice) and Soriano (twice) have multiple 30-homer, 40-steal seasons.And with 31 doubles on the season,Ramírez joins Barry Bonds (three times) and Soriano (four times) as the only players with three 30-30-30 seasons – those combining home runs,doubles,and stolen bases.
Why: José Ramírez achieved a historic milestone by hitting his 30th home run and stealing his 30th base this season,becoming the first player in Guardians franchise history to record three 30-30 seasons.
who: José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians is the central figure, with mentions of howard Johnson, Alfonsio Soriano, Bobby Bonds, Barry Bonds, Kenny Lofton, Omar Vizquel, and Brett Butler as comparisons.
What: Ramírez hit a first-inning solo home run,securing his third 30-30 season. The Guardians also won their game against the Twins 6-0, closing the gap in the AL Central race.
How: Ramírez’s 30th home run,combined with his already achieved 30 stolen bases,marked the milestone. The Guardians’ win and the Tigers’ loss narrowed the division lead to 1.5 games. The game ended with a 6-0 victory for the Guardians.
