Julio Franco Sets Record as Oldest Pinch-Hit Home Run Leader

Several notable milestones and historic performances have recently marked Major League Baseball and collegiate softball. Veteran Wilmer Flores of the San Francisco Giants achieved a rare feat by hitting three home runs in a single game during MLB's Rivalry Weekend, becoming only the third player in Oracle Park history to do so and driving in 80 percent of the team's runs in that game, a level of contribution matched only once before since 1920. Meanwhile, Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper reached his 1,000th career RBI, joining an elite group of players with 1,000 RBIs, runs, and walks before age 33, while teammate Kyle Schwarber nears his 300th career home run amid contract uncertainty. Historic moments from the past were recalled, such as Cy Young's 500th win in 1910, and Carl Yastrzemski's only three-homer game in 1976, highlighting baseball's rich legacy. In collegiate sports, Champion's senior pitcher Gabby Gradishar set a new program record with her 52nd career home run while striking out 17 batters in a game against Painesville Riverside, illustrating the rising talent in softball. These achievements showcase both the ongoing evolution and deep history of baseball and softball at various levels.