Langeliers: 3 HR as a leadoff hitter and historical record with Athletics

Shea Langeliers Shines with Three Home Runs in Historic Night

In a night to remember, Oakland Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers unleashed his power by hitting three home runs as the leadoff hitter, leading to a resounding 16-7 victory over the Washington Nationals. This Tuesday, at Nationals Park, Langeliers starred in a performance that will be etched in baseball history. It was the first time in his 394 games in the Major Leagues that Langeliers led off his team’s batting order, and the result was spectacular. With five hits, three of them were home runs, making him the first player since at least 1900 to achieve such a feat in his debut as a leadoff hitter.

It was a great night for Shea. He’s in a great offensive moment, and we decided to give him the opportunity to lead the lineup. He responded with greatness.
Mark Kotsay, Manager

Langeliers joined a select group, being only the second catcher in MLB history with three home runs as the leadoff hitter, emulating Travis d’Arnaud (2019). Furthermore, he reached 20 home runs in the season, joining legends like Mike Piazza and Johnny Bench, who achieved that figure in three of their first four campaigns. The first home run came after four pitches from the start of the game, a 402-foot hit against MacKenzie Gore. Then he repeated in the fifth inning (387 feet) and finished his night with a 419-foot blast in the seventh inning. With 15 total bases, he tied the record for a catcher in a single game since at least 1900. Langeliers, who is batting .435 since the All-Star break, now has 10 home runs in that span, tying for the MLB lead with Kyle Schwarber.