San Diego Padres star Manny Machado achieved a significant milestone in his career, recording his 2,000th hit during a game against the Arizona Diamondbacks, which the Padres lost 6-3 at Petco Park. At 33, Machado managed three hits in the game, with his first hit being a line drive to left field off pitcher Zac Gallen, marking his 1,999th career hit. He wasted no time in securing his 2,000th after that, hitting a ball that deflected off shortstop Geraldo Perdomo’s glove. This accomplishment placed Machado among an elite group of 297 players in MLB history to reach the 2,000-hit mark.
The milestone further solidified Machado’s impressive career statistics, making him the fifth active player and the twelfth player overall to achieve 2,000 hits alongside 350 home runs by the age of 32. His achievement on the field drew applause from the crowd, as he acknowledged their support with a tip of his hat while standing on first base. Shortly after reaching this notable milestone, Machado added to his tally with a home run in the eighth inning, hitting his 2,001st career hit—a solo shot that cut the Diamondbacks’ lead, showcasing his ongoing power at the plate.
Machado’s reflections on reaching 2,000 hits expressed a mix of pride and disappointment, as he noted the honor of joining the 2,000-hit club but regretted the loss. He highlighted the importance of achieving this milestone in front of his home crowd, emphasizing his appreciation for the fans in San Diego. Machado’s journey to this point involved significant contributions from his time with the Baltimore Orioles, Los Angeles Dodgers, and now the Padres. He debuted with the Orioles in 2012, where he amassed 977 hits before a mid-season trade to the Dodgers in 2018.
His tenure with the Dodgers yielded 73 hits before signing with the Padres in 2019, where he has since accumulated 950 hits, ranking fifth on the franchise’s all-time list. He trails only behind Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn, who recorded 3,141 hits during his illustrious career. Machado’s remarkable consistency has been displayed through his hitting and defensive skills, as evidenced by his selection as a starting third baseman for the National League All-Star team this season.
Currently boasting a .293 batting average along with 15 home runs and 53 runs batted in (RBIs), Machado continues to demonstrate his elite status in Major League Baseball. His strong performance both offensively and defensively reinforces his value to the Padres and their aspirations for success. The game against the Diamondbacks underscored his capabilities, even in a loss, and set the stage for future achievements as he continues his career.
With his recent accomplishments, Machado not only enhances his legacy but also brings excitement to Padres fans who have witnessed his development over the years. As he reflects on this achievement, the anticipation builds for what he can accomplish moving forward, contributing further to his team’s success and possibly aiming for even greater accolades in MLB history.
