For 40 years, George Brett stood alone atop the Kansas City Royals’ career home run list. On Wednesday night, Salvador Perez finally reached him.
Trailing 3-0 with Vinnie Pasquantino on second base in the seventh inning, Perez crushed a sinker from San Francisco Giants starter Landen Roupp. The ball traveled 437 feet before landing beyond the wall near the right-center fountains at Kauffman Stadium.
Perez had his 317th career home run. Brett suddenly had company.
The two-run shot cut the Giants’ lead to 3-2 and opened the door for a five-run inning. Kansas City completed the comeback, held on for a 5-4 victory and finished a sweep of San Francisco.
It was Perez’s 14th homer of the season. More importantly, it placed the longtime catcher beside the greatest player in franchise history.
A catcher reaches a record built for sluggers
Brett had owned the record by himself since April 9, 1986, when his 194th career homer moved him ahead of Amos Otis. The Hall of Fame third baseman kept adding to that total until he retired with 317 after the 1993 season.
Kansas City then waited more than three decades for another player capable of reaching it.
Perez became that player through power, durability and loyalty to one organization. He signed with the Royals at 16, reached the major leagues in 2011 and developed into the face of the franchise’s modern era.
To match Brett, Perez had to survive 15 demanding seasons as a catcher. He spent thousands of innings squatting behind the plate, handling pitchers and absorbing foul balls while still producing enough power to chase a record more commonly held by first basemen, third basemen or outfielders.
His Kansas City resume carries weight beyond the numbers. Perez earned the 2015 World Series MVP award after helping the Royals win their first championship in 30 years. He also collected nine All-Star selections, five Gold Gloves and five Silver Slugger awards before receiving the rare honor of becoming the fourth captain in franchise history.
Brett welcomes Perez to the top
Though they belong to different eras, Brett and Perez occupy similar places in Royals history.
Brett became the defining figure of Kansas City’s successful teams in the 1970s and 1980s. Perez emerged as the emotional center of the club that won consecutive American League pennants and captured the 2015 World Series.
Both stayed with the same organization. Each became a champion, a captain and a lasting connection between the team and its supporters.
Brett had already addressed Perez’s pursuit of the record last month. He admitted that he did not enjoy watching his marks fall, but made it clear that Perez was the right player to take this one. “If anybody was going to break it, I’m glad it’s him,” Brett said.
That blessing highlights what makes the record special. Perez did not arrive in Kansas City as an established star. Over time, he grew into one, built his career in the same uniform and remained central to the franchise through championship seasons and difficult rebuilds.
The milestone also carried deep personal meaning. After touching home plate, Perez moved through a dugout filled with teammates waiting to congratulate him. Moments later, he returned to the field for a curtain call as Kauffman Stadium remained on its feet.
Perez raised his arm during the trip around the bases, then blew kisses toward his mother, wife and children in the stands. It was not simply a celebration of one swing. The moment recognized the family sacrifices and organizational support behind a career that began when Kansas City signed him as a teenager from Venezuela.
Milestone swing changes the game
Perez’s homer was historic, but it also served as the catalyst for Kansas City’s comeback.
Pasquantino began the seventh with a double that extended his hitting streak to 17 games. Perez followed with the blast that ended Roupp’s night and reduced the deficit to one run.
Three consecutive singles kept the rally alive. Pinch hitter Nick Loftin drove home the tying run before Lane Thomas lined a two-run single into right-center with the bases loaded, giving Kansas City a 5-3 advantage.
The Giants made one final push in the ninth. Royals closer Steven Cruz allowed a two-out homer to Casey Schmitt, cutting the lead to 5-4. Cruz responded by retiring the final hitter on a popout to secure his first major league save.
The victory completed Kansas City’s sweep and gave the Royals five wins in their first six games after the break. Their 43-60 record still reflects an otherwise difficult season, but Perez’s improving form has supplied a clear bright spot. He has hit three home runs over his last five games.
Now the countdown begins. Every Perez plate appearance carries the possibility of another piece of franchise history. His next home run will move him past Brett and leave him alone at the top.
For now, two kings share the Royals’ power throne. Brett built the record. Perez has finally caught him.
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FAQS
1. How many career home runs does Salvador Perez have?
Perez has 317 career home runs. That total ties George Brett for the Kansas City Royals franchise record.
2. Who holds the Royals’ career home run record?
Salvador Perez and George Brett share the record with 317 home runs each.
3. How far did Salvador Perez’s record tying home run travel?
The home run traveled 437 feet and landed near the right center fountains at Kauffman Stadium.
4. Did the Royals win when Perez tied the record?
Yes. Kansas City erased a 3-0 deficit and defeated San Francisco 5-4 after scoring 5 runs in the seventh inning.
5. What happens when Salvador Perez hits his next home run?
His next homer will move him past Brett and give him sole possession of the Royals’ career record.
I live for the roar of the crowd, the rush of a new city, and the kind of moments that turn into lifelong memories. Sports keep me energized, travel keeps me grounded, and every journey gives me a fresh story to tell.
