Minnesota Twins fans had plenty to cheer about on Saturday, not just because their team won big, but because Byron Buxton delivered one of the most memorable performances in the ballpark’s history.
On a day dedicated to celebrating him—with a special “Buck Truck” bobblehead giveaway—Buxton hit for the cycle, becoming the first player ever to do so at Target Field since it opened in 2010.
This incredible moment added to the excitement of a 12-4 Twins win over the Pittsburgh Pirates and turned a fun promotion into a historic game.
A Nervous Start Turns Into a Dream Game
Before the game began, Buxton admitted he was feeling nervous. With 10,000 fans receiving his bobblehead at the gate, the pressure was on to put on a show. But Buxton didn’t just show up—he made history.
He started strong, hitting a single in the first inning. In the second, during a huge six-run rally, he smashed a triple. Then in the third, he hit a double. By the fifth inning, he already had four hits, including a second single. All he needed was a home run.
Completing the Cycle in Style
In the seventh inning, Buxton got one more chance. With two outs, he crushed a 427-foot solo homer off Pirates reliever Andrew Heaney. That blast completed the cycle—single, double, triple, and home run—and brought the Target Field crowd to its feet. Fans waved their bobbleheads and cheered for their star player, soaking in a moment that will be remembered for years.
It was the 12th cycle in Minnesota Twins history, and the first since Jorge Polanco did it in 2019. But none had ever happened at Target Field until now.
A Close Call from the Dugout
Twins manager Rocco Baldelli almost took Buxton out of the game after his fourth hit, thinking the game was already in hand. But coaches quickly reminded him that Buxton was one hit away from completing the cycle. That heads-up moment gave Buxton the chance to create history in front of the home crowd.
“He was going to stay in the game,” Baldelli said. “He was going to get another at-bat, regardless of the score, and give him a chance to do something great.”
Stats That Speak for Themselves
Buxton’s homer was his 21st of the season, tying him for fifth-most in the American League. With two RBIs on Saturday, he now has 55 this season—just one short of his career high. He also has a perfect stolen base record, going 17 for 17, and an impressive OPS of .921.
“It’s one of the greatest first halves I’ve ever witnessed,” Baldelli added, praising Buxton’s all-around performance this season.
A Standing Ovation and a Soaked Celebration
After the seventh inning, Buxton was taken out of the game, but not before receiving a standing ovation from the Twins faithful. He gave a curtain call, soaking in the moment. After the game, teammate Ty France surprised him with a classic Gatorade bath—a fitting end to a perfect day.
Byron Buxton’s cycle on his bobblehead day was more than just a great baseball moment—it was a storybook performance that fans will talk about for years.
From feeling nervous before the game to hearing cheers echo through Target Field, Buxton showed once again why he’s one of the most exciting players in the league. It was a day filled with power, speed, and heart—everything that defines the “Buck Truck” spirit.
