Toronto Blue Jays’ first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has become quite known for his home runs, including a tremendous showing with 91 dingers in the 2019 Home Run Derby. But the one he hit Thursday night against the Kansas City Royals’ Kyle Zimmer was his longest in MLB play to date, travelling 456 feet:
4⃣5⃣6⃣ from Vlad Jr.
It's the longest HR of his career. 😳 pic.twitter.com/UYB01mXQh5
— MLB (@MLB) April 16, 2021
As per MLB’s Sarah Langs, that came with an exit velocity of almost 113 miles per hour:
VLADIMIR GUERRERO JR. HOME RUN SZN
456 FT
112.8 MPHThat's the longest home run of his career! pic.twitter.com/WXrUqA3yDC
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) April 16, 2021
Interestingly enough, ESPN Stats and Info noted that this was close to, but not quite as far as, Guerrero’s famous father’s longest shot in Kansas City:
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit a 456-foot home run tonight in Kansas City, the longest of his young career.
Vladimir Guerrero Sr. hit one HR that long in Kansas City in his career…it came on May 1, 2007…off Zack Greinke (473 feet). pic.twitter.com/llnOxY6BJ8
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 16, 2021
But there’s still lots of time for Guerrero Jr. to improve on this career-record HR, especially considering that he’s just 22. And he’s having a pretty tremendous season:
This is the Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that #BlueJays fans have been waiting for. A .422 average, 1.225 OPS, three homers and 10 RBIs in 45 at-bats so far. Yeah, that'll play.
— Gregor Chisholm (@GregorChisholm) April 16, 2021
The Blue Jays lost this game 7-5, but at least they had this highlight to celebrate.
[@MLB on Twitter; photo from Denny Medley/USA Today Sports]
