Matt Olson Had the Best Lefty vs. Lefty Power-Hitting Season Ever

In a season that has largely been disappointing for the A’s, one clear positive has been the continued development of power-hitting first baseman Matt Olson. The lefty made his first all-star game, and is just one home run shy of reaching the 40 homer threshold for the first time in his career. Especially impressive is Olson’s prowess versus left-handed pitching, with 22 of his 39 home runs coming against southpaws which broke Barry Bonds & Ken Griffey Jr.’s single-season record for HR vs. LHP among left-handed hitters.

Oakland #Athletics 1B Matt Olson hit the most HR (22) against left-handed pitchers by a left-handed hitter during 1 season in MLB history, passing Barry Bonds & Ken Griffey Jr. (21) pic.twitter.com/Phb9C9qDO8
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) October 2, 2021

INTERESTING FACTS

Matt Olson has hit the most HR (22) against left-handed pitchers by a left-handed hitter during 1 season in MLB history
The record was previously held by Barry Bonds & Ken Griffey Jr. with 21
Olson is the 1st Oakland first baseman to reach 100 RBIs (111) in a season since Jason Giambi in 2001
Matt made his 1st career All-Star Game in 2021 as a 27-year-old

Odds vs. HOU: OAK +123 (Spread +1.5)

MAIN TAKEAWAY

MATT OLSON HAD THE BEST LEFTY VS. LEFTY POWER-HITTING SEASON EVER

COLORS KEY | FULL OAKLAND ATHLETICS OUTLOOK

Matt Olson surpassed elite company by hitting his 22nd homer against a lefty during one season by a same-handed hitter. Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr. previously held the record with 21 each, and are widely regarded as two of the best left-handed hitters of all time. By passing them in the record books, Olson has created a league of his own as he broke a key record that was possessed by some notable names, which shows his power-hitting ability against same-handed pitchers.