Royals’ Salvador Perez ties MLB record for most homers by a catcher in a single season

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez is on the verge of doing something special.

During the team’s 7-2 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Thursday, Salvy went deep for his 45th bomb of the season. The significance of that? He tied Cincinnati Reds legend Johnny Bench for most home runs by a catcher in a single season, who accomplished that in 1970.

“We’re witnessing a special season,” said Royals manager Mike Matheny.

“We’re witnessing a special player. To be able to be put in the conversation with one most would say is the best ever is pretty rare.”

He has 15 games left in the season to break the record, which at this point seems highly likely.