Thank you, Dave, for the post.  I am happy that we will have a chance on "Da Box" to recognize Bautista's accomplishment.  Like other fans, he has brought me joy throughout the season, a season that has been exciting for Jays fans in quite a few ways.  I feel hope for the future for the first time in quite a few years.  And to have Bautista hit his 50th off of arguably the best pitcher in the American League right now, Felix Hernandez, brings additional meaning to his feat.  He seems to be able to hit any pitcher who comes along, sooner or later.  The final bonus of the day has to be Ichiro reaching the 200 hit mark for the 10 time running.  He is now in very lofty company.  What a treat to be around and to see such a great player.

Little known facts. 

1. Jose Bautista hasn't used steroids or HGH yet... but God help the record books when he does!

2. Jose Bautista is baseballs first ever 6 tool player... they have to count power twice for him

3.  Jose Bautista was on his way to obliterating Bonds' HR record, but half-way through the season realized his team didn't have the supporting cast to make the playoffs.  He's actually been saving every second HR for next season... should be fun.

4. On the classic 20-80 scale, Jose Bautista's power scores out at ELEVENTY

5. Jose Bautista was originally slated to appear as himself in Field of Dreams but the directors felt that, even at 8 years old, he overshadowed Joe Jackson, Mel Ott and Gil Hodges.  He was replaced by Moonlight Graham.

6. Jose Bautista can out-throw Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Aaron Rodgers... combined!

7. Jose Bautista's wikipedia page says "utility player" (this part is true).  This of course has nothing to do with his ability to play multiple positions. The author was simply using the economic definition of utility "the ability of a commodity to satisfy human wants"

Seriously... I'm really glad that someone decided to make a thread on this historic accomplishment.  By my count there are 15 legitimite members of this club (i.e. members whose seasons weren't clouded by rampant, league-wide use of steriods). Sosa, McGwire, A-Rod, Papi, Andruw Jones, Bonds, Luis Gonzalez, and Albert Belle can all take a seat.  For now Griffey, Howard, and Prince Fielder will be considered clean, although one could argue that their seasons were clouded by league wide use of steroids even if they themselves weren't.

Jose Bautista... Congratulations on joining such an exclusive club! 

Aces and eights, David. Especially kudos on tbe beer bottle. :-)

Amazing batter to watch this year. He has become the living embodiment of everything that can go right with the hitting philosophy the Jays seem to be pushing. It really is a striking difference from just three years ago, when almost no one was swinging hard enough to hit homers (except Stairs). Now if only the whole "taking a walk" part of the approach would rub off on everyone else.

16 HRs of at least 420 feet this year - 32 of 400 feet or more. That's big time power, right in line with Prince Fielder in 2007 (and more than Rodriguez that year). The Speed of the bat numbers at hitrackeronline.com, 106.8mph before yesterday, is well past most other HR leaders this year, except Hamilton. For comparison, Hill only hit 6 homers last year that hard, and only 2 over 420 feet.

Bautista and Superman got into a fight - the loser had to wear his underwear on the outside of his pants.

It has been a fun thing to watch. Interesting that in an interview Bautista said that other coaches told him he was behind on his swing but only the current Jays coaches told him HOW to fix it. Sure doesn't say much about those other coaches does it? I mean, even I could tell if a guy is consistently behind in his swing but it takes a guy who knows his stuff to see that adjusting A B or C will get his hands through the zone quicker without hurting in other ways.

In truth I think each team should employ a team of coaches - figure out which style works best with guys and let that coach become their personal one if at all possible. Coaches make under $100k a year in many cases I suspect, but even if they make $300 or 400k it would be a small price if it can help shift a guy from where Bautista was at to where he is now.

Congratulations Jose. You are very much appreciated.

Through watching this whole wonderful accomplishment I have learned a few things. Raw bat speed is a great asset and proper techniques of posture and timing are also what is needed among other facets that I don't know about.

Having said that I remember the giant Dave Winfield who warmed up weaving his baseball bat like a baton. I don't know his bat speed. Then giant pitchers whose best fastball was only about 90 mph. So in much of baseball size does not matter.

giant pitchers whose best fastball was only about 90 mph.

Excellent point. And don't forget the reverse of that -- the wispy young Pedro Martinez and the munchkin that is Billy Wagner ...