Byron Buxton’s Remarkable Cycle Day at Target Field

This past Saturday at Target Field was notable not just for Byron Buxton Bob Bullhead Day, but also for a stunning performance by the All-Star outfielder.

Buxton achieved a rare feat by hitting for the cycle against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and he did it in quite a memorable manner.

He started off strong with a lead-off single in his first at-bat. Later, in one of Minnesota’s impressive six-run innings, he added a triple. As soon as you see that triple happen, well, you start keeping an eye on the cycle.

In the third inning, Buxton hit a ground-rule double, intensifying the game’s momentum.

For his fourth hit of the game, Buxton found himself at the plate again. This time, although he fell behind 0-2 in the count, he didn’t let that deter him.

With a swing that clocked at an 80-mile-per-hour pitch just below the zone, he sent the ball soaring to 427 feet in center field, reaching an impressive exit velocity of 106 mph. The crowd? They went wild.

This was particularly special as it marked the first cycle at Target Field since it opened in 2010, and the first for the Twins since Jorge Polanco accomplished it in 2019.

Before Buxton, the last Minnesota player to hit for a cycle at home was Michael Kadie back in 2009, during the final season of the Metrodome. It’s a rarity for sure.

Overall, Buxton is beginning to showcase his capabilities on the field this season. He has been relatively healthy, playing 77 out of 85 games, which is a significant improvement compared to previous years where injuries limited his playtime.

This season marks his second All-Star selection, having made it back in 2022 when he notched 28 home runs over 92 games. Unfortunately, injuries cut his season short. In 2021, he managed just 61 games but still posted impressive numbers with a .306 batting average and 19 home runs.