HOUSTON — In a remarkable display of talent, rookie sensation Nick Kurtz of the Athletics stole the show in a recent game against the Houston Astros. With his family cheering him on, including his parents and godparents, Kurtz stepped up for his final at-bat with the chance to make baseball history.
As the Astros turned to a position player for pitching, Kurtz kept his focus, eager to avoid any embarrassing moments. On a 2-0 pitch from outfielder Cooper Hummel, he blasted a 77 mph ball into the left-field stands—marking his fourth home run of the night, making it one of the most impressive performances by a rookie in Major League history.
“I just wanted to move the ball forward. You definitely don’t want to be the guy who strikes out,” Kurtz said after the game.
That night was monumental for Kurtz; he had a perfect 6-for-6 at-bat, making him the first rookie to hit four homers in a single game. He not only matched the all-time total bases record with 19 but also tallied an impressive eight RBIs and six runs scored while leading the Athletics to a 15-3 victory.
Athletics manager Mark Kotsay expressed his amazement, saying, “It’s arguably the best game I’ve ever watched from a single player. This kid continues to have jaw-dropping moments.”
Kurtz’s hits came consistently across the innings, showcasing his extraordinary skill. His double narrowly missed being a fifth home run, creating a buzz among his teammates. Shortstop Jacob Wilson remarked, “How is he doing it? He’s playing a different sport right now. It’s just tee ball.”
This game marked only the 20th instance in Major League history where a player hit four home runs in one game. Kurtz and Shawn Green are the only players to record six hits with four home runs.
Since his major league debut in April, Kurtz has established himself as a powerful force, hitting 23 home runs in just 66 games. As the youngest player ever to hit four homers in a game, he surpassed the previous record held by Pat Seerey.
Kurtz’s various homers showcased his talent, exploiting the weaknesses of four different Astros pitchers. His longest shot reached 414 feet. In reflecting on the fantastic night, Kurtz said, “It still feels like a dream. I’m kind of speechless. Don’t really know what to say.”
With his outstanding performance in July, Kurtz ranks at the top among all major leaguers for batting average, home runs, and RBIs—a testament to his growing prowess in the sport. As he stored the baseballs from his final home runs as mementos, he prepared to share the achievements with the Baseball Hall of Fame.
In a world where sports inspire pride and tradition, Nick Kurtz’s remarkable journey is a celebration of hard work, dedication, and talent.
