Historic Times: An Explosion of 3-Homer Games

[HoosierVic]

We are living (virtually, at least) in historic times.

From Máximo Quezada (then of Omaha, now of Louisville) teeing off on California pitching on 04-08-2036, to Huntsville’s Emilio Lugo terrorizing Mexico City on 08-16-2038, we’ve seen an explosion of players smacking three homers in a game.

In fact, the accomplishment has been recorded in numbers unprecedented in modern (since 1995) BBA history.

Quezada was the first of 11 players to hit three homers in a game during the 2036 season, followed by 14 in 2037, and 8 so far in 2038.

Previous to that, dating back to 1995, the most three-homer games by a player ever recorded in a season was 9, in 2011.

And the 33 such games recorded from 2036 to mid-August of 2038 have demolished the former record of 21 seen in a three-season stretch (2030-2032). Previous to that, the record had been 20, from 1996 to 1998, and again from 2010 to 2012.

Record drought years, you may be wondering? Wonder no more: 2004-2006 saw only a trio of 3-homer games. In the 43¾ seasons since 1995, there have been just three seasons with no 3-homer games: 2004, 2005 and 2008.

And, there have been just two seasons with only a single 3-dinger contest: 2028 and 2034.

For the record, the BBA leader in 3-homer games is outfielder Juan Garcia, with 4. The first was on 05-28-2014 while playing for Washington in a game against Baltimore. The next three all came while playing for Halifax, in 2016, 2017 and 2021.

Five players have three of these big days to their credit:

• Bopper Kengos, the all-time home run king, in 2011, 2016, and 2017, while playing for Madison.
• Buffalo outfielder Carlin Adie, in 2010, 2013 and 2015.
• Madison legend Charles Puckett in 2001, 2002 and 2011.
• Huntsville Hall of Famer Fernando Moreno in 2026 and twice in 2031.
• Baltimore slugger Stephen Lubin in 2007 (twice in May of that year!) and once in 2009.

Finally, should you be wondering, the answer is, “Yes.” A couple of players have recorded 4-homer games in modern BBA history:

• Vancouver first baseman Arturo Gutiérrez, against Washington on 06-19-2009.
• Washington outfielder Jim Wilson on 07-18-2011 against Greenville.

The big question remaining now is whether 2038 will see enough additional 3-homer games to join 2037 and 2036 in double digits for the feat.

Given recent trends, it’s hard to bet against it. In fact, we’re currently in the midst of a remarkable hot streak. Since August 10, we’ve seen four players hit three homers in a game: Alvin Dickinson of Wichita and Michael Best of Long Beach, both on August 10; Joey Newhouse of Twin Cities on August 11; and, most recently, Emilio Lugo of Huntsville, on August 16.

Who’s next?

Stay tuned … you may not have to wait long.

[RonCo]

Interesting. Nice look back. We've certainly moved into an offensive era.

[Ted]

Good stuff.

[RonCo]

Our home run rate continue to rise a bit. Always something new to adjust to in the BBA.

[bcslouck]

Good article. Interesting stuff.

[jiminyhopkins]

Jim "Country Justice" Wilson. Some good times with the Bobbies back in the day!