Two days removed from a historic four-home run game, Shawn Green made more history in leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to a 10-5 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks on May 25, 2002.
Green went 2-for-5 with two home runs and six RBI, becoming the first player in MLB history to hit seven homers in a span of three games. His barrage began with the aforementioned four home runs against the Milwaukee Brewers on May 23, followed by one in the series opener in Arizona the next night.
Green’s performance on this day in Dodgers history also set a National League record with nine home runs in a week. The mark of eight homers in one week was originally set by Ralph Kiner and later tied by Ted Kluszewski and Nate Colbert.
Formerly of the Dodgers, but at the time a member of the Washington Senators, Frank Howard holds the all-time MLB record with 10 home runs in a week, set during the 1968 season.
During his record-setting week, Green went 15-for-25 with two doubles, one triple, nine home runs, 17 RBI and three walks over six games.
He went on to finish the 2002 season batting .285/.385/.558 with 31 doubles, 42 home runs and 114 RBI. That year was Green’s lone All-Star campaign during his career with the Dodgers. Green also finished fifth in NL MVP voting, the highest placement of his career.
Dodgers trade Shawn Green
On Jan. 11, 2005, the Dodgers traded Green to the Diamondbacks in exchange for William Juarez, Danny Muegge, Dioner Navarro and Beltran Perez. The trade was completed eight days after MLB commissioner Bud Selig gave his approval.
Selig signing off on the trade was required due to the Dodgers sending $8 million to the Diamondbacks as part of the transaction. The deal was also contingent on Arizona and Green agreeing to an extension, which amounted to a three-year, $32 million contract.
Green hit .280/.366/.510 with 183 doubles, 12 triples, 162 home runs and 509 RBI in 798 games over five seasons with the Dodgers.
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