Since 2009, Major League Baseball has witnessed some of the most remarkable moments in its storied history. From record-shattering home runs to improbable championship comebacks, the past decade and a half has been filled with unforgettable milestones that continue to captivate fans worldwide. Here are the most iconic MLB milestone moments that have etched themselves in the memories of baseball enthusiasts everywhere.
MLB’s Top Milestones Since 2009
Randy Johnson Wins 300th Game, June 4, 2009
Randy Johnson of the San Francisco Giants became the 24th member of the 300-win club. Johnson became the fourth pitcher to capture his 300th career win in a Giants uniform, and the first since right-hander Christy Mathewson in 1912. It was the latest achievement from the intimidating left-hander in addition to his five Cy Young Awards and World Series MVP trophy. His five Cy Young Awards were highlighted by one of the most dominant runs in baseball history– he won four consecutive National League Cy Young Awards with the Arizona Diamondbacks. While MLB may have seen the last of pitchers getting 300 wins, Justin Verlander isn’t far off with 261 wins.
Mariano Rivera Sets Saves Record, September 19, 2011
The legendary New York Yankees closer made history on September 13. Mariano Rivera not only recorded his 43rd save of the season but he set the major league record with his 602nd career save, surpassing Trevor Hoffman (601 career saves). Rivera closed out the Yankees 6-4 win over the Minnesota Twins, placing him alone atop baseball’s career saves list. He also leads baseball with 42 career postseason saves (Kenley Jansen is second on the list with 20). Rivera has right seasons of 40-plus seasons, one behind Trevor Hoffman’s all-time record of nine. Both pitchers are the only ones with more than 40-save seasons in major league history.
Miguel Cabrera, 500 Home Runs (August 22, 2021), 3,000 Hits (April 23, 2022)
Let’s start with Miguel Cabrera’s 500th career home run. Cabrera’s home run off left-hander Steven Matz made him the first player to reach 500 home runs since David Ortiz in 2015. He’s the first Venezuelan-born player to get there, and the sixth player born outside the United States. The latter list includes Pujols, Ortiz, Sammy Sosa, Rafael Palmeiro and Manny Ramírez.
Eight months after his 500th home run, Cabrera became the 33rd member of baseball’s 3,000-hit club and the seventh with 3,000 hits and 500 home runs. Unlike his 500th home run at Toronto, Cabrera got to celebrate this one in front of Tigers fans at Comerica Park. He is the third player to join the 3,000-hit club while wearing a Tigers uniform, joining Ty Cobb and Al Kaline.
Albert Pujols Joins 700 Club, September 23, 2022
Albert Pujols has etched his name in baseball history, becoming the fourth player to reach the elite 700-home run milestone. Pujols got a hanging slider from Phil Bickford and lifted it 389 feet to enter the club. He joins Barry Bonds, Henry Aaron, and Babe Ruth as the only players to achieve this feat in MLB history. Notably, Pujols and Aaron are the only duo in this group with at least 3,000 hits and 700 home runs.
Aaron Judge Breaks AL Home Record, October 4, 2022
Manny Machado Takes Padres Home Run Crown, September 10, 2024
Manny Machado hits his 164th career home run for the San Diego Padres, surpassing Nate Colbert to set the franchise’s all-time record. Machado’s sixth-inning home run off Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby. The two-run homer broke the tie with Colbert, who held the record for 50 years. Like Colbert, Machado set the record in his sixth season, doing so in 794 games compared to Colbert’s 866. Over the years, other Padres attempted to break the milestone, including Adrían González. Gonzalez reached 161 home runs in 2010 before being traded to the Boston Red Sox.
Shohei Ohtani Becomes First Player to go 50-50, September 19, 2024
Shohei Ohtani is the founder of the 50-50 club. Ohtani became the first player in MLB history to hit 50 home runs and steal 50 bases in the same season, reaching the feat against the Miami Marlins. Prior to the two-time MVP reaching 50-50, the closest a player came to making history was Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2023. Acuna stole 73 bases, but fell short with 41 home runs despite winning the National League MVP Award. With Ohtani making history, it’s safe to assume that similar individual honors are right around the corner.
Main Photo: © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
