A 22-year-old big league prospect hits a 462-foot home run…and makes stadium history
Baltimore Orioles’ Gunner Henderson (22) hits a big home run.
Henderson started in center field as the leadoff hitter in the Baltimore Orioles’ 2023 Major League Baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore, Maryland, U.S., on Wednesday. Went 3-for-5 on the day with a double, home run, three RBIs and two runs scored. He helped lead Baltimore to an 11-3 victory 스포츠토토.
Henderson’s bat was hot throughout the game. In the first inning, Henderson led off with a double to left field. He then advanced to third on Anthony Santander’s grounder to first base and scored on Austin Hayes’ sacrifice fly to right field.
After striking out in his second at-bat of the inning, Henderson completed his multi-hit performance with a single to center field in his third at-bat of the sixth.
Henderson’s bat exploded in his fourth at-bat of the seventh inning. With runners on first and second after a Ramon Urias double and a walk to Adam Frazier, Henderson lined an 85.5-mph slider from Jackson Kowar over the right field fence. It was a big hit that you knew was a home run the moment it hit the ground.
Henderson’s massive arch is now part of Camden Yards history. According to MLB.com, the official website of Major League Baseball, “Henderson’s shot hit 113.8 mph, had a launch angle of 27 degrees and traveled 462 feet (140.8 meters) before landing on Utah Street. It was the farthest home run in Camden Yards’ 31-year history.
The outlet added, ‘Henderson is only 21 years old. He hasn’t stopped growing yet,” and marveled at Henderson’s power. Henderson also expressed confidence, saying, “If I can get stronger, I can get better.”
Henderson was selected by Baltimore in the second round, 42nd overall, in the 2019 draft. Continuing to improve, Henderson reached the big leagues in 2022 and had a successful rookie campaign, batting .259 with 30 doubles, four home runs, 18 RBIs, a .440 on-base percentage, and a .788 OPS in 34 games.
Expectations for Henderson were high. He was ranked as Baseball America’s No. 1 prospect in the class of 2023. This year, he’s already batting .236 with 42 doubles, nine home runs, 21 RBIs, a .455 on-base percentage and an .804 OPS in 57 games. He continues to grow.