Friday, August 31, 2001
Dunn sets NL homer record
12th this month breaks Frank Robinson's rookie mark
By John Fay
The Cincinnati Enquirer
HOUSTON — We knew Adam Dunn and Ken Griffey Jr. were in rare territory with the way they've been hitting home runs lately. Now we know how rare.
Dunn's 12 homers broke the National League record for homers in a month by a rookie set by Frank Robinson of the Reds 45 years ago - in August, 1956.
“That's unbelievable,” Dunn said. “That's all I can say.”
Along with Griffey's 11, their 23 combined homers in August broke the club record for home runs by two players in any calendar month. Ted Kluszewski (13) and Jim Greengrass (nine) combined to hit 22 in August 1954.
“That's a lot of home runs in a month ... times six,” Reds manager Bob Boone said.
Twelve home runs in a month projects to 72; 11 home runs in a month projects to 66 for a year. That points to the potential of the Reds pair.
“That would be a fun (home run) race to watch,” Boone said. “Maris and Mantle.”
Both players have put up great August numbers. Griffey is hitting .330 with 11 home runs and 29 RBI. Dunn is hitting .288 with 12 homers and 27 RBI.
Dunn leads all major-league rookies in homers and RBI for the month.
The only rookies with more homers in a month were Detroit's Rudy York (18 in August 1937), Oakland's Mark McGwire (May 1987) and Minnesota's Jimmie Hall (13 in August 1963).
Dunn also was named the minor league player of the year by SportsTicker.
He was not named to the official International League All-Star team because he played only 55 games with Louisville. You have to play 70 to be eligible.
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Dunn sets NL homer record
