Kansas City catcher Salvador Perez made franchise history Wednesday evening, launching a two-run home run in the seventh inning to pull even with Hall of Famer George Brett atop the Royals’ all-time home run list at 317.
The massive 437-foot shot came off right-hander Landen Roupp and sailed beyond the right-center field wall into the fountains, cutting San Francisco’s lead to 3-2. Kansas City went on to win the game 5-4.
The 36-year-old Perez, who has never played for any team other than Kansas City in his 15-year major league career, has been swinging a hot bat recently, connecting on three of his 14 home runs this season over the last five games.
During a postgame interview on the field, Perez spoke about what it means to stand alongside Brett — a Royals legend who starred for the club from 1973 to 1993 — in the record books.
“Everybody knows what George Brett did here for this city,” Perez said. “To be (tied with) a Hall of Famer, I’m certainly excited, too.”
While Perez’s power numbers remain impressive, his overall offensive production has been modest this season — he’s hitting just .211 with 43 RBIs in 95 games. Still, the nine-time All-Star and five-time Gold Glove winner remains one of the most decorated catchers in the sport’s history.
