When Marcell Ozuna hit Robbie Ray’s 1-2 slider 365 feet to left field for his fourth home run of the season in the second inning of a 5-2 loss at the San Francisco Giants on May 9, the Pittsburgh Pirates designated hitter became the 167th player in MLB history with 300 homers.
The 35-year-old Ozuna hit 96 homers in five seasons with Miami, 52 in two seasons with St. Louis and 148 in six seasons with Atlanta. He signed a one-year $12 million free agent deal in February but drew boos early this season at PNC Park by batting .162 with a .467 OPS with 29 strikeouts against seven walks through April. Ozuna is batting .244 with an .819 OPS with two homers, six RBIs, 11 strikeouts and eight walks since the start of May.
Ozuna is one of 15 active players in the 300 homer club, as well as the 15th from the Dominican Republic to reach the milestone. He is the fifth player to hit his 300th homer in a Pirates uniform, joining Ralph Kiner, Willie Stargell, Jeromy Burnitz and Andrew McCutchen. Ozuna spoke with TribLive Pirates beat writer Kevin Gorman about the accomplishment, mentoring Oneil Cruz and winning over Pirates fans at PNC Park.
What was it like for you to reach that milestone with your 300th home run?
It’s big. It’s amazing, especially with the career I have. Being part of the 300 Homer Club is fantastic. I thank God for the opportunity to do that.
You entered the season with 296 homers. How much pressure did you feel as you got closer to 300?
I don’t have that pressure. Last year, that was my pressure. I thought I was going to finish with 25 or more. God gave me the opportunity to do it now and to continue it. Let’s get to 400!
The Pirates made a video of all 300 of your career homers. How many did you watch?
I know they had all of them, so I was watching it and it was cool. I had a moment where I got all caught up and started hitting homers. I always refresh back, especially to the guys that have passed away or people that are not in baseball anymore. It was amazing.
Did it bring back memories of a favorite homer?
My favorite was against Tampa Bay. Blake Snell threw a changeup and I hit (a 468-foot homer) off the 2011 (AL) Wild Card banner in left field (at Tropicana Field) in 2017. That’s my favorite. I just enjoyed that homer.
Is it harder to hit a flag or the top of the foul pole?
I did that one time, too, against Jerome Williams in 2015 (a 434-foot, two-run shot to left field against the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 20). I told Oneil that I already did what you did. I did that 10 years ago. To hit the pole is a lucky thing. Never try it.
After enduring an April funk, you’re hitting in May. Did you figure some things out?
I feel a lot better. I’m trying to get my rhythm and get in attack mode a little bit more. I feel like it’s going to be fine. Sometimes you struggle at the plate. Right now, I feel a lot better. I’m seeing more pitches.
How hard was it to handle that while playing for a new team?
It’s hard because the way you grind every single day for a new team and with new teammates, you have to adapt and adjust to the new team. They always helped support me. I feel blessed here. I’ll never be mad at anyone in this room, especially the coaches. They gave me the confidence to keep grinding and put some balls in play.
How did you swing your way out of that slump?
In the spring, I started good but then I lost my timing. When the season started, it gets into your mind. You try to do well. Never give up. Never give up. You come in every day with the same smile, same positivity and give my best to my teammates, especially if I’m not hitting good. If they need advice, I give advice. That’s what I’ve been doing for a long time at this level.
What has it meant that Oneil gives you credit for helping him fulfill his potential?
The way he’s hitting, he’s having a lot of success. I feel proud of him. He’s got so much talent. He has to explore the talent that he has and be more confident at the plate. Most of the time as a younger guy you try to do too much, try to work harder than ever. You just need to relax and go get your pitch or go get what they give you.
What’s your favorite thing about playing at PNC Park?
This ballpark is one of the most beautiful ballparks. I like to come here. I played against McCutchen, (Starling) Marte, (Gregory) Polanco. I faced A.J. Burnett, Charlie Morton, Gerrit Cole, Jameson Taillon, (Francisco) Liriano. I faced so many good guys here, especially Steven Brault, when I was with the Marlins. I liked the team. I like their unis. I like the teammates here.
Do you feel like you’ve won the fans over?
They were always on my side. Sometimes they boo because they want to see you go off. I deserved to be booed because I didn’t do good. When I start to do good, I know they’re going to be on my side. I don’t blame them.