Yankees 1B Ben Rice (93) - Pamela Smith/AP Photo
The Boston Red Sox played the New York Yankees this past Saturday at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, New York.
It was an exciting game, especially for one particular player.
Yankees’ first baseman, Ben Rice, became the first rookie in franchise history to hit three home runs in one game.
First Rookie in Franchise History to Hit Three Home Runs in One Game
Many Yankees legends have accomplished incredible records in their long and storied careers wearing pinstripes.
While Alex Rodriguez was the last Yankee to accomplish this feat in 2005, he never hit three as a rookie.
Rice accomplished this all in just 17 games played in the MLB.
How Did this Rookie Do It?
As their leadoff hitter, Rice cracked his first home run just six pitches into the game.
In the fifth inning, he added a three-run shot to give the Bombers a 10-4 lead.
In the 7th inning, he launched his name into the Yankee record books with his second three-run blast, giving the Yankees a 14-4 lead.
That would also be the final score of the game.
After his monumental third home run, Rice came out for a well-earned curtain call in front of a sold-out Yankee stadium.
Rice ended the day going 3-for-5 with seven RBI’s and three home runs.
How Rice’s Season Started
Rice began the season playing catcher for double-A ball for the Somerset Patriots. He hit .261 with 12 home runs.
On June 5, he was promoted to triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, hitting .333 with three home runs and a .440 on-base percentage in only 11 games.
On June 18, he was called up to the New York Yankees to replace injured Anthony Rizzo.
There is No Need to Spend Money to Acquire a First Baseman
All baseball purists want the Yankees to spend money to acquire a proven first baseman when Anthony Rizzo is done in the Bronx.
Why would they do that when Rice is right under their noses, ready to take over now and save them money?
Nevertheless, Rice is using DJ LeMahieu’s old glove for superstition. He is also out on the field daily, working on his defensive plays at first base.
Besides his three home runs, he knocked in seven RBI’s with solid at-bats. The three home runs also came against the archrival Boston Red Sox, which is even sweeter.
The young man is also patient at the plate and very mature for his age.
Therefore, the 25-year-old has all the talent and the time to become the next great Yankees first baseman as a rookie prospect.
