Toronto Blue Jays’ All-Star Marcus Semien continued his outstanding 2021 season against the New York Yankees on Wednesday night by hitting his 44th home run of the season. This not only helped the Blue Jays claim an important 6-5 win but also meant that Semien is now the sole holder of MLB’s record for most homers in a single season by a second baseman.
Semien entered the Yankees game tied with Davey Johnson, who previously held the record by hitting 42 homers in 1973 while wearing an Atlanta Braves jersey. Only three other second basemen—Rogers Hornsby, Brian Dozier, and Ryne Sandberg—have managed to hit 40 home runs or more in a single season.
Semien mostly played shortstop throughout his professional career and has only had two seasons as a second baseman before 2021. So far in the season, the 31-year old player made 143 appearances as a 2B and 21 as a SS. Four of his 44 homers came at shortstop, but he can claim the record as he had more than 75 percent starts as second baseman.
Semien is currently playing on an expiring contract, but there is no doubt that the Blue Jays will want to keep him around, considering his outstanding season.
The Toronto Blue Jays are currently on the hunt for the second wild-card spot in the American League. They sit fourth in the AL East but are only two games behind the Yankees at No. 2.
