One for the money … to for the show … three to get ready … four to go!
Photo by DandreaPhotography 
The Brewers’ Christian Yelich, the reigning NL MVP, did not hit a home run in yesterday’s 4-3 Brewers win over the Reds (although he did double in the ninth and score the winning run). Now, that normally wouldn’t make news, but in this case, it was the first Brewers’ game of the 2019 season in which Yelich did not go yard – as he tied a major-league record for consecutive games with a home run from the start of a season (four).
In his four-game streak, Yelich hit an even .500 (6-for-12), with a double, four home runs, six runs scored, eight RBI and six walks. He also only struck out once. The Brewers, by the way, won three of the four contests, all against the Cardinals.
Now, let’s take a look at the other five players to homer in the first four games of a season.
Trevor Story, Rockies, 2016
Over the first four games of the 2016 season, Story hit .368 (7-for-19) with six home runs, 11 RBI and six runs scored. Story’s feat was even more memorable since those four contests were also his first four MLB games. Story finished these season at .272-27-72 in 97 games (thumb surgery).The Rockies split those first four games, despite scoring 26 runs (they gave up 32).
Quite a Story
Trevor Story’s blazing start to the 2016 season – and his MLB career – gave him quite a display case of records.
- First player to homer in his first four MLB games.
- First player to hit two home runs in his first MLB game on Opening Day, and just the fifth to hit two long balls in their MLB debut (no matter what the day).
- A MLB all-time record of six home runs in the first four games of a season.
Just a note, three of the four games were on the road.
Chris Davis, Orioles, 2013
Over the first four games of the 2013 campaign, Davis hit a robust .600 (9-for-15), with three doubles, four home runs, 16 RBI, and five runs scored. He also drew one free pass.
Davis stayed hot all season, finishing at .286 (he came into the season with a .258 career average), and topping the league in home runs (53) and RBI (138). The Orioles won three of the four games; with Davis driving 16 of their 29 runs (55 percent).
Nelson Cruz, Rangers, 2011
Cruz’ hit .429 (6-for-14) over 2011’s first four games, with four home runs, five runs scored, four RBI and two walks. He finished the season at .263-29-87. The Rangers won all four games, outscoring the opposition 32-15.
Mark McGwire, Cardinals, 1998
Over the first four games of the Redbirds’ 1998 season, Big Mac hit .438 (7-for-16), with one double and four home runs. He drove in 12 tallies and scored five. That hot start was a sign of things to come. For the season, McGwire hit .299-70-147. He led the league in home runs, walks (162), as well as on-base and slugging percentage. The Cardinals won three of the four games.
Willie Mays, Giants, 1971
In the first four games of the 1971 season, Mays produced a .389 average (7-for-18), with one double, one home run, nine RBI and five runs scored. He also drew a pair of walks. Overall, it was a bit of an off-year for the 40-year-old Mays, who sent .271-18-61 (but still stole 23 bases) in 136 games. Even in his age-40 season, he was a feared hitter, leading the NL with 112 walks. The Giants won three of their first four games, outscoring their opponents 24-14.
Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; Baseball-Almanac.com
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