The last New York Yankee to hit a home run in the historic old Yankee Stadium was Jose Molina.
A Historic Final Blast
In a moment forever etched in baseball lore, catcher Jose Molina made history by hitting the final home run in the original Yankee Stadium. This significant event occurred on September 21, 2008, during the last game ever played at the iconic venue against the Baltimore Orioles. Molina's solo shot in the bottom of the fourth inning secured his place in the stadium's rich 85-year history, making him the answer to a unique trivia question.
An Unlikely Hero
Molina, primarily known for his defensive skills behind the plate, was an unexpected figure to achieve such a memorable feat. His career statistics highlight the singular nature of this home run:
| Statistic | Jose Molina's Career | Significance of Last HR |
|---|---|---|
| Lifetime Batting Average | .233 | An unexpected power surge for a career average hitter |
| Career Home Runs | 39 | This specific home run stands out among his modest total |
| Plate Appearances | 2,795 | His limited power made this a truly surprising and historic moment |
Despite having only 39 home runs in 2,795 plate appearances over his entire career, Molina himself declared that hitting the last home run in the old Yankee Stadium stood "Right at the top" of his career highlights. This powerful moment encapsulated the emotion and history of the final game.
The End of an Era
The Yankees ultimately defeated the Orioles 7-3 in that farewell game, marking the conclusion of baseball at "The House That Ruth Built" before the team transitioned to the new Yankee Stadium. Molina's home run added a fitting, unforgettable punctuation mark to the legacy of one of baseball's most storied ballparks.
For more details on this momentous game, you can refer to the SABR Games Project.
