Mariners rookie OF Julio Rodriguez passes Angels star Mike Trout as fastest AL player to join 20-20 club
It's already been quite a rookie season for Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez.
The 21-year-old has participated in the Home Run Derby and played in his first career All-Star Game to boot. Rodriguez continued his electric first-year campaign by accomplishing another remarkable feat Wednesday against the Washington Nationals.
In the eighth inning, Rodriguez smashed a solo shot to left-center field, joining the exclusive 20-20 club in the process.
According to MLB.com's Daniel Kramer, Rodriguez is the fastest player in American League history to reach the mark (107 games). Three-time MVP Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels held the previous record, surpassing the 20-20 milestone in 112 games.
Rodriguez is just the fourth rookie in baseball history to post 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in a single season, joining Oakland A's Mitchell Page (1977), Minnesota Twins' Marty Cordova (1985) and Boston Red Sox's Ellis Burks (1987).
He's the 10th Mariner to join the club and the first since Mike Cameron in 2001-02.
"I feel like a lot of people were underestimating me and some aspects of my game, because they didn't know," Rodriguez told reporters after Wednesday's game. "Now that I'm able to do it right here and right now, I'm happy about it and proud of the work I put into the offseason to get to where I am."
Rodriguez is slashing .271/.328/.475 with 20 home runs, 64 RBI and 23 stolen bases through 107 games.
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