Geno Suárez Homers His Way Into History
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 29: Eugenio Suárez #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks celebrates after ... More hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Chase Field on September 29, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. This was Suarez's 30th home run of the season. (Photo by)
Eugenio (Geno) Suárez's season nearly came to an untimely end on June 23, when he suffered a right hand contusion after being hit by a pitch in the first inning of the Diamondbacks interleague series at the Chicago White Sox. On a team plagued by double digit numbers of players on the Injured List, the potential loss of the starting third baseman caused D-backs Nation to hold its collective breath when he removed himself from the game.
After appearing in all 78 of the Diamondbacks' games this season, Suárez was out of the lineup for the final two games of the series. He took light batting practice prior to game three and, with an off day prior to the team's 10-game homestand, there is a possibility he could be in the lineup when it begins on June 27. While initial X-rays were negative, much will depend on the results of a scheduled MRI and his level of discomfort.
He appeared in six of the most recent nine road games (with a HBP in the seventh game) and went 11-for-25 with 4 home runs and 10 RBI.
Up until the injury, it had been an exceptional season for the Venezuelan known as much for his Good Vibes Only persona as his power hitting. The 33-year old, 12-year Major League veteran had achieved three significant milestones – a National League Player of the Week award (his third this season), a four home run game, and eclipsing the 300 home run mark.
Just 2 shy of 900 career RBI, Suárez ranks among MLB leaders in RBI/67 (T2), home runs/25 (4th), SLG/.569 (5th) and extra-base hits/40 (9th). Among National League players, he ranks second in home runs and is tied for first in RBI. And since July 1, 2024, his 136 RBI lead the Majors, ahead of Aaron Judge (124).
It's easy to see why any prolonged absence would be devastating to the Diamondbacks.
Making History
Suárez has been on a veritable home run tear this season and is already more than halfway to matching his career best 49 with Cincinnati in 2019.
On April 26, he became the 19th player in MLB history to hit four home runs in a game. In typical Geno clutch fashion, the last one came in a tie game, in the bottom of the 9th, on a 3-2 count. Slugging a game-tying home run in front of a home crowd of 43,000 cheering fans is the stuff of sandlot dreams. Unfortunately, it was bittersweet as the Diamondbacks lost to the Braves 8-7 in the 10th .
Only two other Hispanic players are on that 4 HR list – J.D. Martinez in 2017 with the Diamondbacks, and Puerto Rican Carlos Delgado with Tampa Bay in 2003.
Said Manager Torey Lovullo after the game, 'I'm just really proud of Gino. He's so hungry and continues to work hard. Watching him have success, I'm just like a proud father, you know, just watching him go out there and get the job done. And so hats off to him.'
Geno was on hand in Cincinnati in 2017 when his then-teammate Scooter Gennette hit four home runs in a game against the Cardinals. He recalled wondering what that would feel like.
'You know, it was awesome to see him hit those homers for us, and I thought that it's got to feel really good to hit four in a game. And you know, today that dream came true for me.'
He added, 'It's very special for me to be able to do that here in Arizona, doing it for my team, doing it for my family. And I just want to glorify God with this game today, that He gave to me. It's a gift, you know, and I don't take it for granted.'
Geno also made his mark in Venezuelan baseball history this season when he hit his 300th career home run in a two-homer game on June 20 at Colorado. With his 301st in the following game, the Puerto Ordaz native now ranks third among all-time Venezuelan baseball players behind Miguel Cabrera (511) and 'El Gato' Andrés Galarraga (399). Not bad for a former shortstop who grew up wanting to follow in the footsteps of Omar Vizquel.
OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 10: Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers watches his two-run home run in ... More the fourth inning against the Oakland Athletics during Game Five of the American League Division Series at O.co Coliseum on October 10, 2013 in Oakland, California. (Photo by)
He is also just the 12th active MLB player with 300+ home runs.
Said Lovullo after the game, 'Three hundred home runs is kind of unbelievable. He continues to play at an unbelievable level. He never lets his guard down. He's a great baseball player but an even better human being.'
An emotional Geno acknowledged his teammates, staff and coaches for their support.
'This game is awesome,' he said smiling. 'It's given me a lot and I appreciate all of you guys for being a part of this. And these home runs are for God.'
His 25 home runs before the All-Star break are tied for second most in Diamondbacks history with Steve Finley (2000), behind only Luis Gonzalez (35 in 2001).
Starter Merrill Kelly echoed the team's sentiments about Geno's success.
'Like I say all the time, Gino's the man and to see it happen to as good of a guy that he is and how much he stays in the moment, whether he's hitting everything that's thrown at him or hitting nothing that's thrown at him, he's the same guy, works the same way every single day and brings the same energy.'
The Week That Was
Suárez earned the June 23, 2025 National League Player of the Week presented by Chevrolet award for his rare accomplishments. It was the third time this season the 33-year old has won the award (March 31 and April 28), making him the first player in franchise history to earn the honor three times in a single season.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 30: Eugenio Suárez #28 of the Arizona Diamondbacks gives a thumbs up to ... More Geraldo Perdomo #2 after hitting a one run home run during the seventh inning against the Washington Nationals at Chase Field on July 30, 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by)
Beyond the Numbers
Geno is much more than the team's home run leader. His impact as a mentor and spiritual leader, particularly among his fellow Latino teammates, transcends statistics.
'I try to put God in front of everything and share that with all the young Latinos,' he said in Spanish. 'And we have a beautiful relationship with God because of this.'
Now on the road toward 400 career knocks and a possible second All-Star selection, Geno has no plans to change either his work ethic or positive attitude.
Instead, he'll continue to be guided by his belief that 'Each day is an opportunity for me to be better.'
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