The Los Angeles Dodgers suffered a second consecutive loss to the San Diego Padres, but the night did include one highlight as Justin Turner collected his 1,000th career hit. Turner became the 1,343rd player in MLB history to reach the milestone.
He did so with a leadoff double in the second inning, which made for an easy opportunity to have the ball collected and authenticated. Turner went on to score one of the Dodgers’ two runs in their loss.
“That’s a big positive from tonight,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts said after the game. “It’s something Justin is and should be very proud of. A lot of people along the way helped him, but no more than himself. To reach that 1,000-hit milestone, considering where his career started, that’s quite an accomplishment.
“What he’s meant to the Dodgers, I’m big on legacy, and Justin’s legacy with the organization, fanbase and greater Los Angeles is going to live for a long time.”
Of his career hits, 781 have come with the Dodgers. Turner signed a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training in 2014, and has gone on to become everyday player and an All-Star in 2017.
Turner reached the Midsummer Classic via the now-defunct Final Vote process, setting a record in the process. For all his success on the field, the California State University Fullerton product is heralded just as much for his presence and leadership in the clubhouse, and contributions throughout the local community through the Justin Turner Foundation.
Prior to Turner, the last Dodgers player to reach 1,000 career hits coincidentally was Manny Machado in 2018. Machado surpassed the Angels’ Mike Trout as the youngest active player to achieve the milestone.
Reaching benchmarks against Padres
Turner became the Dodgers all-time hit by pitch leader during last week’s series at Petco Park. Like with his double, the 35-year-old immediately gestured for the ball to be recovered.
“I don’t think many kids are dreaming about holding that record,” he told DodgerBlue.com. “But I don’t think I’m catching anyone on the Dodgers home run list.”
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