Ronald Acuña Jr.
| Birthdate | 12/18/1997 |
| Death Date | |
| Debut Year | 2018 |
| Year of Induction | |
| Teams | Braves |
| Positions | Center Field, Left Field, Right Field |
The Rookie of the Year in 2018, Ronald Acuña Jr. put up a year to remember in 2023 when he slammed 41 home runs and swiped 73 bases.
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As a 20-year old Acuña earned 27 of 30 first-place votes in Rookie of the Year balloting
As a 20-year old Acuña earned 27 of 30 first-place votes in Rookie of the Year balloting
Ronald Acuña Jr. burst onto the Major League Baseball scene in 2018. At just 20 years old, he joined the Atlanta Braves and made an immediate and electrifying impact.
During his rookie season, he played in 111 games. Acuña displayed power and speed, hitting 26 home runs. He collected a remarkable 239 total bases, illustrating his all-around game. His offensive prowess led to a 143 OPS+, a statistic that highlighted his effectiveness at the plate.
Defensively, Acuña also impressed. His athleticism and quick reactions made him a reliable outfielder. He contributed significantly to the Braves’ 90 victories and Eastern Division championship.
By season’s end, Acuña’s achievements garnered significant recognition. He earned 27 of the 30 first-place votes for Rookie of the Year. This accolade validated his outstanding season and confirmed his status as a rising star.
Acuña’s rookie year set the tone for his future in baseball. His blend of power, speed, and charisma captured attention. Fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipated his development. Acuña not only transformed the Braves’ lineup but also revitalized excitement in the sport. His journey had just begun, and the baseball world took notice.
The ticket above allowed a lucky fan into the 63rd game of Acuña’s career. In the contest, Acuña slammed the 14th homer of his first big league season and career.
Ronald Acuña's 41-homer and 73-steal unanimous MVP campaign in 2023 was historic
Ronald Acuña's 41-homer and 73-steal unanimous MVP campaign in 2023 was historic
In the 2023 season, Ronald Acuña Jr. showcased extraordinary talent. He made history by becoming the first player to hit at least 40 home runs and steal 70 bases in a single season. His achievements electrified fans and set new benchmarks in Major League Baseball.
Acuña’s offensive prowess stood out. He led all big leaguers with 73 steals, 149 runs, 217 hits, 383 total bases, and a .416 on-base percentage. His 171 OPS+ topped the National League. Acuña’s play was absolutely brilliant.
Due to his outstanding performance, Acuña earned unanimous recognition as the National League Most Valuable Player. His closest competitor, Mookie Betts of the Dodgers, finished a distant second in voting. Ronald’s former Atlanta teammate Freddie Freeman finished third behind fellow Dodger Betts.
Acuña’s remarkable campaign left an indelible mark on baseball history, as fans and analysts alike celebrated his incredible achievements. His combination of power, speed, and consistency made 2023 a truly unforgettable year.
Shown here is a ticket that allowed a fan into Fenway Park on July 2, 2014. In that contest 2023 MVP runner-up Betts hit his first career home run, had first multi-hit game, and first two big league RBI.
On the reverse are two holograms authenticating both the ticket and the signature. The MLB hologram shows that Mookie signed this on February 22, 2024. The Fanatics hologram also verifies Betts’ signature.
