Green’s Last At-Bat
On May 23, 2002, Dodgers manager Jim Tracy initially intended to pinch-hit for Shawn Green in the ninth inning. However, Green convinced Tracy to let him have one more at-bat, reasoning that if a couple of players reached base, he could make history.
A Historic Achievement
Green capitalized on the opportunity that afternoon in Milwaukee, becoming the 14th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a single game. Since that day, the number of players achieving this feat has increased to 19, with Eugenio Suárez being the latest to join the ranks after hitting four for the Diamondbacks last Saturday.
Relevance in Baseball History
Whenever a new member joins the four-homer club, Green receives messages and mentions on social media. “It definitely pulls me back into relevance for that one day,” he remarked. This remarkable achievement is embedded in baseball lore, noted by legends such as Willie Mays and Lou Gehrig, as well as some unexpected names like Mark Whiten and Scooter Gennett.
Challenges of the Feat
A four-homer game occurs about once every seven years, and it doesn’t receive the same attention as a perfect game, which has been recorded 24 times. Green described it as a “fluke event,” indicating the rarity of such occurrences in the sport.
Team Dynamics
Suárez’s performance, despite being remarkable, was overshadowed by the fact that his team lost the game. For a player to hit four home runs, a team-wide offensive effort is often necessary, and historically, teams scoring fewer than seven runs have struggled in this regard.
Personal Experiences
Reflecting on his journey, Green revealed that his motivation stemmed not just from the pressure of making history but also from regaining confidence at the plate after a difficult stretch. He desired that final at-bat to continue his momentum and solidify his recent successes.
Comparisons in Baseball Achievements
While discussing the comparisons between a perfect game and hitting four home runs, Barry Larkin noted that a perfect game involves more uncontrolables, as opposed to the fortuitous nature of hitting multiple home runs. Ultimately, both achievement types require the right circumstances, leading to their unique significance in the sport.
