Oneil Cruz, the Pirates’ standout player, recently made history by hitting the hardest ball since Statcast began tracking in 2015. In a game against the Brewers, Cruz smashed a 432-foot home run off Logan Henderson, with the ball leaving his bat at an impressive 122.9 mph and landing in the Allegheny River. This incredible feat occurred in the third inning when Cruz connected with a 92.2 mph fastball, reducing the Pirates’ deficit to 3-1. Notably, Cruz had previously held the record for the hardest-hit ball with a 122.4 mph single back in 2022, showcasing his consistency and power at the plate.
Cruz’s remarkable home run adds to his impressive tally of 11 homers this season, with three of them coming in the last three games alone. The young player’s performance has been a bright spot for the Pirates, with his ability to consistently deliver powerful hits earning him a place in the team’s history books. Additionally, Cruz has now hit a total of six home runs into the Allegheny River since PNC Park opened in 2001, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the league. With this latest record-breaking hit, Cruz continues to make waves in the world of baseball, solidifying his position as a key player to watch in the upcoming games.
Not really sure why this matters, but it’s worth mentioning that Giancarlo Stanton previously held the record for the hardest-hit home run at 121.8 mph while playing for the Miami Marlins. His impressive feat occurred back in 2017 against Gio Gonzalez, showcasing the sheer power and precision required to achieve such a remarkable milestone. With Cruz now surpassing this record with his 122.9 mph blast, it raises the bar for players across the league, highlighting the incredible talent and skill displayed on the field. As Cruz continues to make history with his exceptional performance, fans can look forward to more thrilling moments and record-breaking hits in the games to come.
