Padres slugger Manny Machado gets his 2,000th career hit
Context:
Manny Machado of the San Diego Padres achieved his 2,000th career hit during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, marking a significant milestone in his professional baseball career. The hit, a sharp single, was celebrated with a standing ovation from the home crowd at Petco Park, where Machado has been a beloved figure since 2019. Despite San Diego's 6-3 loss, Machado also hit a home run, his 15th of the season, solidifying his status as one of baseball's elite players. Machado is now the fifth active player and the 297th in history to reach 2,000 hits, and only the 12th player to have 350 home runs and 2,000 hits by age 32. His journey in Major League Baseball began with the Baltimore Orioles in 2012, and he has since become a cornerstone for the Padres.
Dive Deeper:
Manny Machado reached his 2,000th career hit against the Arizona Diamondbacks, achieving this milestone with a sharp single off the diving shortstop Geraldo Perdomo. This significant hit came against starter Zac Gallen at the start of the fourth inning of the game.
The achievement was celebrated by fans at Petco Park with a standing ovation, highlighting Machado's popularity since joining the Padres in 2019. Machado expressed his satisfaction with reaching the milestone in front of the home crowd, despite the team's 6-3 loss.
In addition to his milestone hit, Machado also hit his 15th home run of the season, and his 357th career home run, during the same game, emphasizing his continued prowess as a slugger.
Machado became the fifth active Major League Baseball player and the 297th in the sport's history to achieve 2,000 hits. By his age-32 season, he is one of only 12 players to have reached both 350 home runs and 2,000 hits.
Starting his MLB career with the Baltimore Orioles in 2012, Machado accumulated 977 hits with them before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2018. He collected 73 hits with the Dodgers before signing with the Padres, where he has amassed 950 hits, ranking fifth in franchise history.
Padres manager Mike Shildt praised Machado for his accomplishment, acknowledging the hard work and dedication required to reach such a milestone. Machado tipped his helmet to the crowd in recognition of their support.
Machado's successful career continues to be recognized at the national level, as evidenced by his selection as the starting third baseman for the National League All-Star team this year, further solidifying his status as one of the game's top players.