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Rookie Griffin homers on 20th birthday, Pirates rout Brewers

4/28/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin hit his first MLB home run on his 20th birthday as the Pirates beat the Brewers 6-0.
Pirates manager Don Kelly said the bounce house rented for the clubhouse fostered camaraderie despite not using it.
Griffin signed a nine-year, $140 million contract after his April 3 debut.
His birthday homer made him the third modern-era player to homer on his 20th birthday, joining Buddy Lewis and Aramis Ramírez.

History

Historical Context

When Buddy Lewis belted a home run on his 20th birthday in 1935, the Washington Senators won 5-3, marking the first known birthday-homer in MLB. A century later, 2024 rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin repeated the feat for the Pittsburgh Pirates, underscoring how early power displays have long been linked to lucrative contracts.

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Story summary

Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin hit his first MLB home run on his 20th birthday as the Pirates beat the Brewers 6-0.
Pirates manager Don Kelly said the bounce house rented for the clubhouse fostered camaraderie despite not using it.
Griffin signed a nine-year, $140 million contract after his April 3 debut.
His birthday homer made him the third modern-era player to homer on his 20th birthday, joining Buddy Lewis and Aramis Ramírez.

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