Dodgers History Set With Cody Bellinger’s 40th Home Run Blast

Given any opportunity to write about a Cody Bellinger home run, I take a lot of pride in it. Indeed – on Wednesday afternoon while many were working – Bellinger hit his 40th home run of the 2019 season. It would have otherwise been a footnote in a getaway day 13-7 loss to the lowly Miami Marlins.

However, there are several reasons it was not. First, the home run was historic in terms of how quickly Bellinger reached the 40-homer plateau.

Cody Bellinger just hit his 40th home run of the season – it took him 118 games, tying Gary Sheffield (2000) for the fastest in @Dodgers history.#LABleedsBlue

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) August 15, 2019

In his final at-bat of the day, Bellinger homered into the upper deck at Marlins Park to reach that nice round number of 40 in the same amount of games (118) as Gary Sheffield in 2000. Thus, Bellinger ties the all-time Dodgers mark for fastest in team history to 40 home runs.

Despite coming in a losing effort, other things will make his 40th – a new career high for Bellinger – a memorable home run. And that is why we are here to scribe about the blast.

Bellinger Was Hit In The Groin Innings Earlier

In a play that made some mainstream headlines across social media, Bellinger was struck in the groin sliding into second base just innings earlier. Dodgers Nation’s official twitter account posted a video of the play that was bantered about leading up to the historic home run.

What all Dodger fans feel like right now

h/t @Deadspin pic.twitter.com/H4zxHMbVN2

— Dodgers Nation (@DodgersNation) August 15, 2019

As a little bit of added significance – and a consolation prize of absorbing such a painful shot – Bellinger stole his 10th base of the 2019 season. Obviously, with him homering a few innings later; he emerged healthy from a situation that could have ended in dire straits.

Temporary Major League Lead In Home Runs

While the home run achieves Dodgers history of sorts, it also gave Bellinger the lead in the category momentarily over Mike Trout, Pete Alonso, and Christian Yelich. Currently – all of those players have 39 home runs. This sets up for a final month and a half home run race for the ages across baseball.

Of course, the one thing about a matinee home run is that few people see it live. In that case, we have you covered here. Bellinger’s home run was measured at 412 feet, and landed in the upper-tank at Marlins Park. It was not a cheapie in any fashion.

A career-high 40 homers!

Say hello to your new MLB home run leader, @Cody_Bellinger! pic.twitter.com/dKVXhKBvdy

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 15, 2019

Without question, it was an impressive home run that Bellinger can hang his hat on for being a milestone round-tripper.

Bellinger Talks About 40th Home Run of 2019

After Wednesday’s contest, Bellinger discussed his historic home run with SportsNet LA.

"I try to stay within myself every day and keep going."@Cody_Bellinger & @alannarizzo discuss his home run milestone. pic.twitter.com/2Q2BR5uVbA

— SportsNet LA (@SportsNetLA) August 15, 2019

Furthermore, Bellinger said it’s a matter of being focused every day.

“I just try to be consistent. When I feel off – it’s ‘why am I feeling off?’ – just try to keep getting back to normal and keep grinding out there.”

Alanna Rizzo asked Bellinger if he’s following the home run race across baseball. Recently, he gave a similar answer to the question.

“It’s kind of hard not to. I wouldn’t say it’s putting any more pressure on myself to hit homers, it’s just trying to stay within myself every day and keep going.”

Honestly, the season Bellinger is having isn’t just a physical grind; it’s mentally taxing. If nothing else, one should be very impressed with the mental composure Bellinger has displayed through the up’s and down’s of a long season to date.

Final Word

I have had the chance to write about Bellinger home runs since my humble beginnings at Dodgers Nation. Now, no one can say this player didn’t reach a new accolade in 2019. For the rest of time, Bellinger is forever a member of the 40-home run club. Even in this current era of ‘juiced ball’ talk, it should mean something.

With a six weeks or so to go in the regular season, Bellinger has a chance to really rack up a special total. Finally, he needs ten more home runs to reach another special round number of 50. That would bring about a similar post to this one – because it would be a Dodgers franchise record.

As he said, Bellinger just needs to stay within himself; and keep going.