MiLB broadcaster calls Fernando Tatis Jr.'s home run 15 years after one from his dad
Among the bevy of current MLB stars whose fathers also played in the big leagues are Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette and Bobby Witt Jr. Perhaps the most notable player on the list is San Diego Padres standout Fernando Tatis Jr., whose dad -- Fernando Tatis Sr. -- played in the bigs from 1997-2010.
Tatis Jr. hit the first home run of his minor-league rehab stint with the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas on Wednesday as he makes his way back from his 80-game PED suspension. On Thursday, the MiLB broadcaster who called the 2021 All-Star's long ball revealed that he also announced a minor league home run from the elder Tatis over one decade ago.
Tatis Sr.'s final three MLB seasons were with the New York Mets and in 2008, he recorded 12 home runs and 31 RBI with the Triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs over 37 games. While the 48-year-old didn't have sustained success at the major league level that his son may eventually have, Tatis Sr. put himself in the baseball record books in 1999 when he became the first (and only) player to ever hit two grand slams in the same inning.
Although Tatis Sr. has more career at-bats (3,051 to 1,036) and games played (949 to 273) than his son, the 24-year-old has already passed his father in stolen bases (52 to 50) and wins above replacement (WAR) at 13.6 to 6.4. Barring injury, the younger Tatis should easily surpass his father in most offensive categories within the next few years.
Even though Tatis. Jr.'s homer on Wednesday will make Padres and Chihuahuas fans cheer, Triple-A hurler Kade McClure -- who gave up the dinger -- wasn't happy, calling the infielder-turned-outfielder a "cheater" on Twitter.
The two-time Silver Slugger Award winner will be eligible to play with San Diego on April 20.
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