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Mike Moustakas hit his 36th home run on September 1, to tie the single-season club record for home runs in a season, set by Steve Balboni in 1985. But he had been homerless since then, thanks in part to an aggravated knee injury. That home run drought came to an end Wednesday night, when Mike Moustakas etched his name into the record books.
The Royals were already up 12-0 in a laugher in Toronto when Moustakas faced right-hander Carlos Ramirez in the sixth inning.
SEE YA BALBONI! Mike Moustakas now is the Royals franchise leader for home runs in a season with 37! #Royals pic.twitter.com/QcUwl7wy4R
— Chris Lilly (@wibwChrisLilly) September 21, 2017
It was the third hit of the night for Moose, whose previous high for home runs in a season was 22, set in 2015. Moose is now fifth in the American League in home runs behind only Aaron Judge, Khris Davis, Justin Smoak, and Joey Gallo.
The previous record-holder, Steve Balboni, had a classy message for Kansas City’s new home run king.
Steve Balboni has a special message for the new #Royals home run champion. #RaisedRoyal pic.twitter.com/S9hRufz9uB
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) September 21, 2017
It may be a disappointing month for the Royals, but at least Moose finally eclipsed a 32-year old record and put a cherry on top of his remarkable season. Congrats, Moose!