Cleveland Indians slugger Edwin Encarnacion isn't exactly known for being a base-stealing threat, nor does he display a great set of wheels. As such, opposing outfielders almost never have to worry about him stretching out triple if the ball gets past them.
They also never fear Encarnacion legging out an inside-the-park home run, because you have to be super speedy and incredibly lucky to get one of those in the majors. But there's a first time for everything, and that includes a home run for Edwin - one that didn't clear the fence, that is.
A bad miscue and a delayed reaction by a confused Justin Upton helped Encarnacion get the inside-the-park homer, and his teammates were visibly pumped about it. You need quite the serendipity to get one of those if you don't have game-breaking speed, and Encarnacion got it all.
The 35-year-old entered the game with 350 career homers, but that one could be his most memorable non-postseason "dinger." Encarnacion was signed by the Indians strictly for power, not to run through all four bases on one hit.
Baseball Hall of Famer Jesse Burkett - who played way way back from 1890-1905 - has the record for most ITP homers with 55. That's a record that will never be broken, so Encarnacion better not think he's about to give Burkett a run for his money.
And Encarnacion is far from the only not-so-fast player to have an inside-the-park homer. Former star first baseman Prince Fielder accomplished it multiple times, but not without a little bit of luck.
Unfortunately for Encarnacion, it doesn't appear as though his contract includes any bonuses for an inside-the-park homer. But he'll take them whenever he can get them, and the Angels may want to be better prepared for it next time he steps up to the plate against them.
Congratulations to Encarnacion on the career milestone moment.