Charlie Blackmon’s incredible 2017 National League MVP campaign just got a lot more impressive.
During the Colorado Rockies’ matchup with the Los Angeles Dodgers Friday night, Blackmon drilled a 454-foot home run to the second deck in right field, representing his 100th and 101st RBI on the season out of the leadoff spot (102 overall).
The two RBI set a new Major League Baseball record for the most RBI by a leadoff hitter. The previous record was held by Darin Erstad back in the year 2000.
HISTORY! Charlie Blackmon has the most single-season RBI by a leadoff hitter. EVER! pic.twitter.com/DQ5m50Qwbm
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) September 30, 2017
Blackmon has been an offensive force and NL MVP candidate all season long. Friday’s record-breaking performance highlighted an impressive season.
Blackmon’s blend of contact and power hitting is something rarely seen in the sport, let alone from the leadoff position. Blackmon has demonstrated his versatility all season long, owning the most hits, triples, total bases and runs scored in baseball. He currently leads the National League with a .328 batting average. Also, his 37 home runs are tied for third-most in the NL.
It has been an incredible 2017 season for Blackmon, who has played an instrumental role in helping put the Rockies in prime position to make the postseason for the first time in nearly a decade.