In the MLB universe, milestones are highly respected and revered.
Reaching 3,000 hits, hitting 500 home runs, surpassing the single-season home run (even for a specific franchise) record, getting 20 wins, reaching 3,000 or 4,000 strikeouts, and similar achievements still hold a high place among players’ desires, dreams, and aspirations.
Most of these accomplishments, naturally, have taken place on American soil: 29 of the 30 MLB teams have their home there, after all.
However, Canada has seen a surprisingly high number of records.
More historical individual baseball moments in Canada:
Miguel Cabrera hit his 500th homer in Toronto last August.
Pete Rose got his 4,000th hit in Montreal in 1984. https://t.co/bDK9MmmoI7— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) September 29, 2022
“It was Aug. 6, 1999 in Montreal, when Tony Gwynn produced his 3,000th hit. Tonight, in Toronto, Aaron Judge produces his 61st home run. Canada: The beautiful home of treasured baseball moments,” USA Today’s Bob Nightengale had tweeted on Wednesday, when the New York Yankees star tied Roger Maris for most home runs in a single season, a franchise and American League record.
But there is more.
“More historical individual baseball moments in Canada: Miguel Cabrera hit his 500th homer in Toronto last August. Pete Rose got his 4,000th hit in Montreal in 1984,” Nightengale wrote.
The Place For Hitting Milestones
Oddly, most of the incredible moments that have taken place in Canada over the years are tied to hitting.
It’s always nice to remember Mr. Padre himself, Tony Gwynn: he is one of the best pure hitters the game has ever seen, and it’s cool that the memory of his 3,000th hit is associated with Canada.
Cabrera, one of the best right-handed hitters of our generation, won’t forget Canada either, as he hit his 500th homer there last year.
In Canada, Rose became just the second person in the world to hit 4,000 hits, 38 years ago.
There is something about Canada that attracts hitting milestones.
Oh, Canada!
NEXT: The Dodgers Can Go After An All-Time Record In 2023