Editorials

Cody Bellinger Bombs: Chronicling Dodgers Home Run 68

Dodgers Nation will be writing about ‘Bellinger Bombs’. The Dodgers have one of the best young power hitters in the game under contract for the foreseeable future. Writers like Sam Miller have asked the question ‘What if Cody Bellinger is going to break the all-time home run record’. As the career home runs continue to pile up, we will examine each one in greater detail. We will allow you; the fan, to savor each one as they should be. Because what’s more fun than a home run? (You can look back at the collection here). 

Cody Bellinger has never looked better – through four games he’s helped propel the Dodgers to a fast start. Moreover, he’s hitting .500, stealing bags, scooping balls off the carpet, and most importantly; hitting bombs.



Overall, Bellinger’s approach has been incredible. It’s fair to say he’s never looked better – and while it’s just a four game stretch to begin a season – it provides hope that the Dodgers have an MVP candidate in the middle of the order. Now, let’s take a look at that Sunday afternoon bomb that was such a beauty.

The Home Run

When Bellinger goes this deep – we provide two angles.

Certainly – of all the home runs that Bellinger has hit in 2019 – this one was the majestic shot you were waiting for. Furthermore, it was a milestone home run. This was Bellinger’s 68th career home run, tying him with Mike Scioscia for 46th place on the all-time Dodgers list. Next up will be James Loney and Greg Brock.

Equally important, Bellinger has as many home runs as any Dodgers player to ever wear the uniform through 300 or fewer games. Yes, that’s correct; and Bellinger has played in just 298 career games. Furthermore – if he homers in the next two games he plays – he will own that record.

Now, the Bellinger home run tracker keeps count of some important minor details. First, this was his first career home run hitting in the two-hole in the lineup. His 50th home run off right-handed pitching was also his 34th at Chavez Ravine. Bellinger was the first baseman on Sunday, thus it was his 47th while at his primary (original position).

How Bellinger’s Home Run Impacted the Game

Let’s just say it now, what a win by the Dodgers. Still, this game doesn’t get won by an 8-7 final without Bellinger’s effort on the day. When Bellinger homered off Luke Weaver in the bottom of the third with no one out, they were an 85 percent win expectancy. Then after Bellinger hit the tape measure blast, the Dodgers were a 90 percent win expectancy.

It would look like a certain victory, but Los Angeles would allow seven runs in one frame and need a big comeback. One in which Bellinger figured into. However, we are only here to talk about the bomb in and of itself.

The Victim

Luke Weaver, you have officially been baptized. At one time thought to be the future ace for the St. Louis Cardinals, Weaver has fallen on hard times with his stuff. This home run was the 34th that Weaver has surrendered in his career. For his lifetime, Weaver holds a 15-17 career record, 4.85 ERA, and 241 strikeouts in 237 innings pitched. Weaver must get better. This was not a step in the right direction for the 25-year old, but there’s plenty of time left on the clock.

Exit Velocity, Distance, Pitch Data, and Angle

While Bellinger hit a 425-foot blast into the pretty and deep part of Dodger Stadium, the ball left the bat with an exit velocity of 105 miles per hour. The ball reached an angle of 28 degrees at it’s highest point. If you were at the stadium, this was a no doubter. The bomb came off a 92.9 mile per hour four seam fastball on a full count. Leaving that pitch in that spot to Cody Bellinger will usually lead to these type of results, especially when he’s going well.

Overall Bellinger-Bomb Prominence Score

I loved the looks of this swing, and love that it helped him reach a milestone. Times are good right now in the Kingdom of Cody. We will give him high marks for this one – it’s the type of blast the fans pay good money to see. The Dodgers don’t win this game without Bellinger in the two spot doing the things he did in all facets. One of them of course was the power he displayed to hit one out of Yosemite.

Dodgers Nation HR Prominence Score: 9.0

Cody Bellinger Bombs 66 & 67

Staff Writer

Staff Writer features content written by our site editors along with our staff of contributing writers. Thank you for your readership.

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