Blue Jays' Semien sets single-season record for HRs by 2nd baseman
Toronto Blue Jays All-Star Marcus Semien hit his 44th home run of the year in the first inning of Wednesday's game against the New York Yankees, setting an MLB single-season record for homers by a second baseman.
He hit the record blast against Yankees ace Gerrit Cole to give the Blue Jays an early 2-0 lead.
Semien’s 44th homer as a 2B is a NEW @MLB single-season record! pic.twitter.com/9NJ9gbsWG4
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) September 29, 2021
Semien broke Davey Johnson's mark of 43 that was untouched since 1973. He's one of just five primary second basemen - at least 75% of games played at the position - to hit 40 in a single season.
| Player | Team | Year | HR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Semien | Blue Jays | 2021 | 44 |
| Davey Johnson | Braves | 1973 | 43 |
| Brian Dozier | Twins | 2016 | 42 |
| Rogers Hornsby | Cardinals | 1922 | 42 |
| Ryne Sandberg | Cubs | 1990 | 40 |
The homer also pushed Semien past the 100-RBI mark for the first time in his nine-year career.
The 31-year-old played shortstop for most of his career before moving to the keystone after joining the Blue Jays on a one-year deal this past offseason.