On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, Manny Machado made history in front of a roaring home crowd at Petco Park, becoming the San Diego Padres' all-time home run leader with his 164th career home run. The momentous blast came during a key division game against the Colorado Rockies, off pitcher Kyle Freeland in the bottom of the 6th inning. The home run, a deep drive to left field, pushed Machado past Nate Colbert, whose record of 163 home runs had stood unchallenged for nearly five decades.

The crowd of over 40,000 Padres faithful erupted as Machado's home run cleared the fence, cementing his place as a Padres legend. The scoreboard lit up with “164 Home Runs” as Machado circled the bases, greeted by teammates and coaches at home plate, all aware of the historical significance of the moment. Fans at Petco Park held signs that read "Manny the King," as they witnessed one of the most iconic milestones in the franchise’s history.

Machado’s Journey to Padres Immortality
Machado’s ascent to the top of the Padres' home run leaderboard has been nothing short of remarkable. After joining the team in 2019 on a record-breaking 10-year, $300 million deal, Machado quickly became the heart and soul of the Padres. His consistent production at the plate and exceptional defense at third base transformed the team from a rebuilding franchise into legitimate playoff contenders.

Machado's 164th home run is the culmination of years of power hitting that has also earned him multiple All-Star selections, Gold Glove awards, and MVP votes. Since his debut with the Baltimore Orioles in 2012, Machado’s combination of power, speed, and defensive prowess has made him one of the most complete players in Major League Baseball.

In San Diego, Machado has been the cornerstone of the Padres' resurgence. Over the course of his Padres career, he has not only shattered the home run record but also climbed the ranks in other statistical categories. He now ranks in the top 3 in RBIs, total bases, and extra-base hits in Padres history, solidifying his all-around offensive contribution to the franchise.

The History He Surpassed
Nate Colbert, a cornerstone of the Padres during their early years as an expansion team, set the franchise’s home run record between 1969 and 1974. Colbert, known for his immense power, was the team’s first true offensive star and a fan favorite during the Padres' formative seasons. His 163 home runs stood as a towering mark for nearly 50 years, with several players, including Adrián González, coming close but never quite surpassing him.

Machado’s accomplishment links two eras of Padres baseball: Colbert’s era, defined by the team's beginnings, and Machado’s, characterized by San Diego’s rise as a competitive force in the National League West.

Top 3 All-Time Home Run Leaders for the Padres
Manny Machado – 164 HRs (and counting)
Nate Colbert – 163 HRs
Adrián González – 161 HRs

Beyond Home Runs: Machado's Legacy
Machado's leadership on and off the field has been critical to the Padres' success in recent years. His influence in the clubhouse, coupled with his consistent performance, has elevated the Padres into playoff contention nearly every season since his arrival. Not only does he hold the home run record, but his contributions in RBIs, total bases, and extra-base hits further cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in Padres history.

Post-Game Reflection
After the game, a humble Machado reflected on the milestone: “It’s an honor to be part of this franchise and to surpass a legend like Nate Colbert. The fans here have always been amazing, and this is something I’ll never forget. I’m proud to wear this uniform and to be part of this city’s baseball history.”

​​As the season continues, Machado’s legacy with the Padres is far from finished. With several years remaining on his contract, Padres fans can look forward to many more memorable moments from their franchise icon.