Milwaukee Brewers’ Ryan Braun achieves milestone with 200th homer of his career– MLB News
Milwaukee Brewers' Ryan Braun continues to attain more achievements, adding to the team’s success at a time when things have not been particularly well for the club as a whole. Braun who won the National League MVP last year has performed extraordinarily well this year as well, but whether he wins that title again is something to be seen.
On Sunday, playing against the New York Mets, Ryan Braun hit 200th homer of his career – becoming the sixth Brewers' player to achieve this milestone. The fourth inning homer eventually led to the Brewers’ 3-0 win over the Mets and made it the 40th homer of the season. This is for the seventh time that Braun has hit more 40 or more than 40 homers in a season.
That obviously adds to the excitement of the brilliance-personified player. Nonetheless, what is more important for him is success for the Brewers.
"Individual accomplishments are always more enjoyable in the context of a team win, and a meaningful win," Braun said. "We're in a position where every game is of the utmost importance, so it's easier to enjoy it when it comes on a day like this."
Braun’s 200th homer was faster than the former team-mates, but behind many active players in Major League Baseball. Ryan had it in his 867th game, while the fastest one among the active players is Ryan Howard who did it in his 658th game.
Braun’s significance as an accomplished slugger is beyond any shadow of a doubt. His magnificence as an effective and successful batter is duly acknowledged by his contemporaries and the ones familiar with baseball.
Aramis Ramirez is one of the contemporary players having lofty view about Braun.
"He's the best player I've ever played with," said Braun's middle-of-the-order partner, Aramis Ramirez. "It's not because of the homers. He does everything. He steals a base when you need to, plays good defense and stays healthy. He plays every single game."
Currently, Braun is leading the National League in homers, total bases, OPS and slugging percentage. That is where he stands apart from every player in the League. The player who was facing a potential 50-game suspension under MLB Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, successfully won the appeal and stormed into the regular season with tremendous success.
All said, the possibility of Braun winning the NL MVP title hinges upon his consistency and the Brewers ability to make it into the playoffs. Whether that happens or not is something that the fans will have to wait and watch.
Among the contenders looking for this title are the likes of Andrew McCutchen, Jay Bruce, Buster Posey, Matt Holliday and Adam LaRoche.
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