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Fernando Tatis Mashes First Walk-Off Home Run Of His Career On Worst-Timed Swing Of All-Time

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Fernando Tatis Walk-Off Home Run Timing Swing
© David Frerker-Imagn Images

Fernando Tatis Jr. is one of the early names to watch when it comes to the MVP race in Major League Baseball. The San Diego Padres superstar is back at full health and immediately returned to form.

His home run against Los Angeles (of Anaheim) on Wednesday night was historic. Believe it or not, it was the first walk-off home run of his seven-year career!

Not only did Tatis finally check off his walk-off box, he did so off of one of the best closers in MLB history. And the timing of his swing makes the feat even more impressive. He was way off and still sent the ball deep to centerfield. I am in awe of his adjustment.

Tatis stepped into the box with a 2-2 count in the bottom of the ninth inning at Petco Park. Kenley Jensen was on the mound to try and force extra innings. The score was tied at four. San Diego had one runner on base with nobody out.

Jensen pumped a fastball at 91 miles per hour on the inside corner of the plate. Tatis sent it over the wall in centerfield to give the Padres a two-run win over the Angels. Ballgame!

Fernando Tatis Jr. has 2168 at-bats in 2,428 plate appearances during his seven-year professional career, which does not include the 2022 season because of injury and suspension. Never before had he hit a walk-off home run. Wednesday was the first.

However, the home run was almost strike three! Tatis delivered what was perhaps the worst-timed swing in Major League history and still launched the ball for what he knew right away was a no-doubter.

He was ridiculously early with his plant foot, quickly paused and pulled back his bat for extra torque, and unloaded. Take a look at the impressive adjustment:

That ball went 430 feet on that swing. Crazy!