Major League Baseball history is filled with incredible feats and unforgettable moments, but one of the rarest occurrences in the sport is a player hitting four home runs in a single game. Throughout the history of the game, only 18 players have achieved this remarkable feat, leaving a lasting mark on the record books. Let’s take a closer look at each of these historic performances and the players who made them happen.
One of the most recent instances of a player hitting four home runs in a game came from J.D. Martinez of the Arizona Diamondbacks on September 4, 2017. Martinez, who was acquired by the D-backs mid-season, put on a power display against the Los Angeles Dodgers, hitting four home runs off four different pitchers. This made him only the third player on record to accomplish this impressive feat.
Another memorable performance came from Scooter Gennett of the Cincinnati Reds on June 6, 2017. Gennett, who had only hit three home runs on the season prior to this game, shocked the baseball world by hitting four home runs in a single game. This unlikely display of power showcased Gennett’s ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.
In 2012, Josh Hamilton of the Texas Rangers put on a show for the ages, hitting four two-run home runs in a game against the Baltimore Orioles. Hamilton’s remarkable performance included hitting home runs in the first, third, seventh, and eighth innings, solidifying his place in baseball history.
Carlos Delgado of the Toronto Blue Jays had a career day on September 25, 2003, hitting four home runs in a game against the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. Delgado’s impressive display of power helped him surpass the 300-homer plateau and solidified his reputation as one of the game’s premier sluggers.
Shawn Green of the Los Angeles Dodgers had a historic game on May 23, 2002, hitting four home runs in a single game against the Milwaukee Brewers. Green’s 19 total bases in the game still stand as the most for a single contest, showcasing his incredible offensive prowess.
Mike Cameron of the Seattle Mariners also joined the exclusive four-homer club on May 2, 2002, hitting four solo home runs in a game against the Chicago White Sox. Cameron’s remarkable feat of hitting four home runs in just five innings left fans and players alike in awe of his incredible performance.
These are just a few of the incredible performances that have occurred throughout Major League Baseball history. Each player who has hit four home runs in a game has left a lasting legacy in the sport, showcasing their incredible talent and ability to rise to the occasion when it matters most. As baseball fans, we can only hope to witness such historic moments in the future, knowing that we are witnessing greatness unfold before our eyes.