Dan Connolly

Machado attacks O’s history books at 23

By Dan Connolly

Posted on April 28, 2016

Manny Machado is good. Not breaking news here.

You’ve known that since he made his big league debut in 2012. But now he is starting to pick off some of the greatest names in franchise history in certain categories – especially when it comes to accomplishing things at a young age.

Last season, he became the second youngest Oriole to have 30 homers in a season, behind only Boog Powell. And he also became the youngest to reach 100 doubles, eclipsing Cal Ripken Jr.

Last night, in the Orioles’ 10-2 win against the Chicago White Sox, Machado hit a grand slam, which was his seventh homer of the season and 75th of his career.

Only Powell and Hall of Famer Eddie Murray had homered more for the Orioles before their 24th birthday (Machado turns 24 in July).

“Those were good players and Manny has a chance to be a real good player if he can continue down the path he’s started,” Orioles manager Buck Showalter said. “Those guys did a lot of things over the course of their career. Manny’s off to a good start and he’ll have a chance to do some of the things that those guys did. And I know, more than anything, he wants to emulate some of the championships those guys won.”

Machado is now batting .333 in 21 games. He’s tied with Chris Davis for the club home run lead and, after driving in a career-high five RBIs on Thursday, he is second behind Mark Trumbo on the team with 16 RBIs.

And he’s only 23. And a Gold Glove third baseman.

Something special may be going on here at Camden Yards this season with Machado.

His teammates think so, too.

“It’s really exciting to have a front-row seat to watch that guy play,” pitcher Tyler Wilson said.

And Davis added: “Manny’s learned a lot about himself, and it’s been really fun to watch.”