Gunnar Henderson Makes History as Youngest Player to Hit 10 Home Runs Before May 1
ICARO Media Group
In an impressive display of power, Baltimore Orioles star Gunnar Henderson smashed a leadoff home run in the first inning of Monday night's game against the New York Yankees, solidifying his place in baseball history and enhancing his already remarkable season.
At just 22 years old, Henderson has become the youngest player ever to hit 10 home runs before May 1. This extraordinary feat highlights the incredible talent and potential possessed by the young infielder, who is currently in his third Major League season and second in full.
Henderson's performance this season has been nothing short of exceptional. As the reigning American League Rookie of the Year, he leads the league with a remarkable.289 batting average, a .352 on-base percentage, and a staggering .632 slugging percentage. He is also the only player in the league to reach double digits in home runs, with his 10 longballs leading the way.
Not only has Henderson been a force at the plate, but he has also showcased his prowess on the basepaths. With six stolen bases already, he is just four shy of his total from the entire 2023 season. Additionally, his contributions on defense have been invaluable, earning him a Wins Above Replacement (WAR) of 2.0, the highest among all AL position players.
Henderson's April home run total of 10 places him third in Orioles franchise history for the month, behind only Brady Anderson's 11 homers in 1996 and Frank Robinson's 10 in 1969. These impressive numbers have not only propelled the Orioles to an 18-10 record but have also created a buzz of excitement among fans, who are hopeful that this could be a special season for the team.
While Henderson's outstanding performance has been a highlight for the Orioles, it has also provided some respite from Jackson Holliday's struggles. With Henderson leading the charge, the Orioles currently sit atop the American League East alongside the New York Yankees, further solidifying their position as contenders in the early stages of the season.
As the youngest player to accomplish the remarkable feat of 10 home runs before May 1, Gunnar Henderson's impact on the Orioles and the league as a whole cannot be overlooked. The remarkable power, speed, and athleticism he has displayed have set the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating and record-breaking season for the young star.