MLB Pitchers Who Hit Two Home Runs in the Same Game

While the idea of a pitcher hitting two home runs (HR) in the same game may seem rare, it has indeed occurred. Buckle up for a dive into the astonishing history of this unique athletic feat, explored through notable examples from the Major League Baseball (MLB) in the United States.

The Unforgettable Shohei Ohtani

Replay the scenes from June 27, 2023, when the Los Angeles Angels were locked in a battle against the Chicago White Sox in Anaheim. Shohei Ohtani, a shining star and versatile player, achieved the remarkable feat of hitting a home run in both the 1st and 7th innings. His pitching prowess knows no bounds, as he struck out 10 Chicago batters en route to securing a 4–2 victory for the Angels.

Other Notable Pitchers

While Ohtani's performance stands out, six other players have also accomplished the impressive feat of hitting two home runs while pitching in the same game. Here's a look at these notable moments:

Pedro Ramos

On September 29, 1963, Pedro Ramos, a pitcher with the Cleveland Indians, became the second major league pitcher ever to hit two home runs and strike out 10 batters in the same game. This achievement added to his legacy in the National League.

Rick Wise

In a game against the Cincinnati Reds on September 12, 1971, Rick Wise, a pitcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, hit two home runs in the same game and pitched a no-hitter while striking out 10 batters. His performance is one of the most extraordinary in baseball history. Astonishingly, Wise repeated this feat on three other occasions during his career, with the most noteworthy being his no-hitter of 1971.

Madison Bumgarner

Moving forward to 2017, Madison Bumgarner, a pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, hit two home runs and struck out 10 batters in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals. This made him the fifth pitcher to achieve this rare milestone in the modern era of baseball.

Additional Historical Context

Hoyt Wilhelm

Hoyt Wilhelm, a renowned reliever who was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame, struck a famous home run in his first major league at-bat on April 21, 1952. Although he is known for being a pitcher, this unanticipated hit added to his legendary status in the sport of baseball.

Multi-Homer Games

The world of multi-homer games among pitchers has been well-established. Some pitchers have even hit multiple home runs in a single game. Notably, Wes Ferrell achieved this feat five times, and Don Newcombe did it three times. Red Ruffing, Law Burdette, Jack Harshman, Dick Donovan, Tony Cloninger, and Rick Wise all hit multiple homers in games. Among this group, Cloninger had a standout performance with two grand slams on the same day, and Wise achieved his feat during a no-hitter.

Earliest Record Holders

The earliest documented instances of pitchers hitting two home runs in the same game were performed by Milt Pappas and Pedro Ramos. Pappas, a pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles, accomplished this feat in 1961, and Pedro Ramos, a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, followed suit in 1963. Both instances highlight the historical significance of this unusual athletic achievement.

Historical Context of Babe Ruth

While Babe Ruth has been a legend since day one, his record in the context of this unusual athletic feat is almost non-existent. It is true that Babe Ruth was a formidable hitter, but in his career, he did not hit two home runs while pitching in the same game. The specific game where he did hit two home runs as a pitcher appears to be missing from historical records.

Conclusion

MLB pitchers hitting two home runs in the same game is a remarkable and infrequent event. Shohei Ohtani's exceptional performance on June 27, 2023, places him in the company of historical greats like Rick Wise, Pedro Ramos, and Madison Bumgarner. Understanding these moments provides a glimpse into the versatile nature of baseball and the extraordinary talents that have graced the diamond over the years.