BRONX, NY — There are many ways to describe New York Yankees’ left-handed slugger Juan Soto.
Star-studded, clutch, gifted; the list goes on and on. But most of all, he’s generational. Many have even deemed him, the ‘Generational Juan.’
Dominican Republic’s superstar Juan Soto feelin’ the love in the Bronx – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
Debuting in 2018 at a mere 19-years-old, and following it up, just over 18 months later by becoming a World Series champion with the Washington Nationals at the age of 20. A National League batting champion (2020), a former LatinoMVP award winner (2021), and four-time Silver Slugger, with his most-recent honors coming last season as a member of the San Diego Padres.
Now, at just 25-years-old, in his seventh big league season, and first in pinstripes, Soto is a four-time All-Star, who causes Yankee Stadium to erupt and morph into a frenzy on a daily basis. A clear testament to his energetic flair, pure love for the game, and ways of swinging a bat…
Juan Soto crushes his second home run of the day and 30th on the season ⚾️💣#RepBX #LatinoSports #Yankees #MLB pic.twitter.com/O2XXoSroqN
— Latino Sports (@LatinoSports) August 11, 2024
The Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic native, also a pending free agent this winter, showcased his aforementioned generational talent Sunday afternoon in the Bronx, by clobbering two solo home runs — one off of Texas’ left-handed starter Andrew Heaney in the bottom of the third inning, and the next, in the home half of the seventh, off of Rangers’ southpaw reliever Andrew Chafin, which marked his 30th of 2024.
Prior to Sunday, the Rangers were the only team Soto had yet to go yard against in his career, which made his first majestic shot of the day, a blast for the record books. He became just the 18th active MLB player to record a home run against all 30 MLB teams, and 103rd all-time in MLB history.
Additionally, Soto became the youngest-ever MLB player to record the impressive feat — 1. Soto: 25 years, 296 days; 2. José Guillén: 27 years, 97 days.
A 19-year-old Juan Soto during his rookie season – Image Credit: Bill Menzel/Latino Sports
He was asked about the accomplishment following the Yankees’ 8-7 series finale win over the Rangers on Sunday:
“Another goal, another goal,” a smiling Soto stated. “But definitely, like I said in the beginning of the season, I want to try to hit a homer in every ballpark in the big leagues, but hearing that is really nice.”
Surprisingly enough, Soto has a chance at making his wish come true. The Yankees’ remaining regular season road schedule includes the three ballparks Soto has yet to record a home run at throughout his young career — Guaranteed Rate Field (Chicago White Sox), Globe Life Field (Rangers), T-Mobile Park (Seattle Mariners).
August 12-14: Yankees vs. White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field
September 2-4: Yankees vs. Rangers at Globe Life Field
September 17-19: Yankees vs. Mariners at T-Mobile Park
Juan Soto, 2021 NL LatinoMVP, connects for a double in Yankees-Phillies at Citizens Bank Park – Image Credit: Pete Lerro/Latino Sports
If he were to go yard at all three ballparks listed above this season, Soto would become just the fourth active MLB player to hit a home run at all 30 MLB ballparks — joining his teammate Giancarlo Stanton, Manny Machado (Padres) and Carlos Santana (Minnesota Twins).
A generational talent reaching generational levels, the ‘Generational Juan.’
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William Coppola
August 12, 2024 at 1:16 pm
Great writing. You captured the exciting atmosphere he brings to every ballpark Soto plays in, not just Yankee Stadium. Good job.