Los Angeles Dodgers rookie Cody Bellinger became the fastest player in Major League history to 21 career home runs, doing so in 51 games. It was previously held by Wally Berger of the Boston Braves, as he needed 55 games in 1930.
Bellinger had previously tied New York Yankees catcher Gary Sanchez for most home runs (19) in his first 50 career games. Bellinger put on a power display early against the New York Mets on Monday night.
His three-run home run in the first inning gave the Dodgers a 4-0 lead, and his solo homer in the second inning extended it to 7-0. Bellinger’s second home run was the backend of back-to-back homers with Justin Turner.
The multi-home run game was Bellinger’s fifth this season, which ties Mike Piazza’s Dodgers rookie record. Corey Seager put together four multi-homer games in 2016.
What’s more, Bellinger is the fastest rookie to five multi-home run games. He shattered Mark McGwire’s record, which was 84 games.
Piazza holds the Dodgers rookie record with 35 home runs in a single season. Joc Pederson (2015) and Seager (2016) each slugged 26 home runs during their respective rookie campaigns. Bellinger figures to eclipse Piazza’s mark, even if he isn’t able to sustain the current pace.
Bellinger’s barrage of home runs has pushed him one ahead of Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Eric Thames for the lead in the National League. Thames has appeared in 14 more games this season.
The Dodgers’ 21-year-old rookie is tied for second-most home runs in the Majors and is two shy of catching Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge for the MLB lead. Judge has appeared in 65 games this year.
