In Brown’s 102nd career record appearance, the slugger reached a milestone long eluded in the A’s 7-3 win over the Astros on Saturday, launching his first career home run.
Brown’s first Major League long ball didn’t come cheap either. At 130 meters with a run-out speed of 106.1 mph, the explosion was the textbook definition of a non-doubting man, driving high into the second deck of Minute Maid Park.
His teammates understood the size. They greeted Brown with a barrage of emphatic high-fives upon his return. Some offered hugs. Brown could be seen smiling, almost relieved that he had finally broken the bagel in the home run column.
Brown did not make the A’s Opening Day roster from Spring Training, losing to Ka’ai Tom in the league for the fourth outfielder, but was recalled when Chad Pinder was placed on the 10-day IL with a left knee sprain.