Ronald's Rarity


Ronald Acuna Junior joined a very select circle on Monday. How rare? He became just the fourth player ever to lead off both ends of a doubleheader with a home run. Only Harry Hooper of the Red Sox (May 30, 1913), Rickey Henderson (July 6, 1993) and Brady Anderson (Aug. 21, 1999) accomplished it previously in the 142 year history of the major leagues. His power display got the Braves off and running toward 9-1 and 6-1 victores over the Marlins.
Acuna was hitting second in Atlanta's batting order when I saw him back in early May. Since being moved up to the leadoff spot, he's raised his game several notches. In those 22 games, Acuna has hit .329 with nine homers and an OPS of 1.141, boosting his case for National League Rookie of the Year.
(My image of Acuna is from the May 1st Braves/Mets game at Citi Field.)

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