It took Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner 34 days to reach a milestone in front of 46,631 at Dodger Stadium on Friday night.

It took Dodgers rookie utility infielder Matt Beaty 26 years and 47 days to do the same.

During Friday’s 5-3 win over the Chicago Cubs, the 34-year / 203-day-old Turner slugged the 100th home run of his 11-year major league career, his first since May 11.

One inning earlier, the 26-year / 48-day-old Beaty slugged the first home run of his 45-day major league career.

Milestones nonetheless.

“It’s awesome, it was awesome running around the bases,” Beaty told SportsNet LA’s Alanna Rizzo after his milestone night, which also included a double. “It was everything you dream about, being able to hit a home run in the big leagues.”

As is usually the case, whenever a player hits a milestone home run, stadium officials attempt to locate the person who ended up with the ball in an attempt to get it back to give to the player. Such a practice usually involves a brief meet-and-greet with the player and some type of exchange, such as an autographed bat, ball, or jersey. Fortunately, because the game was being played at Dodger Stadium, the fans who ended up with the respective milestone balls readily agreed to give them back to Beaty and Turner, although in exchange for what remains unknown, and probably always will.

As for what he plans to do with his first career home run ball, that is not unknown.

“It’s going to go to my dad,” Beaty said. “And then whenever I get a house or whatever, a man cave, it’s going to go up on the shelf somewhere.”

Well done, young man. Only 99 more to catch Justin Turner … for the moment.

Play Ball!

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