What is a Fun Fact About Ronald Acuna Jr?

Ronald Acuna Jr. is a name that’s become synonymous with baseball greatness. The Atlanta Braves outfielder has made a name for himself with his impressive on-field performances, including leading the National League in runs, home runs, and stolen bases in the 2021 season, and narrowly missing the 40-40 club by just three stolen bases.

While Acuna’s accomplishments on the field are well-known, there’s much more to this rising star than just his baseball prowess.

We’ll explore one fun fact about Ronald Acuna Jr. that you might not know, which is related to his family background.

From his father and brother to his uncle who played in the Major Leagues, Acuna’s family has deep roots in baseball. So, if you’re curious to learn more about this aspect of Acuna’s life and career, keep reading.

9 Fun Facts About Ronald Acuna Jr

1. Acuna’s Family Background

Ronald Acuna Jr.’s family background is deeply rooted in baseball. Acuna’s father, Ronald Acuna Sr., was a minor league player in Venezuela in the 1990s. While Acuna Sr. never made it to the Major Leagues, his love for the sport was passed down to his sons.

Acuna’s older brother, Luisangel Acuna, is also a professional baseball player. He currently plays in the Texas Rangers organization and is considered a rising star in the sport. The brothers have a close relationship and have been known to work out together during the offseason.

In addition to his father and brother, Acuna’s uncle, Jose Escobar, played in the Major Leagues for six seasons. Escobar played for the Toronto Blue Jays and the Cleveland Indians from 1991 to 1996. He primarily played as a catcher and was known for his defensive skills behind the plate.

With so many family members involved in baseball, it’s clear that the sport runs deep in the Acuna family.

Ronald Acuna Jr. has spoken about the influence his father and brother have had on his career, and it’s clear that he comes from a family of dedicated and talented athletes.

It will be exciting to see what the future holds for the Acuna family and their continued involvement in baseball.

2. Acuna’s Early Baseball Career

Before making his way to the Major Leagues, Ronald Acuna Jr. began his baseball career in Venezuela. He grew up in La Guaira, Venezuela, and started playing baseball at a young age. Acuna’s talent on the field quickly became apparent, and he began playing in local leagues and tournaments.

In 2014, at the age of 16, Acuna was signed by the Atlanta Braves as an international free agent. The team saw potential in Acuna’s skills and quickly began working to develop his talent.

He began his professional career in the Braves minor league system, starting in the Gulf Coast League and quickly moving up to the Danville Braves of the Appalachian League.

Acuna’s rise through the minor leagues was rapid and impressive. In 2017, he was named the Braves minor league player of the year after hitting .325 with 21 home runs, 82 RBIs, and 44 stolen bases across three minor league levels. That same year, Acuna was named the number one prospect in baseball by both Baseball America and MLB.com.

Acuna made his Major League debut with the Atlanta Braves in 2018, at the age of 20. He quickly established himself as a rising star in the league, hitting .293 with 26 home runs, 64 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in just 111 games.

Since then, he has continued to improve and solidify his place as one of the game’s most talented players.

3. Acuna’s Major League Accomplishments

Since making his debut in 2018, Ronald Acuna Jr. has quickly established himself as one of the most talented players in Major League Baseball.

In his rookie season, Acuna hit .293 with 26 home runs, 64 RBIs, and 16 stolen bases in just 111 games. He was named the National League Rookie of the Year and helped lead the Braves to the postseason.

In 2019, Acuna narrowly missed becoming a member of the elite “40-40 club” – players who have hit 40 home runs and stolen 40 bases in a single season.

He finished the season with 41 home runs and 37 stolen bases, making him one of only five players in Major League history to hit 40 home runs at the age of 21 or younger.

Acuna’s 2021 season was one of the most impressive in recent memory. He led the National League in runs scored with 127, hit 41 home runs, and stole 37 bases – both of which were near the top of the league.

Acuna narrowly missed becoming a member of the 40-40 club for the second time in his career, falling just three stolen bases short. He also led the major leagues in power-speed number, a statistic that measures a player’s ability to both hit for power and steal bases.

Acuna’s accomplishments on the field have earned him numerous accolades, including two Silver Slugger awards, an All-Star selection, and a Gold Glove award.

At just 24 years old, he has already established himself as one of the most exciting and talented players in the game today.

4. Ronald Acuña Has Been the Hardest Hitter on the Team

Ronald Acuña Jr. is known for his impressive hitting abilities in Major League Baseball. He has a reputation for being one of the hardest hitters on his team, regularly producing high exit velocities and powerful hits.

Acuña’s combination of strength, accuracy, and quickness at the plate has made him a dominant force in the game, helping him to become one of the top young players in the league.

5. Ronald Acuña Hasn’t Been Overly Lucky

Ronald Acuña Jr. has not relied solely on luck to achieve success in Major League Baseball. While luck can play a role in a player’s performance, Acuña’s skills, hard work, and determination have been the driving force behind his success.

He has consistently shown the ability to produce solid results, both in terms of hitting and in other aspects of the game, making him one of the most reliable players on his team.

This consistency and lack of dependence on luck make him a valuable player and a joy to watch.

6. Ronald Acuña is Really Fast

Ronald Acuña Jr. is widely known for his incredible speed on the field. He is a dominant force on the bases, regularly stealing bases and scoring from first on doubles.

His speed also plays a key role in his defensive abilities, allowing him to cover a lot of ground in the outfield and make difficult catches look easy.

Acuña’s speed is a major asset to his team and has helped him become one of the most exciting players to watch in Major League Baseball.

With his quickness and agility, he is always a threat to create a highlight-reel play, making him a fan favorite.

7. Ronald Acuña Likes Offspeed and Breaking Pitches

Ronald Acuña Jr. has shown a strong ability to handle off-speed and breaking pitches. This type of pitch can be difficult for many hitters, but Acuña has consistently demonstrated a good eye and quick hands, allowing him to make solid contact with these pitches.

This versatility in his hitting approach makes him a difficult out for opposing pitchers and helps him maintain his status as one of the top hitters in Major League Baseball.

8. Ronald Acuña is One of the Better Left Fielders in Baseball

Ronald Acuña Jr. is considered one of the top left fielders in Major League Baseball. He has a combination of speed, agility, and a strong arm, making him a standout defender in the outfield.

Acuña’s quick reactions and ability to track down fly balls have saved countless runs for his team. In addition, his speed allows him to cover a lot of ground, making him one of the most dependable left-fielders in the game.

His defensive skills, combined with his impressive offensive abilities, make him one of the most valuable players on his team and a valuable asset to any lineup.

9. Ronald Acuña Jr.’s Love for Fast Cars

Here is a Table Summarizing Ronald Acuna Jr.’s Major League Statistics Through the End of the 2021 Season:

Year	Team	Games Played	At-Bats	Runs	Hits	Home Runs	RBIs	Stolen Bases	Batting Average	On-Base Percentage	Slugging Percentage	OPS
2018	ATL	111	433	78	127	26	64	16	.293	.366	.552	.917
2019	ATL	156	626	127	175	41	101	37	.280	.365	.518	.883
2020	ATL	46	160	46	40	14	29	8	.250	.406	.581	.987
2021	ATL	162	634	127	173	41	101	37	.273	.372	.566	.938

This table provides a snapshot of Acuna’s performance over his first four seasons in the Major Leagues, including his impressive 2021 season in which he led the National League in runs, home runs, and stolen bases.

FAQs

What is Ronald Acuna Jr.’s contract status with the Atlanta Braves?

As of 2023, Acuna is signed with the Braves through the 2028 season. His contract includes a team option for the 2029 season.

Has Ronald Acuna Jr. won any major awards besides Rookie of the Year and Silver Slugger?

Yes, in 2021 Acuna won his first Gold Glove award, which recognizes outstanding defensive play at a particular position.

What position does Ronald Acuna Jr. play?

Acuna is primarily an outfielder, but he has played all three outfield positions (left, center, and right) at various points in his career.

What is the significance of Ronald Acuna Jr.’s number, 13?

Acuna has worn the number 13 throughout his professional career as a nod to his father, Ronald Acuna Sr., who also wore the number during his time playing in the minor leagues.

Does Ronald Acuna Jr. have any notable off-field interests or hobbies?

Acuna is known to be a big fan of soccer and is a supporter of several professional soccer teams. He has also been known to enjoy playing video games in his free time.

Conclusion

Ronald Acuna Jr. is a truly special player who has already accomplished a great deal in his young career. From his impressive rise through the minor leagues to his incredible performances at the Major League level, Acuna has consistently shown that he has the talent and skill to be one of the best players in the game.

His accomplishments on the field, including leading the National League in runs, home runs, and stolen bases, and narrowly missing the 40-40 club, have cemented his place as a rising star in Major League Baseball.

With his combination of power, speed, and defensive ability, it’s clear that Ronald Acuna Jr. is a player to watch for years to come.