Texas Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford made history on Sunday night by becoming the first major leaguer to hit for the cycle in 2024. Langford achieved this rare feat with a three-run homer down the left-field line in the eighth inning, contributing to the Rangers’ 11-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.
Langford, who was drafted last year by the Rangers with the No. 4 overall pick, has quickly risen through the ranks to secure a spot on Texas’ opening-day roster this season. The 22-year-old’s performance on Sunday marked his first career four-hit game, showcasing his exceptional talent and potential.
“I was obviously feeling really good at that point,” Langford said. “Just kind of one of those things that happens.”
Langford’s journey to the cycle began with a triple in the fourth inning. He followed that with an RBI double in the fifth, a grounder into right-center field that he stretched into a two-base hit. His aggressive base running and determination were evident throughout the game.
“How I was raised, I guess,” Langford said when asked about his hard running. “My dad would beat the crap out of me if I didn’t. I’ll credit him for that.”
After a single in the sixth inning, Langford needed a home run to complete the cycle. When he stepped up to the plate in the eighth inning, he was focused on achieving that goal.
“I was trying to hit a home run,” Langford said. “It kind of speaks for itself.”
Langford’s three-run homer down the left-field line not only completed the cycle but also made him the 11th Rangers player to achieve this milestone. The last Ranger to hit for the cycle was Carlos Gomez in April 2017 against the Angels. Langford also became the first Texas rookie to hit for the cycle since Oddibe McDowell in 1985.
“He’s just an exciting player,” Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said. “He’s a ballplayer, and you love how aggressive he is. No fear on the bases. Out of the box, he’s looking to get the double or triple.”
Langford’s achievement was also notable as it was the first cycle in a game aired on ESPN’s “Sunday Night Baseball.” This added an extra layer of excitement and visibility to his remarkable performance.
Hitting for the cycle is a rare accomplishment in baseball. According to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), a cycle occurs when a batter hits a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game. From 1876 through the end of the 2017 regular season, there have been only 319 instances of a batter hitting for the cycle, making it a rare event in the sport.
Langford’s performance on Sunday night not only highlighted his individual talent but also contributed significantly to the Rangers’ dominant win over the Orioles. His ability to hit for the cycle at such a young age and early in his career is a testament to his potential and the bright future that lies ahead for him in Major League Baseball.
As the first player to hit for the cycle in 2024, Langford has set a high bar for the rest of the season. His achievement will be remembered as a significant moment in the 2024 MLB season and a milestone in his promising career.
Source: AP, CBS, FOX Sports
