Nick Kurtz Makes MLB History: 1st Rookie to Hit 4 Home Runs in a Game
In a performance that will be remembered for decades, Oakland Athletics' rookie Nick Kurtz etched his name into Major League Baseball history by hitting four home runs in a single game, becoming the first rookie ever to achieve this feat. Not only that, but the 22-year-old powerhouse also matched the MLB record with 19 total bases, tying the legendary Shawn Green’s 2002 performance.
Facing off against the Houston Astros on Friday night in a lopsided 15–3 victory, Kurtz didn’t just hit for power—he hit for perfection, going 6-for-6 at the plate with eight RBIs and six runs scored. Fans in Houston and across the country were left stunned as Kurtz continued to light up the scoreboard with each passing inning.
A Dream Night Turned Reality
When asked about his incredible night during a postgame interview, a visibly emotional Kurtz responded:
“It’s hard to think about this day being kind of real—it still feels like a dream. So it’s pretty remarkable. I’m kind of speechless. Don’t really know what to say.”
And how could he not be? These are the kinds of performances that are reserved for legends, and Kurtz is only 66 games into his MLB career. Drafted fourth overall out of Wake Forest in 2024, the 6-foot-5 slugger only made his major league debut on April 23 and hit his first home run less than three months ago on May 13.
Breaking Down the Monster Performance
Let’s take a closer look at Kurtz’s jaw-dropping night:
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Second Inning: Solo shot to right-center off Ryan Gusto
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Sixth Inning: Two-run homer off Nick Hernandez
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Eighth Inning: 414-foot blast, solo shot off Kaleb Ort
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Ninth Inning: Opposite-field three-run home run to the Crawford Boxes off outfielder-turned-pitcher Cooper Hummel
To top it off, Kurtz also added a double and a single, joining Shawn Green as the only players in MLB history to go 6-for-6 in a four-home-run game.
His 19 total bases now tie the all-time record, and his performance marked only the 20th four-homer game in MLB history, and the second of the 2025 season, after Arizona’s Eugenio Suárez pulled off the feat in April.
The Youngest to Ever Do It
At just 22 years old, Nick Kurtz is now the youngest player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a game. He surpassed Pat Seerey, who was 25 when he accomplished the same milestone for the Chicago White Sox in 1948.
Not only is Kurtz making history—he's doing it with style and consistency. His power, patience, and confidence at the plate are turning heads around the league, and fans are already buzzing about his potential to become the face of the franchise in Oakland—and possibly the entire MLB.
July’s Hottest Hitter
Kurtz hasn’t just had one good game—he’s had an unbelievable month. In July alone, he leads the entire league in nearly every major hitting category:
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Batting Average: .425
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On-Base Percentage: .494
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Slugging Percentage: 1.082
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Runs Scored: 22
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Doubles: 13
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Home Runs: 11
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RBIs: 27
These aren’t just All-Star numbers—these are MVP-caliber numbers. And they’re coming from a rookie who didn’t even start the season in the majors.
A Glimmer of Hope for Oakland
The Oakland Athletics have had their share of struggles in recent years, both on the field and off, including talks of relocation and declining attendance. But in Nick Kurtz, the franchise may have finally found a player around whom they can rebuild and restore faith among their loyal fan base.
Friday night’s game wasn’t just a record-setting performance; it was a glimpse into the future of a franchise in need of a hero.
Reactions Across the League
Social media exploded as fans, analysts, and even fellow players took to X (formerly Twitter) to praise Kurtz’s historic night:
Mike Trout tweeted:
"Welcome to the big leagues, kid. 4 bombs in one night?! That’s legendary stuff."
MLB Network shared:
“Nick Kurtz has arrived. This is no longer a rookie—we’re watching a superstar in the making.”
What’s Next for Nick Kurtz?
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Nick Kurtz. Will he continue this unbelievable streak? Will he break more records? While it's impossible to predict the future in baseball, one thing is clear: Nick Kurtz has already made history, and he’s just getting started.
The next chapter of his career begins now—and fans across the globe will be watching every swing, every homer, and every moment.
Conclusion
Nick Kurtz’s unforgettable four-homer, six-hit, 19-base night isn’t just a footnote in baseball history—it’s a defining moment in the career of a player destined for greatness. From his humble beginnings as a Wake Forest standout to becoming the youngest and first rookie to achieve this incredible feat, Kurtz’s story is the embodiment of why we love baseball—the unexpected rise, the historic highs, and the sheer magic of the game.
Whether you're a diehard Athletics fan or just a lover of the sport, remember this name: Nick Kurtz. The legend has just begun.
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