James Wood Makes History with 4 Intentional Walks in MLB

Washington Nationals slugger James Wood made a bit of baseball history on Sunday. He did something no major leaguer has done since Barry Bonds: he got intentionally walked four times in a single game.

That’s not something you see every day. It really shows just how much the opposition respects his bat, and honestly, how much fear he can strike in a pitcher’s heart.

This all happened during the Nationals’ wild 7-4, 11-inning win over the Los Angeles Angels in Anaheim. Wood’s performance drew quick comparisons to some of the biggest names in baseball, and it’s hard not to see why.

James Wood Joins Elite Company

James Wood’s achievement puts him in a pretty exclusive group. Since 1955, only a handful of players have ever been intentionally walked four or more times in a single game.

Besides Barry Bonds, that short list includes Roger Maris, Garry Templeton, Manny Ramirez, and Andre Dawson—who actually holds the all-time record with five intentional walks in one game. The Angels just weren’t going to let Wood beat them with his bat, so they pitched around the Nationals’ 22-year-old slugger all night.

The Context Behind the Walks

Wood started off 1-for-2 before the string of intentional passes began. Each walk came in a big moment, with runners in scoring position.

The Angels gave him the free pass in the fifth, seventh, ninth, and 11th innings. They knew what he could do if they gave him a real pitch to hit.

It’s pretty rare to see a young player get this much respect from opposing pitchers. But Wood is quickly becoming a real offensive threat.

Wood’s Season and Career Stats Speak Volumes

James Wood’s season has been, frankly, fantastic. He’s hitting .283 with 22 home runs, 64 RBIs, and a .938 OPS.

That’s a lot of power and consistency for a 22-year-old. Sunday’s game also happened to be Wood’s 163rd in the majors.

In his first 162 games, he racked up 31 home runs and 105 RBIs. Those numbers compare really well to what Bryce Harper and Juan Soto did early in their Nationals careers.

Aiming to Follow Harper and Soto

After the game, Wood talked about following the path set by Harper and Soto. He clearly admires what they’ve accomplished and how they’ve stuck around at the top for so long.

“I want to get to their level and stay there,” Wood said afterward. He’s focused on not just being good for a while, but being great for the long haul.

For someone so young, he seems to have the right mindset to become a cornerstone in Washington. That’s not something you see every day.

Nationals Break Historical Drought in Anaheim

While Wood stole the show, the Nationals’ win was pretty significant too. Their 7-4 victory in 11 innings gave Washington its first series win in Anaheim since 2005.

That was their first year after moving from Montreal. The Nationals have had a tough time in Southern California over the years.

This series felt different, though. Wood’s heroics and the team’s grit carried them through.

The Team’s Bright Future

With James Wood leading the way, the Nationals look like a team on the rise. There’s young talent popping up all over the roster.

Washington fans finally have a reason to feel hopeful again after some rough rebuilding seasons. Sunday’s win felt like a small taste of what could be coming—a high-stakes, extra-inning thriller, led by one of baseball’s most exciting young players.

Takeaways from Wood’s Historic Game

James Wood’s four intentional walks in one game weren’t just some weird stat. They showed just how much he’s starting to scare pitchers across the league.

• Elite company: Wood now shares this rare feat with legends like Barry Bonds and Roger Maris.
• Clutch moments: Each walk came with runners in scoring position, which says a lot about the respect he’s earned in big spots.
• Impressive season: Wood’s .283 average, 22 homers, and 64 RBIs at age 22 really jump off the page.
• Franchise comparisons: His early career stats stack up with Bryce Harper and Juan Soto—pretty good company for a National.
• History-making victory: The Nationals finally took a series in Anaheim for the first time since 2005.

Conclusion

James Wood made history on Sunday in Anaheim. His four intentional walks say a lot about baseball’s next superstar.

He’s only 22, but you can already see the talent and poise. The Nationals have a young phenom who’s giving fans real hope for the future.

Honestly, it feels like we’re just starting to see what James Wood can do. If you’re a baseball fan, you might want to keep an eye on this kid.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Nats’ Wood is 1st since Bonds to get 4 free passes