LaMonte Wade Jr., who earned the 2021 Willie Mac Award with his penchant for late-game heroics, authored yet another legendary moment as a Giant on Friday night.
With his leadoff home run into the drink, Wade hit the 100th Splash Hit since the franchise moved to its waterfront ballpark in 2000. His homer sailed down the right field line and into McCovey Cove.
That was Wade’s fifth career Splash Hit and 36th overall in his five-year MLB career.
Wade’s homer had an exit velocity of 106.6 mph and would’ve left all 30 stadiums. The only place it would’ve taken a swim in, though, is here at Oracle Park.
A fan named Mark paddled over to the ball and collected the relic. He had a ticket to the game, so shortly after claiming the ball, he parked his boat and headed into Oracle Park to catch the rest of the series opener, remaining kayakers told KNBR.com.
After the second inning ended, “Bye Bye Baby” played on the Oracle Park speakers. The Splash Hit counter plastered on the right-field bricks changed from 99 to 100. Strips of confetti fell from the upper decks.
Wade is now one of seven Giants with at least five Splash Hits (opponent homers that land in the water aren’t included in the tracker). Barry Bonds has more than anyone, with 35.
The Giants traded for Wade in February of 2021, sending pitcher Shaun Anderson to Minnesota. Since then, Wade has played in 241 games for the Giants. He registered a .808 OPS in 2021, helping catalyze a team that won a franchise-record 107 games.
Wade, 29, is now having an All-Star caliber season. One of the most patient hitters in the game, Wade sees the most pitches per plate appearance in MLB and ranks in the top-five in on-base percentage.
