2021 MLB Season: 21 blessings

2021 MLB Season: Things to be thankful for: 16 – 18

16. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has Arrived!

After two somewhat subpar seasons, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. finally arrived in 2021. As the son of a Hall of Famer, there were a lot of expectations placed upon Vladdy. This season he finally delivered.

Throughout the month of September, Guerrero threatened to win the Triple Crown award. Ultimately, he fell short by 10 runs batted in and .08 points in batting average. 

What’s more, if not for Shohei Ohtani’s historic season, there’s no question that Vladdy Jr. is the 2021 AL MVP. There’s always next season.

17. Julio Urias Wins 20 Games

Less than a year after closing out the World Series in favor of his Los Angeles Dodgers, Julio Urias won his 20th game of the season. It was the first time an NL pitcher won 20 games in five years and is only the fourth Mexican native to win that many games ever.

Julio Urías is the first NL pitcher in five years to win 20 games! pic.twitter.com/7wp7uEqAvf

— MLB (@MLB) October 3, 2021

The only other Mexican natives to win 20 or more games in a single season are:

1. Fernando Valenzuela – won 21 games in 1986
2. Teodoro Higuera – won 20 games in 1986
3. Esteban Loaiza – won 21 games in 2003

18. Everything About the Field of Dreams Game 

A year after the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the Field of Dreams game, MLB was finally able to play it. Set in a cornfield in Iowa, the game featured an appearance by actor Kevin Costner, an epic entrance by the players, who emerged from the cornfields, and an unforgettable walk-off home run by Tim Anderson.

Because of the game’s success, MLB plans to continue to play the game in a different location every season. May we suggest the Dominican Republic?

---