In the realm of baseball, hitting for the cycle is a cherished milestone that every position player dreams of achieving. The prospect of a single, double, triple, and home run all in a single game is a rarity, with only 343 instances documented since the first by Curry Foley in 1882. Each cycle is a testament to a player's versatility and prowess, and when a player edges toward the final leg of the cycle, excitement ripples through the crowd and teammates alike.
Such a scenario unfolded recently for Baltimore Orioles' rising star, Gunnar Henderson, a fellow rookie and phenom who has been pivotal in the team's resurgence this season. As he stepped up to bat against the Oakland Athletics, needing only a single to achieve the coveted cycle, anticipation hung heavy in the air. However, what transpired next was anything but expected, as Henderson unleashed a hit that sent the ball rocketing down the right-field line, securing him another double.
The Orioles' play-by-play announcer's voice reverberated with disbelief, "You know what? Gunnar Henderson is not going to stop at first... Who needs a cycle when you can pick up your fourth extra-base hit of the game? The Orioles bench is saying he should've stopped at first."
Gunnar Henderson had the chance to do the funniest thing ever and he did. pic.twitter.com/vPKtCfhjE7
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) August 20, 2023
The camera shifted to the Orioles' dugout, capturing the incredulous expressions of Henderson's teammates and coaches. Hands were raised in bewilderment as they attempted to fathom the unexpected decision to push for a double rather than the cycle. The scoreboard favored the Orioles, with a commanding 10-1 lead in the eighth inning, making Henderson's unconventional pursuit even more perplexing.
Amid the on-field intrigue, Henderson's grin was unmistakable as he stood on second base, a gesture that encapsulated the spirit of the moment. A shrug towards his teammates signified his recognition of the surprise he had just sprung on them. Replay footage revealed his blazing sprint out of the batter's box, a testament to his determination to seize that extra base.
Henderson's impact on the Orioles this season has been undeniable. He boasts a slash line of .249/.331/.484, with 21 home runs and 61 RBIs over 113 games at the time of the contest. This 22-year-old prodigy, drafted in the second round of the 2019 MLB Draft, has validated his status as one of the organization's top prospects. But beyond his accolades, Henderson's actions on the diamond are proving that he values the team's success over individual triumphs.
While the Orioles didn't mind the audacious dash to second base in a game they were already dominating, it's a testament to Henderson's character and dedication to the game. His decision echoes his commitment to pursuing the right play and making the best choices for his team. In this case, his pursuit of extra bases over the cycle showcases his desire to win and make the right call when opportunities arise.
