KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 15: Salvador Perez #13 of the Kansas City Royals is congratulated by teammates in the dugout after hitting a home run while wearing #21 on Roberto Clemente Day during the 5th inning game against the Oakland Athletics at Kauffman Stadium on September 15, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Salvador Perez’s incredible career just keeps getting better and better, as he’s tied Johnny Bench for an impressive record.
Salvador Perez continues to build his case for a potential trip to Cooperstown. One of the all-time greats for the Kansas City Royals, Perez in the middle of a remarkable campaign for the AL Central squad. Things got even sweeter for him on Thursday.
In the middle of a showdown with the Athletics, Perez didn’t waste much time leaving the yard, as he belted a 2-run homer in the bottom of the first. It was his 45th dinger of the season, which is massive for more than one reason.
Kansas City Royals star Salvador Perez now has 45 homers on the year
With that blast, Perez has now tied the legendary Johnny Bench for the most homers by a catcher in a single season. With plenty of baseball still to be played this summer and fall, Perez shouldn’t have much trouble breaking the record.
Should the veteran backstop get that done, it really will only help his chances of getting the call to the Hall of Fame. Since making his debut for Kansas City in 2011, Perez has made the All-Star Game seven times, while adding five Gold Gloves.
Perez also has 112 RBI to his name this season, which is tops in the bigs. Seriously, what else could you want from a slugger? Perez is beloved in Kansas City. Whether at the plate hitting or behind it making defensive plays, Perez is one hell of a player.
While Kansas City won’t be heading to the playoffs this year, Perez, who helped the team win the World Series in 2015, has been one of the best players in the majors. We shouldn’t have to wait too long for him to break Bench’s record.