Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals became the first shortstop in major league history to have multiple seasons with at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases when he stole second base in the first inning of Tuesday night’s game against the Detroit Tigers.
Witt had three walks in the game, which the Royals lost 3-1 after 10 innings.
“It’s pretty special any time you get to be the first,” Witt said, “but yeah, that’s over now. We’re onto tomorrow.”
The Royals are 2 1/2 games behind Baltimore for the first AL wild-card spot and 1 1/2 games ahead of Minnesota for the second.
Witt has hit 31 home runs this season, including a grand slam in Monday night’s game, along with 30 stolen bases. The 24-year-old star had 49 steals last season and hit the homer he needed to reach 30 with three games left in the season.
The son of former big league pitcher Bobby Witt, he also became the first player to have multiple 30-30 seasons within his first three years in the majors. Only six other players have had one 30-30 season in their first three years.
“He’s the best player in baseball. He’s incredible,” said Royals pitcher Cole Ragans. “A special talent, a special human being.
We’re blessed to be able to watch him each and every day, and how hard he works behind the scenes to make that product on the field be what it is, is incredible. He’s just a special, special player. It’s a joy to get to watch every single day.”
Witt was the second overall pick in the 2019 draft and signed an 11-year deal with the Royals in the offseason worth $288,777,777. This is the largest contract in franchise history and includes a $7,777,777 signing bonus, which pays tribute to his popular No. 7 jersey among Kansas City fans who have filled Kauffman Stadium during the team’s playoff chase.
The Royals are currently in an AL wild-card spot and have a chance to catch Cleveland in the division.
