James Wood breaks Barry Bonds' intentional walk record
- In a game against the Los Angeles Angels, James Wood received four intentional walks.
- This achievement marks the first time since Barry Bonds in 2004 that a player was walked four times intentionally in a game.
- James Wood's notable performance underscores his rising status in Major League Baseball.
In the United States, specifically Anaheim, California, on June 29, 2025, Washington Nationals slugger James Wood made headlines by becoming the first major league player to be intentionally walked four times in a single game since Barry Bonds achieved the same feat in 2004. The Nationals played against the Los Angeles Angels and secured a 7-4 victory in an 11-inning game. Wood was walked intentionally in crucial moments, highlighting the pitcher's strategy to avoid facing him due to his strong hitting capabilities. James Wood's performance was remarkable, entering the game with 22 home runs and showcasing significant potential as one of the league's promising players. His intentional walks occurred in the fifth, seventh, ninth, and eleventh innings when runners were on base, demonstrating Wood’s impact on the game and his ability to change the dynamics due to the pressure he puts on opposing pitchers. This event not only sets a milestone for Wood but also rekindles conversations around intentional walks in baseball. Barry Bonds was famously known for drawing four intentional walks in four different games throughout the 2004 season, and Wood's achievement places him in rare company alongside other notable players like Roger Maris, Garry Templeton, Manny Ramirez, and Andre Dawson, who holds the record for five intentional walks in one game. The history of intentional walks speaks to strategic pitching decisions employed to minimize the impact of particularly effective hitters. Wood’s record-breaking performance comes during a season where he has been a standout player for the Nationals. Despite the team's overall struggles, with the Nationals improving to a 35-49 record after this win, Wood's individual statistics are impressive. He has recorded a batting average of .283, with 22 home runs and 64 RBIs as of this game. This level of production is comparable to earlier accomplishments from players like Juan Soto and Bryce Harper during their rookie seasons, reflecting Wood's potential as a leading player for the Nationals in the future. As the team looks to improve its standing in the league, James Wood’s performance may be a significant factor moving forward.