Orioles' Gunnar Henderson joins several MLB shortlists after franchise record HR

Gunnar Henderson's breakout 2024 campaign continued on Wednesday, as he passed a legendary Hall of Famer to make Baltimore Orioles history while also etching his name onto several shortlists.

Leading off against the Chicago White Sox, Henderson recorded home run No. 35 on the season, smashing a 3-1 cutter from starter Jonathan Cannon 402 feet into the center field stands at Camden Yards. With it, the All-Star passed Miguel Tejada (2004) and Cal Ripken Jr. (1991) for the most by an Orioles shortstop in a single season.

Meanwhile, Henderson is only the seventh player in baseball history to post the stat line while playing 100 percent of their games at shortstop. Per Stathead , he joins Trevor Story (2019, 2018), Alex Rodriguez (2002, 2000, 1999, 1996), Rich Aurilia (2001), Nomar Garciaparra (1998), Ernie Banks (1960, 1959, 1958, 1955) and Vern Stephens (1949).

However, accomplishing the feat at Henderson's age is even rarer. The only other player, 23 years old or younger, to finish a season with at least 35 long balls and 84 RBI while playing every game at SS is Rodriguez, who did it twice (1999, 1996) .

Last year, Henderson earned American League Rookie of the Year honors and was a 2023 Silver Slugger Award winner. However, he's once again one of the best shortstops in all of MLB this season, ranking first at the position in walks (70) and homers (35) while trailing only Kansas City Royals standout Bobby Witt Jr. in on-base percentage (.367), slugging percentage (.539) and OPS (.906), according to MLB.com .