The 8% jump outpaced the league average of 4% and ranked the Rangers No. 12 in Forbes' list.
Langford in the first inning Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds drove a pitch to the right-centerfield gap that appeared to have a chance at flying over the fence. Instead, it hit the fence and caromed back into the outfield, past the converging Reds outfielders.
The speedy Langford raced around second base with what appeared to be an easy triple. But Langford kept going, charging hard around third base and sliding safely into home.It was Langford's first career home run, which immediately begged the question: When was the last time a player's first career homer was a rare inside-the-park variety?
Ironically enough, the last time it happened for a Ranger was in 2022, when Josh Smith did it. Smith is still on the Rangers' roster, so Langford has something very rare in common with his teammate. Before Smith, Craig Gentry pulled off the same first homer feat in 2011 for the Rangers, and Marc Sagmoen did it in 1997.
Langford was the Rangers' first-round draft pick in 2023 and quickly rose through the ranks of the minors, making Texas' Opening Day roster out of spring training. He's contributed steadily, racking up 24 hits in 26 games before Sunday. But he was still waiting on that first home run. He finally found it, even if it stayed in the confines of the ballpark.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
First start in LF for Texas Rangers’ Wyatt Langford shows off different aspect of his gameIt appears the 22-year-old rookie can play a little defense, too.
Read more »
Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford wows — even when he's making outsThe 22-year-old continues to wow early on in his major league career.
Read more »
Why Wyatt Langford's handling of Angel Hernandez calls impressed RangersThe Rangers were left marveling at Langford’s comfort and composure after facing the Angel Hernandez strike zone in Houston.
Read more »
Evan Help Us: Texas Rangers’ Wyatt Langford strugglesRangers insider Evan Grant answers questions about how the heralded rookie can get back on track and whether or not Kirby Yates has become the team’s new...
Read more »
Wyatt Langford hits inside-the-park home run for first MLB HRTexas Rangers rookie Wyatt Langford — a prolfic power hitter — needed an unexpectedly-long 27 games and 99 at bats to record his first MLB home run.
Read more »
Corey Seager and Wyatt Langford to Sit Out in Series OpenerAll-Star shortstop Corey Seager and designated hitter/left fielder Wyatt Langford will not be playing in the series opener against the Detroit Tigers. Travis Jankowski, Josh Smith, and Ezequiel Duran will be starting in their places.
Read more »