This Gaylord Perry Home Run Was Heard Across Space as He Lost to Astronauts

Gaylord Perry was a legendary pitcher who played for 22 years in the MLB. He passed away on December 1st, 2022, at 84. Perry was a baseball legend and built a solid legacy in the league. He was known for a variety of pitching tricks and antics on the mound that he used to confuse and infuriate opposing batters.

The Giants legend was not at all known for his batting, having hit only 6 Home Runs over a 22-year career. But there is one hit that has etched Perry’s name into the history books.

A man landed on the moon before Gaylord Perry hit his first Home Run

Alvin Dark, the former manager of the San Francisco Giants, started a legendary race with one sentence. Dark said, “There’ll be a man on the moon before Gaylord Perry hits a home run.” Dark was Perry’s manager when he made this statement, but there is confusion as to when it happened, 1962 0r 63. But the statement did come true and in the most dramatic fashion.

On July 20th, 1969, Neil Armstrong became the first man to land on the moon and 34 minutes later, the Giants’ star smashed his first career home run. To add to that historic moment, Perry led the Giants to a win over the Dodgers with his pitching.

MLB fans may not remember Perry for his hitting prowess. But his first home run will go down in history as a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Perry went on to hit 5 more home runs in his career, but none were as impressive as the first.

Read More: MLB Legend Gaylord Perry, Who Once Held an Enviable Pitching Record Passes Away Aged 84

Perry’s race to hit a home run before a man stepped on the moon will be remembered forever. And add to the legendary status of Gaylord Perry, the ‘spitball master’.

A deeper look at Perry’s first Home Run

Per MLB.com, Gaylord Perry hit his first home run against lefty pitcher Claude Osteen in the third inning. Perry told MLB.com in 2009 that “over the loudspeaker, they were telling everybody to stand and give a moment of silent thanks for the astronauts who landed on the moon. And I’d say 30 minutes later, Claude Osteen grooved me a fastball, and I hit it out of the park.”

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Gaylord Perry is a name that will go down in baseball history. What are your thoughts on Gaylord Perry’s first home run and the story behind it? Leave your replies below in the comments section.