Baseball Roundtable

Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances and statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention. I’m also drawn to baseball “unicorns,” those one-of-a-kind accomplishment or statistics. Today’s tidbit was prompted by Carson Kelly’s career day in the first MLB game ever at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento.

Once again, the usual pair of declaimers: Given statistical accuracy and game formats, I am restricting myself to the Modern Era (post-1900) and not all Negro League game stats have been fully documented and incorporated into the MLB record books. (In 2020, the Negro leagues from 1920-48 were designated major leagues.)

Yesterday (March 31), marked the first-ever MLB game at Sacramento’s Sutter Health Park.  The fans didn’t have much to cheer for as the Cubs drubbed the A’s 18-3, but they did see a bit of history.  Chicago catcher Carson Kelly had a career day – or, perhaps, a career in a day.  A .224 career hitter (in his tenth MLB season) coming into the game (with just two triples in 558 games), Kelly went four-for-four, with two walks, five RBI and three runs scored.  Perhaps more important – in his eighth-inning, sixth and final plate appearance, he tripled to right field, completing the first cycle (single, double, triple, home run in the same game) of the 2025 season (and, of course, the first-ever MLB cycle at Sutter Health Park).

By Way of MLB Unicorns

While there have been 305 MLB cycles, Carson Kelly can claim first (and, of course, currently only) MLB cycle completed in the month of March.

His day went like this:

Second Inning – Walk (off Joey Estes);

Fourth Inning – Solo home run (Estes);

Fifth Inning – Two-run single (off Mitch Spence);

Sixth Inning – Double (off Noah Murdock) and bases-loaded walk (off Jose LeClerc);

Eighth Inning – Triple (off Mike Macfarlane).

A few other tidbits about Kelly’s cycle:

• It was the Cubs’ first cycle since 1993 (Mark Grace).
• He is one of just 16 catchers to hit for the cycle (Mickey Cochrane is the only catcher with two cycles – 1932 & 1933).
• Kelly is just the fourth MLB player to hit for the cycle out of the nine spot in the batting order; joining Charlie Moore, 1980 Brewers); Jeff Frye (2001 Blue Jays) and Chone Figgins (2006 Angels). Moore, like Kelly, was a catcher.
• Kelly is just the twelfth MLB player to have a 1.000 on-base percentage in a game in which they hit for the cycle and had at least six plate appearances (#InBaseballWeCountEverything).
• Kelly is just the third MLB player with two walks in a game in which they hit for the cycle (joining Joe Gordon, 1940 Yankees) and fellow catcher Mickey Cochrane (1933 Athletics).  Again, more #InBaseballWeCountEverything.

Now for the obligatory chart, here are the 305 MLB cycles, by frequency based on starting positions or spot in the batting order.

Final Tidbit, might make a good trivia tavern trivia question: Seven players have had multiple home runs (two each) while completing a cycle.  Who is the only player to do it twice?  Answer Joe DiMaggio (1937 & 1948).  Others to homer twice in a cycle are: George Brett (1979); Greg Colbrunn (2002); Gil Hodges (1949); Ralph Kiner (1950); Carl Yastrzemski (1965); and Ed Lennox (1914).

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the full list click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.

P 1104

With Opening Day 2025 on the horizon, I find myself looking forward to the months ahead and  reflecting on why I love baseball.  With that in mind, I’ll dedicate this post to a review/update of the ten top (plus one) reasons I love the national pastime – and also include links (at the end of this post) to posts on the topic of “Why I Love Baseball” from  guest writers ranging from Grammy nominee Leonard Eckhaus to 2013 MLB Draft sixth-round pick John Michael Murphy to sportswriter and author Larry LaRue. Note: I consider the first slate or games the true Opening Day – not the overseas version. But that’s a topic for another post.

Let’s start with Baseball Roundtable’s reasons to love the national pastime.

1.  Baseball comes along every spring, accompanied by sunshine and optimism.

Baseball is the harbinger of better times.  It signifies the end of winter (not a small thing if you’re from Minnesota) and the coming of spring – a season of rebirth, new life and abundant optimism.   Each season, you start with a clean slate.   Last year’s successes can still be savored, but last year’s failures can be set aside (although rival fans may try to refresh your memory), replaced by hope and anticipation.   On Opening Day, in our hearts, we can all be in contention.

People ask me what I do in winter, when there’s no baseball. 

I’ll tell you what I do.  I stare out the window and wait for spring.

 Honus Wagner, Hall of Famer

2.  Baseball is timeless and, ultimately, fair in the offering of opportunity.

The clock doesn’t run out.  There is no coin flip to determine who gets the ball first in sudden death overtime.  No matter what the score, your team (if trailing) gets at least 27 outs as it pursues an equal opportunity to secure victory.  What could be more fair?   And then there is the prospect of “extra” innings, bonus baseball for FREE.

When I was young my heroes didn’t wear capes or cowboy hat. They wore stirrups and baseball caps. Many still do.

3.  Plays and players are distinct (in space and time).

Baseball, while a game of inches, is also a game of considerable space.   The players are not gathered along an offensive line or elbow-to-elbow under a basket. They are widely spaced, each with his own area of responsibility and each acting (as part of a continuing play) in their own time frame.  (On a 6-3 play, for example,  first baseman can’t catch the ball for the putout until after the shortstop throws it.)   This enables fans to follow, understand  and analyze each play (maybe not always accurately) in detail.   And, baseball’s distinct spacing and timing makes it possible to see the game even when you are not there.  A lot of people grinned at President Gerald Ford’s comment that he “watched a lot of baseball on the radio.”  In my view, he was spot on.  You can see baseball on the radio – you can create a “visual” of the game in your mind with minimal description.    That’s why on summer nights, in parks, backyards and garages across the country, you’ll find radios tuned to the national pastime.

 4. The scorecard.

Can there be anything more satisfying than keeping an accurate scorecard at the ballpark?  It serves so many purposes.  The keeping of a scorecard ensures your attention to the happenings on the field.

Photo by mwlguide

Maintaining the score card also makes you, in a way understandable only to fellow fans, more a part of the game.   That magical combination of names, numbers and symbols also enables you to go back and check the progress of the game at any time.  “Oh, Johnson’s up next.  He’s walked and grounded out twice.”  It’s also a conversation starter, when the fan in the row behind you asks, “How many strikeouts does Ryan have today?”   And, it leaves you (if you choose to keep it) with a permanent record of the game, allowing you to replay it in your mind (or share it with others) at will.  Ultimately, a well-kept scorecard enhances the game experience and offers a true post-game sense of accomplishment.

5.  The long season.

Baseball, so many have pointed out, is a marathon rather than a sprint.  It’s a long season with ample opportunity to prove yourself and lots of chances to redeem yourself.  For fans, the long season also represents a test of your passion for the game.  Endurance is part of the nature of the true baseball fan.  And, and in the end, the rigors of a 162-game season prove your mettle and that of your team.   Not only that, but like a true friend … baseball is there for you every day.

 6.  Baseball invites, encourages, even demands, conversation.

I love the fact that whenever baseball fans gather, their passion comes out in conversation – and they find plenty to talk about:

•  Statistics,  statistics, statistics.  Baseball and its fans will count anything.  Did you know that Yankee Jim Bouton’s hat flew off 37 times in his 2-1, complete-game victory over the Cardinals in game three of the 1964 World Series?  More seriously, statistics are part of a common language and shared passion that bring baseball fans together in spirited conversation.  There is  no sport more statistically annotated than baseball and the sheer volume of stats available offers unending angles and avenues of comparison. For example, you can compare the batting average of two players from different eras – and then you can go a step further and compare how each their averages compare to the “average” average of the era in which they played or … (I could go on and on). As best-selling author Pat Conroy once put it “Baseball fans love numbers.  They love to swirl them around in their mouths like Bordeaux wine.”  I agree, to the fan, statistics are intoxicating.  I personally like to swirl them around in my brains to find new ways to connect and compare “moments” from baseball past and present (failures, achievements and even coincidences.) Side note: Fans have found other ways to savor the hypnotic draw of statistics from statistic-based board/dice and computer games like Strat-O-Matic(R) to today’s many versions of fantasy baseball.

• Stories, stories, stories.  Baseball and its fans celebrate the game’s history.  And, I’m not talking just about statistics.  I’m talking about the stories that give this great game color, character and characters.  Ty Cobb sharpening his spikes on the dugout steps, Babe Ruth’s called shot, Louis Tiant’s wind-up, Willie Mays’ basket catch, Dock Ellis’ LSD-fueled no-hitter.

• Trivia, trivia, trivia.  This may fall close to the “stories, stories , stories” category, but fans cherish the trivia that surrounds our national pastime – whether that trivia is iconic or ironic.  For example, it’s ironic that the most recent player to steal home twice in one game (Vic Power, August 14, 1958) did it in a season when he only stole a total of three bases).  Then there is the iconic performance of Ralph Kiner, who led the NL in home runs as a rookie in 1948 – and successfully defended that title in each of the next six seasons – the most consecutive home runs titles by any major leaguer ever.

Basically, I took a long time to say I love the fact that baseball fans will talk with passion about something that happened in today’s game, yesterday’s game, over time or even in a game that took place on May 30, 1894 (Bobby Lowe of the Boston Beaneaters records MLB’s first four-homer game).  And, as a bonus, all this conversation – all the statistics, stories and trivia – make the games, moments within the games and the characters of the game (heroes, goats and mere participants) as timeless as baseball itself.

7. The irony of a team game made up of individual performances.

While baseball and baseball fans live for individual statistics and, while the spacing of the players drives individual accountability, the game is, ironically, deeply dependent on the concept of “team.”

Consider the offense.  Unlike other sports , where you can deliver victory by giving the ball or puck – time and time again (particularly as the clock runs down) –  to your best runner, skater, receiver or shooter, in baseball, your lineup determines who will be “on the spot” and at the plate when the game is on the line.  It may be your .230-hitting second basemen, rather than your .320-hitting outfielder.  Yet, even as the team depends on the hitter, he is totally alone in his individual battle with the pitcher.  And, achieving individual statistics that signify exceptional performance also demands a sense of team.  You don’t score 100 runs without a teammate to drive you in (although the statistic remains your measure of performance) …  and you don’t drive in 100 runs if no one gets on base in front of you.   And, can you think of any other sport that keeps track of – and honors – the team-oriented “sacrifice.”

On defense, the story is the same.  Circumstances may determine which fielders are compelled to handle the ball at the games most critical junctures.   And, “team” is at play. A ground ball pitcher, for example, needs a good infield behind him to optimize his statistical presence in the “win” column.  And the six-four-three double play requires masterful teamwork as well as individual performance –  duly recorded in the record books as an assist for the shortstop, a putout and an assist for the second baseman and a put out for the first baseman.  Then there is the outfield assist – a perfect throw from a right fielder to nail a runner at third earns an assist – even if the third baseman drops the ball and earns an error.  Two individual results (one good / one bad) highlighted, but without the necessary teamwork – a good play on both ends – a negative outcome in terms of the game.

Ultimately, baseball is a game of individual accomplishments that must be connected by the thread of “team” to produce a positive outcome.

8.  The pace of the game invites contemplation.

Between innings, between batters or pitchers, and even between pitches, baseball leaves us time to contemplate what just occurred, speculate on what might happen next and even share those thoughts with nearby spectators.  Baseball is indeed a thinking person’s game. (Side note: The relatively new pitch clock rules have slightly dampened aspect of the national pastime, so I’ve dropped it from number-two a couple of years ago.  For me, the jury is still out and where this aspect of the game should be placed.) 

 9.  The box score. 

Today’s box score – a thing of beauty.

My mother used to refer to an accordion as “an orchestra in a box.”  That’s how I view the daily box score – the symphony of a game recorded in a space one-column wide by four inches deep.   Some would say the box score reduces the game to statistics, I would say it elevates the game to history.  What do you want to know about the contest?   Who played where, when?  At bats, hits, stolen bases, strikeouts, errors, caught stealing, time, attendance, even the umpires’ names?   It’s all there and more – so much information, captured for baseball fans in a compact and orderly space.  I am, of course, dating myself here, but during baseball season, the morning newspaper, through its box scores, is a treasure trove of information for baseball fans. (Okay, you can find that information online now, but I do prefer my box scores accompanied by the smell of fresh coffee and newsprint.)

10. Baseball’s assault on the senses.  (Indoor ballparks fall a bit short here).

The sight of a blue sky and bright sun above the ballpark or a full moon over a black sky above a well-lit stadium.  The feel of the warm sun or a crisp evening breeze.  The scent of freshly mowed grass or steaming hot dogs.  The taste of cold beer and peanuts.  The sound of the crack of the bat, the cheers (or moans) of the crowd, the musical pitch of the vendors.  Baseball assaults all the senses ―  in  a good way.

11. Baseball is the most literary of all sports. Okay, I love to read and I love baseball – and that is as perfect a combination as 6-4-3.  There is no doubt (at least in my mind) that baseball is the most literary of all sports – from the fiction of Philip Roth (The Great American Novel) and Paul Quarrington (Home Game – you’ve got to read this one if you haven’t) to non-fiction like The Glory of Their Times (Lawrence Ritter) and The Baseball 100 (Joe Posnanski).  The fact is there are literally (pun intended) hundreds of baseball books I love (and would recommend to every fan) – and the hits just keep on growing.  Heck, my library even includes a book of baseball nicknames, another on baseball trades and a two-volume set of reprinted news articles from Joe DiMaggio’s career.   And, just think of the movies that have emerged from baseball literature:  The Natural, Bang the Drum Slowly, for the Love of the Game. (Note: For each set of these examples, I could have added “and many, many more.” The fact is, for this baseball fan, baseball literature is a “Field of Dreams.”

The ballet of the double play … a beautiful thing.
Photo by roy.luck

Now, I could go on and on, there are lots more reasons to love this game: its combination of conformity (all infields are laid out the same) and individualism (outfield configurations not so much); its strategy (hit-and-run, run-and-hit, sacrifice bunts, infield / outfield positioning, pitching changes, etc.); triples; the 6-4-3 double play; knuckleballs; and more.  But to protect myself – and BBRT’s readers – I’ve limited myself to eleven.   I probably could have saved a lot of time and words  had I just started with this so-perfect comment from sportscaster Bryant Gumbel, “The other sports are just sports.  Baseball is love.”  That says it all.

Bonus Reason to Love Baseball – Opening Day

In the words of Joe DiMaggio:

“You always get a special kick on Opening Day, no matter how many you go through. You look forward to it like a birthday party when you were a kid. You think something wonderful is going to happen.”

Now. here are links to guest posts on “Why I Love Baseball.”

• For a post from author, poet and Grammy nominee Leonard Eckhaus (that includes an original poem) click here.
• For a post from John Michael Murphy, Yankees’ sixth-round pick in the 2013 MLB draft, click here.
• For a post from Jason Love, author of “Slices of Americana – A Road Trip Through American Baseball History, click here.
• For a post from sportswriter and author Larry LaRue, click here.
• For a post from college football coach Alex Smith, click here.
• For a post from baseball blogger Bill Ivie (I70baseball.com), click here.
• For a post from dedicated autograph seeker Scott Perry, click here.
• For a post from lifelong baseball fan Tom Cuggino, click here.

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the full list click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.

P 1103

Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances and statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention. I’m also drawn to baseball “unicorns,” those one-of-a-kind accomplishment or statistics. I began research on today’s tidbit with a pretty simple goal – to look at the players who collected the most hits in their first ten MLB games. Well, as usual with Baseball Roundtable “one thing led to another” and things got a little crazy. I ended up looking at the players with the most hits, most home runs, most runs scored, most RBI and highest batting average in their first ten MLB games. It was a journey that took me from Bodhi “Bo Hart” of the 2003 Cardinals (most hits) to Sam Horn of the 1987 Red Sox (most runs) to Tom Hughes of the 1930 Tigers (highest average).  Surprisingly, I came across very few well-known names along the journey.

The usual two disclaimers here. Given statistical accuracy and game formats, I am limiting myself to the Modern Era (post 1900) and not all Negro League game stats have been fully documented and incorporated into the MLB record book. (In 2020, the Negro Leagues from 1920-48 were designated major leagues.)

I started looking at the most hits in a player’s first ten games, so let’s start this post there.

Most Hits in First Ten MLB Games – 23

Bodhi “Bo” Hart, 2003 Cardinals

Hart sits atop this list with 23 hits in his first ten MLB games (.460 average). He might be a bit of a surprise, considering he was a Cardinals’ 33^rd Round Draft pick (1999 MLB Draft, out of Gonzaga University – where he hit .320 in two seasons).  He made his MLB debut (at 2B, batting eighth) June 19, 2003 – in his fifth professional season – after starting the season by hitting .297-7-31 in 67 games at Triple-A.  In 77 games for the Cardinals that season, he went .277-4-28.  Hart started his MLB career with a seven-game hitting streak and, in his first ten MLB games, he had seven multi-hit games (including two four-hit contests).  After 27 games in the big leagues, Hart was still hitting .342, but pitchers reportedly had started feeding him a steady diet of breaking pitches – and he hit just .235 over his next 50 games, finishing the season at .277-4-28. In 2004, Hart didn’t make the Cardinals’ squad out of Spring training and hit just .154 in 11 games at the major-league level in what proved to be his final MLB season.

Hart played in just two MLB seasons (2003-04), hitting .272-4-30 in 88 games. From 2004 through 2008, he played at Triple-A and in Independent Leagues.

Craig Wilson, 1998 White Sox

Put me in, Coach. I’m ready to Play Anywhere. The only other player with at least 20 hits in his first 10 games, Wilson made his MLB debut on September 5, 1998, batting second and playing SS for the White Sox (versus the Yankees in Chicago).   A thirteenth-round draft pick in 1992 (out of Kansas State University), Wilson had gone .306-14-69 in 120 games at Triple-A that season. He got off to a smashing start, going three-for-four, with two doubles and a home run in his debut game. He didn’t slow down much, notching eight multi-hit games (and collecting 20 hits) in his first ten MLB games. He ended his inaugural season at .468-3-10 in 13 games – taking the field at shortstop, second base and third base.

In his second MLB season (1999), Hughes spent the entire campaign with the White Sox, hitting .238-4-26 in 98 games and appearing at all four infield positions.  He played just one more season in the major leagues.  In 2000, he split time between Triple-A and the White Sox, with 28 MLB games (.260-0-4) and 62 Triple-A contests (.370-3-34.)  From 2001-2004, he played at Double-A and Triple-A.  His final MLB stat line was .272-7-40 in 139 games.

Where’s My Members Jacket?

Craig Wilson is a member of the Kansas State University Athletics Hall of Fame.  A four-year starter at 2B/SS, he was the 1992 Big Eight Conference Baseball Player of the Year, an All-Big Eight First Teamer in 1991 and 1992 and Kansas State’s first baseball consensus All American. Over his four seasons at KSU, he hit .349-21-176 in 226 games.  He was also a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic Baseball Tam and the 1991 Pan American Baseball Team.

Now, before moving on to other categories, here’s a few tidbits on the 19–hit club.

• Curtis Goodwin (primarily a CF) played in five MLB seasons (1995-99 … Orioles, Reds, Rockies, Cubs, Blue Jays), going .248-3-56. His ten-game opening run included nine multi-hit games. In his first MLB season, he hit .263-1-24 in 87 games.

It’s an Oh-fer, but It Ain’t Over

In game four of his MLB career, Curtis Goodwin had his opening hot streak briefly interrupted. In a June 5 game against the Mariners, he went zero-for-four with four strikeouts. It was the only game in nis first 11 MLB contests that he did not collect at least two hits.

• Kirby Puckett went on to a 12-season MLB career (1984-95, Twins), ten All Star selections and the Baseball Hall of Fame. His final stat line was .318-207-1,085. He won one batting title and led the AL in hits four times and RBI once. In his first MLB season, he hit .296-0-31 in 128 games. His career was cut short by glaucoma.
• Terry Pendleton played in 15 MLB seasons (1984-98 … Cardinals, Braves, Marlins, Reds, Royals), going .270-140-946. He won one batting title, twice led the league in hits and was a one-time All Star. In his first MLB season (at 3B for the Cardinals), Pendleton hit .324-1-33 in 67 games. (It was the highest season average of his career.)

She’s Real Fine My 409

After 22 MLB games, Terry Pendleton’s career average was .409.

• Andy Pafko made his debut September 24, 1943 (in CF, batting fifth for the Cubs) and delivered a single, double and four RBI in his inaugural game. He had been called up from the Double-A Los Angeles Angels – where he was .356-18-118 in 157 games. Pafko went on to hit .379-0-10 for the Cubs in 13 games that September. He enjoyed a 17-season MLB career (1943-59 … Cubs, Dodgers, Braves), hitting .285-213-976. Adcock was a four-time All Star (1947-50), whose best season was 1950 (Cubs), when he hit .304-36-92).
• Gilbert “Gibby” Brack played in just three MLB seasons (1937-39 … Dodgers, Phillies), going .279-15-113 in 315 games. In his inaugural MLB season, he hit .274-5-38 in 112 games. After his three MLB seasons, Brack went on to nine more minor-league campaigns.
• Joe Ward played in three MLB seasons (1906, 1909-10 … Phillies, Yankees), going .237-0-47 in 166 games. In his rookie season, he hit .295-0-11 in 35 games. He then went back to the (independent) minors for the 1907-08 seasons (.283 & .321), before resurfacing with in the major leagues 1909. He went on to play in the minor leagues from 1911-1917 and 1919-20), completing a 15-season professional career.

Most Home Runs in First Ten MLB Games – Seven

Trevor Story

A Story-book start. Story was a first-round (Rockies) pick in the 2011 MLB Draft – out of Irving (Texas) High School, where he hit.488 in his senior season.  He made his MLB debut on Opening Day 2016 (at SS, batting second) and moved right into the record books, becoming the first player to hit two home runs in an Opening Day MLB debut.  He went on to homer in his first four MLB games, smacking six long balls in 19 at bats (six of his first seven MLB hits were home runs).  In the process, he also became the first player to homer in the first four games of his career. He popped another homer in his seventh career game, becoming the first MLB player with seven homers after just six games of a season. Story finished his rookie season at .272-27-72 in 97 games. (He had thumb surgery in early August, which ended his rookie campaign early.) Injuries have been an issue for Story, who has played 100 games in four of nine MLB seasons (one the sub-100 seasons was the 2020 shortened Covid season).  Story (still active – Red Sox) is a two-time All Star and has put up a .265-179-540, 129-steal stat line in nine seasons (Rockies, Red Sox).  In 2020’s Covid-shortened season, he led the NL in triples (4) and stolen bases (15).

Aristides Aquino

And then the dam just burst. Just three seasons after Trevor Story set the record of seven home runs in a player’s first ten MLB games, Reds’ outfielder Aristides Aquino tied it. And he did it while at a disadvantage. Aquino made his MLB debut (in his eighth pro season) with a pinch-hit appearance on August 19, 2018 (a five-pitch strikeout). It was his only MLB at bat of the season (but the game counted against his opening ten).

In 2019, Aquino started at Triple-A and went.299-28-53 in 78 games, earning an August call up. He started slow, zero-for-six in his first three MLB games – but things began to turn around. On August 3, in his fourth MLB game and eighth MLB plate appearance (he had a single and a walk earlier in the game), Aquino hit a three-run home run off Dallas Keuchel.  In his fifth MLB game (August 4) Aquino had just one plate appearance – a tenth inning pinch hit single. But the dam was about to burst.  Aquino homered in three straight games (August 6,8,9) and stood at four career homers after nine career MLB games.  Then, in his tenth MLB game – on August 10, he did better than homer in three straight games, he went deep in three straight innings (second, third and fourth) to tie Story’s first-ten-games record. Aquino went on to became the first MLB player with 10 home runs in his first 16 games.  He finished with 14 home runs in August – still the most long balls ever in a month by a rookie. He finished the season at .259-19-47 in 56 games. In five MLB seasons (2018-22 … Reds), Aquino hit .211-41-108 in 244 games. In 2023-24, Aquino played in Japan, the Dominican and Mexico.

Most Runs Scored the First Ten MLB Games – 15

Sam Horn

Sam Horn was a first-round pick (Red Sox) in the 1982 MLB draft. He made it to the major leagues in 1987 (debut on July 25, at DH, batting fifth) – called up after hitting .321-30-84 in 94 games at Triple-A.  He collected a single and a walk in five plate appearances in that first game – scoring twice. He would go on to score at least once in each of his first 10 games, while getting on base 19 times (14 hits, five walks) in 41 plate appearances. He finished his rookie season at .278-14-34 in 46 games.  He went on to an eight-season MLB career (1987-93, 1995 … Red Sox, Orioles, Indians, Rangers), hitting .240-62-179 in 289 games.

Highest Average over first Ten MLB Games (minimum 30 plate appearances)  – .545

Tom Hughes

Hughes made his major league debut on September 9, 1930 – and proceeded to hit .545 (18-for-33) over his first ten MLB games.  Note:  He came on a a pinch runner in his first game and did not get a plate appearance. He played in 17 games for the 1930 Tigers (hitting .373-0-5) and was back in the minors in 1931. He did not return to the major leagues and did not play professionally after the 1933 season.

Still A Champion

Tom Hughes is in the University of Texas Hall of Honor.  He was a member of the 1928 Southwest Conferences Championship football team (half back) and the SWC Championship baseball squads of 1928 and 1929 (All SWC outfielder in 1929). He won the Norris Trophy as the school’s outstanding athlete in 1939. 

Most RBI in First Ten MLB Games – 15

Mark Quinn

Quinn was selected by the Royals in the 11th round of the 1995 MLB draft (out of Rice University, where he hit .353-24-138in 114 games over two seasons).  He made his MLB debut September 14, 1999 (after a .360-25-84 season at Triple-A). In his first MLB contests Quinn (DH, batting fifth) went three-for-four, with a double, two home runs, two run scored and four RBI, starting on his way to a record 15 RBI in his first ten MLB games.

Mark Quinn’s fifteen-RBI ten-game MLB career start was bookended by four-RBI games in games one and ten.

Quinn played in 17 games for the Royals in 1999, going .333-6-18. He played in four MLB seasons (1999-2002, Royals), going .282-45-167. His best year was 2000, when he hit .294-20-78 in 135 games. After 2002, he played through 2007 in the Padres, Rays, Cardinals and White Sox minor-league systems, the independent Golden League and Venezuelan Winter League.

Mitchell Page

Page was selected in the third round of the 1973 MLB draft (Pirates) and spent 1973-76 in the Pirates minor-league system.  After a .294-22-83 Triple-A season in 1976, the Pirates traded Page to the A’s (part of an eight-player deal). That was Page’s ticket to the major leagues, as he made his MLB debut on April 9, 1977 (LF, batting third). In his first ten MLB games, Page hit three home runs and drove in 15 tallies – including a two-homer, six-RBI game in his sixth career contest. Page finished the season at .307-21-75 in 145 games. The campaign would mark his career highs in run (85), hits (154), doubles (28); triples (8), HR (21), RBI (75) and stolen bases (42) – as well as his highest average in any season in which he played at least 20 games.  Page finished second to Eddie Murray in the Rookie of the Year balloting. Page went on to play in a total of eight MLB seasons (1977-83 for Oakland, 16 games in 1984 for the Pirates). He hit .266-72-59, with 104 steals in 673 games.

Dale Alexander

Alexander made his MLB debut in 1929 – after five minor-league seasons, in which he hit .320 or better in every one. He carried his hot bat right into the major leagues with the Tigers – driving in 15 runs in his first ten games and hitting .343-25-137 (and leading the AL with 215 hits) in his rookie season. Alexander played in five MLB seasons (1920-33 … Tigers, Red Sox), hitting .331-61-459 in 662 games and winning the 1932 batting title with a .367 average. Alexander promising career was cut short by a 1933 knee injury (and gruesome treatment, you can look it up) – although he did play in the minors until 1942.

Primary Resources:  Stathead.com; Baaseball-Almanac.com; Texas Hall of Honor; K-State Athletics Hall of Fame.

To see The Roundtable’s predictions for the 2025 season, click here.

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the full list click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.

P 1102

As the MLB season prepares to truly get underway, here are the Roundtable’s predictions for 2025. So, I can be on record if I do pretty well (or can ignore them if I don’t). A cautionary word, while these predictions are statical-driven, some bias comes into the picture.  Being a Minnesotan, I tend to be overly optimistic about my Twins; I’m probably a touch harder on the Yankee (old-school bias); and I lean toward pitching over offense (I’m the kind of fan who prefers a 3-2 game to a 13-12 contest or even a 7-6 score.). Side note:  I am not the fan of overseas “openers” during Spring Training, I consider Opening Day to be when we have a full (or nearly full) slate of games.  

AL EAST

Orioles          90-72

Blue Jays      88-74

Yankees       85-77

Red Sox       83-79

Rays             79-83

To be honest, when I started this part of this post, I had the Yankees and Orioles fighting it out (once again) for the Division title – with Yankee pitching depth giving them a slight edge.  Then, Luis Gil, Gerrit Cole, Giancarlo Stanton and potentially Clarke Schmidt went down with injury concerns. Now, it looks like the Division title will go to the Orioles, but the Blue Jays and Red Sox will be in the fight.

The Orioles boast lots of talented youngsters led by 23-year-old MVP candidate SS Gunnar Henderson (.281-37-92, with 21 steals a year ago). Henderson (intercostal strain) may miss some time early.  There is also the potential power of newcomer Tyler O’Neill, who hit 31 homers in 113 games in 2024. (Not to mention – Oh, I guess I will – the likes of C Andy Rutschman (19HR/79RBI), 3B Jordan Westburg(18HR/63RBI) and CF Cedric Mullins (18HR/54RBI/32SB).  The O’s will miss the mound work of Corbin Burnes (lost to free agency), last year’s “ace” and a 15-game winner, as well as Grayson Rodriguez, a 13-game winner a year ago, who will start the season on the IL.  Still, there appears to be enough pitching to claim the title, with Zach Elfin (10-9, 3.59); newcomer, 35-year-old Tomoyuki Sugano (136-75, 2.45 in 12 seasons in Japan); Charlie Morton; highly touted Carl Povich; and Dean Kremer in the rotation. One reason for concern is the status of elite closer Felix Bautista (Tommy John surgery), who missed the 2024 season after 33 saves and a 1.48 ERA in 2023. Bautista’s status may determine the Orioles’ ability to lead the Division.

The Blue Jays added the power bat of RF Anthony Santander (44 homer/102 RBI for the Orioles in 2024) to a lineup that includes 1B Vlad Guerrero Jr. (.323-30-103) and SS Bo Bichette (whom I expect to rebound from an off year in 2024).  They also signed Max Scherzer, who has looked sharp this spring (although he did experience some thumb soreness).  Scherzer joins a rotation that includes 16-game winner Jose Berrios and 14-game winner Kevin Gausman.  Closing duties appear to belong to Jeff Hoffman (10 saves a yar ago), although Chad Green should see plenty of late-inning action.

Even with their injury issues, the Yankees still have plenty of talent.  Aaron Judge (.322-58-104) is a game changer, 2B Jazz Chisholm, Jr. (.256-24-73, 40 steals) brings power and speed and prospect Jasson Dominguez appears ready to take over LF.  Carlos Rodon (16-9, 3.96) will lead the rotation and newcomer Max Fried (11-10, 3.25 for the Braves) will help compensate for some of the pitching losses. Newcomers CF Cody Bellinger (.266-18-78) and 1B Paul Goldschmidt, (.245-22-65), are veteran hitters, but may not be enough to overcome the loss of Juan Soto (free agent) and Giancarlo Stanton (injury). Add the loss of Gerrit Cole, expected long absence of Luis Gil and recent health concerns regarding Clarke Schmidt and it seems like too much to overcome.

The Red Sox added southpaw Gary Crochet, the “ace” they needed at the top of the rotation and Alex Bregman (.260-26-75 for the Astros in 2024) to add power (to an already solid lineup) and infield defense. Tanner Houck (9-10, 3.12) should slot into the number-two rotation spot and the Red Sox are hoping for a rebound from newcomer Walker Buehler.  Health concerns regarding starters Brayan Bello, Lucas Giolito and Kutter Crawford present an early season challenge (which is why I put them behind the Yankees.) The bullpen is headed by veterans Liam Hendriks (coming off health concerns, including 2023 Tommy John surgery, but with 37 saves for the White Sox in 2022) and Aroldis Chapman (3.79 in 68 games for the Pirates). There is ample offense with Bregman, 1B Triston Casas (12 homers in 63 games and 21 homers 2023), LF Jarren Duran (21 homers/34 steals) and DH Rafael Devers (.272-28-83).

Finally, the Rays will continue get more out of their squad then most observers expect, but I don’t see them moving up. Key contributors should include 1B Yandy Diaz (.281-14-65); 2B Brandon Lowe (21HR/58RBI); 21-year-old prospect 3B Junior Caminero. The Rays could use a rebound from LF Christopher Morel (.196-21-60 in 152 games for the Cubs and Rays a year ago, but .247-26-70 in 107 games for the Cubs in 2023). If healthy, the Rays’ rotation will be led by Shane McLanahan (returning from Tommy John surgery after an 11-2, 3.29 season in 2023).  In the mix are: Zach Littell, Taj Bradley, Shane Baz (2022 Tommy John Surgery) and Drew Rasmussen (recovering from elbow surgery, but who had a 2.83 ERA in 28 2/3 innings last year). There is potential in the rotation, but health and workload concerns hover over the staff.   Closing duties look to go to Pete Fairbanks (23 saves in 2024) and/or Edwin Uceta (1.53 ERA in 30 appearances). Ultimately, only the White Sox scored fewer runs than the Rays last season and things don’t look a lot different going into 2025. Still, the Rays tend to surprise and if the pitching holds up could move as high as third, but I place them here.

AL CENTRAL

Twins            87-75

Royals          85-77

Tigers           83-79

Guardians     80-82

White Sox     60-102

Actually, this is kind of ABCD (Anybody But Chicago Division). I’m going to be a “homer” (I’m from the Twin Cities) and go with the Twins. I’m betting (perhaps too optimistically, especially given Royce Lewis’ recent hamstring issues) on improved health from SS Carlos Correa, 3B Lewis and CF Byron Buxton. (Last season those three hit 50 home runs and drove in 157 runs – 27% of the Twins’ homers and 22% of the team’s RBI – despite missing a combined 214 games.)  Critical to the offense will be super-utility man Willi Castro (.247-12-69, with 14 steals), who plays all over the field and gives the Twins the flexibility to rest players as needed (to keep the likes of Correa, Lewis and Buxton on the field). Last season, Castro led the Twins in games played at 158. The Twins have a solid rotation led by Pablo Lopez (15 wins in an off year); Joe Ryan (7-7. 3.50); and Bailey Ober (12-9, 3.98). They have arguably the best bullpen in the Division (perhaps in the AL), with flamethrower Jhoan Duran (23 saves and 10.9 whiffs per nine innings a year ago); Griffin Jax (2.03 ERA in 72 appearances); Cole Sands; Brock Stewart and Danny Coulombe.

If the Twins falter, I look for the Royals to step up. They’ve got a strong and improving lineup, led by MVP candidate Bobby Witt, Jr. (.333-32-109, 31 steals). The Royals added 2B/DH Jonathan India (.248-15-58, 13 steals) to lead off and can also expect offense from underrated 1B Vinnie Pasquantino (87 RBI) and) veteran C Salvador Perez (.271-27-104). They have a solid rotation (second-lowest starters’ ERA in MLB last season) that leads off with Cole Ragans (11-9, 3.14), Seth Lugo (16-9, 3.00) and Michael Wacha (13-8, 3.35).  They also strengthened the bullpen with the addition of Carlos Estevez (26 saves for the Angels and Phillies a year ago). Geez, my pick of the Twins isn’t look as bright, but I’ll stick with it.

The Tigers are not far behind, with reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal (18-4, 2.39) heading a strong rotation that includes, Jack Flaherty (13-7, 3.17), Reese Olson, Casey Mize and top prospect Jackson Jobe. Jason Foley (28 saves, 3.15, 69 appearances) will lead a bullpen that includes Tyler Holton (2.19 in 66 appearances), Beau Brieske (3.59 in 46 appearances) and Will Vest (2.82 in 69 appearances). The offense, led by emerging star LF Riley Greene (.262-24-74), RF Kerry Carpenter (.284-18-57); and Parker Meadows (who came on strong in the second half of 2024, but may start the season on the IL) may fall a little short of the Royals and Twins. However, I’m actually picking Detroit as low as third (in this tight division) because I’m not sure their successful brand of “pitching “chaos” will turn the trick again. (Last season, the Tigers got the fewest innings out of their starting pitchers of any MLB team, relief appearances made up 48% of their Tigers’ total innings, starters averaged an MLB-low 4.65 innings per outing and relievers recorded 46 of the teams 86 victories.) If “chaos” works again the Tigers could stay atop the Division, but I don’t see it.

The Guardians are a bit longer shot than the Twins, Royals and Tigers to make the post-season – it all depends on pitching.  I think the rotation falls a little short of the teams I’m picking ahead of the Guardians: Tanner Bibee (12-8, 3.47) and Luis Ortiz (7-6, 3.32) are likely to lead the way, with Gavin Williams, Ben Lively and Triston McKenzie (looking to bounce back from a 3-5, 5.11 2024) filling out the five spots. The Guardians boast a premier bullpen:  Emmanuel Clase (47 saves, 0.61 ERA); Hunter Gaddis (1.57 ERA); Tim Herrin (1.92); Cade Smith (1.91). I worry a bit that the pen may have been overworked in 2024.  (Those four top arms each made at least 74 appearances a year ago.) 3B Jose Ramirez (.279-39-118, 41 steals) remains an MVP candidate on offense and LF Steven Kwan is a solid in the leadoff spot (.292-14-44, 12 steals); but they need some help.  One likely source is newcomer 1B Carlos Santana (23 homers with the Twins last year). Still, ff the bullpen holds up and if Shane Bieber returns strong (probably in June) after Tommy John surgery, the Guardians could get in the hunt.

The White Sox, well after 121 losses a year ago, they are not in the mix. Consider, with Garret Crochet gone, the ChiSox are expected to name rookie Sean Burke – with just 19 MLB innings, but a 1.42 ERA on his resume – as the Opening Day starter. (Burke was 2-6, 4.62 at Triple-A a year ago). Andrew Benintendi, who led the team with 20 homers in 2024 – will miss Opening Day (fractured hand); and the likely closer will be Justin Anderson (1-2, 4.39 in 56 outings a year ago).

 AL WEST

Astros           90-72

Mariners       88-74

Rangers         86-76

Angels          73-89

A’s                70-92

The Astros have a strong rotation, led by Framber Valdez (15-7, 2.91), Hunter Brown (11-9, 3.49) and Ronel Blanco (13-6, 2.80) – and Josh Hader (34 saves) and Bryan Abreu should shorten the game. The offense features dynamic 2B (now LF). Jose Altuve (.295-20-65), with 22 steals), SS Jeremy Pena (.286-15-70, with 20 steals), C Yainer Diaz (.299-18-84) and Uber DH Yordan Alvarez (.308-35-86). This is a well-balanced team that knows how to win.

The Mariners may have the deepest rotation in the Division:  Logan Gilbert (9-12, 3.23), Bryce Miller (12-8, 2.94), Bryan Woo (9-3, 2.89) and Luis Castillo (11-12, 3.64) – although they will miss George Kirby (right shoulder) early.  The bullpen is solid, led by closer Andres Munoz (2.12 ERA/22 saves). The offense is built around MVP candidate Julio Rodriguez (.273-20- 68, with 24 steals in an off year – he was a 30/30 player in 2023) and catcher Cal Raleigh (.220-34-100). It falls off from there. Rodriguez was the only Mariner with 100+ games and an average above .243 and his 68 RBI were second (to Raleigh’s 100) on the Mariners. There doesn’t seem to be enough offense to support that solid pitching. Keep an eye on RF Victor Robles. Released by the Nationals in June (after hitting .120 in just 14 games), he raked at a .328 pace in 77 games after signing with the Mariners. He’s just 27 and could have some solid upside – particularly on the basepaths (30 steals in 31 attempts with Seattle last season.)

The Rangers (a popular pick to win the division) have a deep offense led SS Corey Seager (30 HR/74RBI), 2B Marcus Semien (23HR/74 RBI), newcomer 1B Jake Burger (29HR/76 RBI), LF Wyatt Langford (16HR/74 RBI), RF Adolis Garcia (25HR/85 RBI) and newcomer DH Joc Pederson (23HR/64RBI). You get the idea.  The loss of Jon Gray (wrist) exposed a bit of a thin rotation for the Rangers – they can still count on Nathan Eovaldi (12-8, 3.80), but they really need comeback seasons from Jacob DeGrom (just 47 starts in the last five seasons) and Tyler Mahle (eight starts in the last two seasons). I also have some concerns regarding the bullpen after the departure (free agency) of closer Kirby Yates (33 saves a year ago) and key setup men David Robertson and Jose LeClerc.  Chris Martin (3.45, with two saves in 45 appearances for Boston) looks to be the closer, with Robert Garcia and Mike Church getting plenty of late-inning work. Ultimately, the Ranger have the AL West’s powerful lineup, but I’m just not sure there is enough pitching to enable that potent offense to bash up in the standings.

The Angels added Yusei Kikuchi (9-10. 4.05 for the Blue Jays and Astros) to lead the rotation that includes Tyler Anderson, Jose Soriano and Kyle Hendriks.  Kikuchi seemed to find himself after a trade to the Astros – going 5-1, 2.70 in 10 August/September starts. Anderson was 10-15, 3.81 for the Angels. Soriano converted form a reliever to a starter was and was 6-7, 3.42 and seems to have some potential. Hendriks adds a veteran presence (11 seasons with the Cubs), but is coming off difficult year (4-12, 5.92).  On offense there are health concerns with Mike Trout (averaging 64 games played over the past five seasons) and Anthony Rendon (52 games per season over the last five). If they can each put in a full season, the Angels’ prospects improve.  Newcomer DH Jorge Soler (.251-21-64) should help the offense – as would further development of young, high potential players SS Zach Neto (starting the season on the IL), C Logan O’Hoppe and 1B Nolan Schanuel. Still, this is a team that scored the third-fewest runs in MLB a year ago and allowed the fourth most, they still have a way to go.

The A’s improved from 50 wins in 2023 to 69 in 2024, but that still left them 24 games under .500. They have some exciting young talent in DH Brent Rooker (.293-39-112 a year ago), C Shea Langeliers (29 HR/80RBI), RF Lawrence Butler and lights-out closer Mason Miller (28 saves, 2.49 ERA, 104 K in 65 innings), but I don’t see them moving too far (other than to Sacramento, of course – and who knows what that will mean in terms of the intangibles).

NL EAST

Braves          92-70

Phillies          90-72

Mets             88-74

Nationals      74-88

Marlins         63-99

It should be a tight three-team race in the NL East, with the Braves Phillies and the Mets all in the hunt.  It may depend on injuries or which team can put together a nice winning streak at some point in the season.,

Despite a rather slow off-season in the player market – there is plenty of talent on the Braves – even with Ronald Acuna, Jr. and Spencer Strider likely to miss some time early. 3B Austin Riley (19 HR/56RBI in 110 games) and 1B Matt Olson (.247-29-98) provide solid power at the comers (and both are capable of more). DH Marcell Ozuna (.302-39-104) will bring runs home; 2B Ozzie Albies is due for a bounce-back; and newcomer LF Jurickson Profar (.280-24-85) should also boost the offense. They will miss Max Fried in the rotation, but 2024 Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale, Spencer Schwellenbach (8-7, 3.35) and Reynaldo Lopez are (8-5, 1.99 are capable of holding down the fort until Strider returns. Raisel Iglesias (38 saves, 1.95 ERA) is a premier closer, but the bullpen does thin a bit after that.  A lot depends on how soon Acuna and Strider return (and how they perform), but the Brave appear well-positioned to lead the East.

The Phillies’ lineup is stacked with the likes of Kyle Schwarber (.248-38-104); potential MVP candidates at 1B (Bryce Harper – .285-30-87) and SS (Trea Turner – .295-21-62, with 19 steals); 2B Bryson Stott; and 3B Alex Bohm (.280-15-97).  Zack Wheeler (16-7, 2.57) is an ace atop a reliable rotation: (Aaron Nolo (14-8, 3.57); Christopher Sanchez (11-9, 3.32); Ranger Suarez (12-8, 3.46). Suarez does have some back issues, but they do not appear to be serious. (He could miss a start or two early.) It remains to be seen what they will get out of newcomer Jesus Luzardo, coming off a tough 2024.   The bullen could use a little help after the departure of Carlos Estevez and Jeff Hoffman, we’ll wait to see how well Jordan Romano bounces back from elbow surgery. He’s looked good in Spring Training, just four hits (eight K’s) 6 2/3 innings of relief as I key this) and he did save 36 games in a season as recently as 2023.  The Phillies could sneak past the Braves, but I like the Atlanta pitching staff a little better.

The Mets added the big bat of Juan Soto (.288-41-109) – an acquisition made that much sweeter, since he is coming over from the Yankees. Soto makes the lineup even deeper and his presence should make SS Francisco Lindor (.273-33-91, 29 steals), 1B Pete Alonso (.240-34-88) and 3B Mark Vientos (.261-27-71) even better.  Vientos, just 25-years-old, has plenty of upside and is a player to watch. The Mets are hoping 32-year year-old Kodai Senga, their default “ace,” will come back from a 2024 season lost to injuries. They have also been some health hiccups for Sean Manaea and newcomer Frank Montas this spring, both of whom it appears will start the season on the IL.  Keep an eye on David Peterson (10-3, 2.90 in in 21 starts a year ago), Griffin Canning (6-13, 5.19) and Paul Blackburn (5-4, 4.66) to see now well they fill the rotation gap. The Roundtable is especially interested in newcomer Clay Holmes (closer for the Yankees a year ago), who is expected to start the Opener. In seven MLB seasons, Holmes has made 341 appearances and just four starts – but did record 74 saves over the past three seasons). Should be an interesting transition.  On the brighter side, starter Tyler McGill has looked solid this spring and Edwin Diaz (who had 20 saves in 2024, even in an off year for him) can be an elite closer. The rest of the pen can generate swings and misses – and walks.  Questions about the health of the rotation lead me to put the Mets behind the Braves and Phillies.

The Nationals appear to be moving in the right direction, but not into contention (yet) in the tough NL East.  SS CJ Abrams (.246-20-65, 31 steals) looks poised to develop into an offensive force at the leadoff spot, prospects RF prospect LF Dylan Crews may be ready to breakout and the Nationals are hoping newcomers 1B Nathaniel Lowe (.265-16-69) and DH Josh Bell (.249-19-71) can add to a lineup that delivered the NL’s second-fewest runs and fewest homers a year ago. MacKenzie Gore (10-12. 3.90) will lead the rotation and has All Star potential, but the remainder needs to step up. Righty Trevor Williams surprised with a 6-1, 2.03 record in 13 starts a year ago. We’ll see if the 32-year-old, in his tenth MLB season) can build on that. We could see tall righty Travis Sykora called up at some point. The bullpen got a boost when Kyle Finnegan (38 saves) re-signed, but could use some help

The Marlins were 62-100 in 2024 and it looks like their young prospects are going to get a lot of playing time. Watch 1B Jonah Bride (.276 with 11 home runs in 71 games a year ago); SS Xavier Edwards (.328 in 70 games); and 3B Connor Norby (.263-9-20 in 45 games for the Orioles and Marlins). Also, keep an eye LF Jesus Sanchez, who will start the season on the IL, but has a good upside if he can master the strike zone. It will be interesting to see what 2022 Cy Young Award winner Sandy Alcantara has as he comes back from Tommy John surgery.  As I write this Alcantara has yet to give up a run in 12 1/3 spring innings. The closer role looks to go to either Jesus Tinoco or Calvin Faucher. The Marlins appear to be building for the future, not for 2025.

NL CENTRAL

Cubs            92-70

Brewers        81-81

Cardinals      79-83

Pirates          77-85

Reds            75-87

The Cubs have an interesting offense, with a host of professional hitters that may not knock your socks off individually, but who show offensive potential up and down the lineup. The Cubbies could have five 20+ home run hitters – most of whom also offer a little quickness on the basepaths: newcomer Kyle Tucker (.283-23-49, 11 steals); SS Dansby Swanson (.242-16-66, with 19 steals and three 20+ HR seasons in his last four); DH Seiya Suzuki (.283-21-73, with 16 steals); LF Ian Happ (.243-25-86, with 13 steals) and high-potential CF Pete Crow-Armstrong in CF. They also went out in the off-season and (you’ve head of Build-A-Bear) literally built a bullpen – adding Ryan Pressley (30+ saves in three of the past four seasons), Ryan Brasier and Caleb Thielbar.  The rotation also looks to be a plus with Shota Imanaga (15-3, 2.91), Justin Steele (5-5, 3.07), Jameson Taillon (12-8, 3.27) and newcomers Matthew Boyd (2-2, 2.72) and Colin Rea (12-6, 4.29). Couple all this with the Cubs’ solid defense and you have a well- balanced team that should be able to overtake the Brewers in the NL Central).

The Brewers have led the NL Central in three of the last four years and figure to give the Cubs a run for their money. The Brew Crew will do it with a focus on starting pitching and defense. (In the NL, only the Braves gave up fewer runs then the Brewers last season.)  The rotation is led by Freddy Peralta (11-9, 3.68) and has some quality arms in Nestor Cortes (9-10, 3.77), Aaron Civale (8-9, 4.36). They will miss a couple of pieces at early the season: particularly starters Tobias Myers (spring injury) and Brandon Woodruff. Woodruff appears to be progressing well this spring and was 13-4 3.05. in 2023.The bullpen, led by Trevor McGill, 21 saves a year ago, doesn’t boast a lot of well-known names, but proved its capabilities last season (with a 3.11 ERA).  On offense, 2B Jackson Chourio was a 20-20 player last season (.275-21-79, with 22 steals), Christian Yelich remains an offensive force, William Contreras (,281-23-92) provides power from the catcher’s spot, 1B Rhys Hoskins had 26 long balls last season (but could improve on his .214 average) and CF Garrett Mitchels, a switch hitter, showed some pop (.255-8-21, with 11 steals in 69 games) before suffering a broken hand. The Brewers have a solid club, but heath concerns surrounding the rotation (Gee, how many teams are looking at that issue?) may be just enough to give the Cubs the edge.

The Cardinals seem to be in a process of retooling or resetting and it will probably show in the standings. An area of strength may be in the bullpen, led by shutdown closer Ryan Helsley (49 saves, 2.04 ERA) and effective relievers Ryan Fernandez, John King and Matthew Liberator.  The rotation will be led by Sonny Gray (13-9, 3.84) and Erick Fedde (9-9, 3.30). Andre Pallante (8-8, 3.78) has a solid upside potential. Mike Mikolas and Steve Matz need to bounce back if the Cardinals are going to be in the chase.  The offense will be led by 3B Nolan Arenado (272-16-71, but who has shown more power in the past) and 1B Willson Contreras (.262-15-36 in 84 games), who should be even better now that he has shed the catcher’s gear.   Keep an eye on SS Masyn Winn, who has 20/20 potential. The Cardinals scored the fourth-fewest run in the NL last season – and they no longer have Paul Goldschmidt in the lineup. They may struggle to each .500.

The reason to watch the Pirates starts with 2024 All Star and phenom Paul Skenes (11-3, 1.96), who could come away with the 2025 NL Cy Young Award. There’s also reason to be excited about young RHP Jared Jones (6-8, 4.14), another potential All Star. He had some elbow issue late in Spring Training, so keep an eye on that.  It will be interesting to see how he develops. Mitch Keller (11-12, 4.25) brings a veteran presence to the rotation. The Pirates also have a couple of additional young starters who may be ready to make a splash: Thomas Harrington and Bubba Chandler. The bullpen, well suffice to say, the Pirates’ bullpen ERA (at 4.49) was the fourth-worst in MLB last season. Any improvement needs to start with closer David Bednar – an All Star in 2022 and 2023 – who suffered through an off season in 2024. He will set the tone for the pen. On offense CF Oneill Cruz is coming off a .259-21-76, 22-steal season; LF Bryan Reynolds can be counted on for 25 long balls; and DH Andrew McCutchen (.232-20-50), at 38-years-old, still can provide a steady veteran bat. I’m anxious to see a full season of Joey Bart at catcher (.265-13-45 in 80 games). Ultimately, with the Pirates, there does not seem to be enough “there” to move up in the standings, but they are definitely moving in the right direction.  If the bullpen rights itself, they could move up a notch.

The Reds can boast one of the most exciting players in MLB – SS Elly De La Cruz (.259-25-76, with 67 steals) and an ace in waiting Hunter Greene (9-5, 2.75).  Young RHP Rhett Lowder is on the rise (but will open the season on the IL); Nick Lodolo looks solid (when healthy) and Brady Singer, Nick Martinez and Carson Spiers could all contribute to the rotation.  The bullpen will be led by closer Alexis Diaz (28 saves) and Emilio Pagan, Tony Santillan, Sam Moll and Brent Suter can capably fil bullpen roles. On offense, after De La Cruz, there are health concerns:  LF Spencer Steer (.225-20-92, with 25 steals – shoulder), DH Christian Encarnacion-Strand (coming off a fractured wrist); 2B Matt McLain (torn Labrum); CF TJ Friedl (wrist, thumb, hamstring); and C Tyler Stephenson (oblique strain).  It appears Stephenson may not be ready for the Opener. If McLain (.290-16-50, with 14 steals in 2023, but out last season), Encarnacion-Strand (just 29 games last season, but .270-13-37 in 63 2023 games) and Friedl (.226-13-55 in 85 games a year ago, but .279-18-66, with 27 steals in 203) are (and stay) healthy, the Red could challenge for third place.

NL WEST

Dodgers                  106-56

Diamondbacks     91-71

Padres                    88-64

Giants                    79-83

Rockies                  60-102

The Dodgers look like a lock to win the NL West. The offense starts with three former MVPs: DH Shohei Ohtani (.310, with 50 homers and 59 steals in 2024), SS Mookie Betts (.289-19-75, with 16 steals) and 1B Freddie Freeman (.282-22-89) But it doesn’t stop there. RF Teoscar Hernandez had 33 homers a year ago, 2B Gavin Lux hit .304-7-26 in the second half), and Will Smith showed pop at C (.248-20-75). The Dodgers will score plenty of runs.   The rotation will be headed by newcomer and two-time Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell (5-3, 3.12, in 20 starts for Giants). But there is plenty of talent: Yoshinobu Yamamoto (7-2, 3.00), newcomer Roki Sasaki, Tyler Glasnow (9-6, 3.49) and Ohtani should join in May or June.  An already strong bullpen Michael Kopech (15 saves, 3.46); Blake Treinen and Evan Phillips (18 saves), was made even stronger with the addition of Tanner Scott (22 saves, 1.75 ERA for the Padres and Marlins) and Kirby Yates (33 saves 1.77 /ERA for the Rangers.)  Note: Kopech is starting the season on the IL (shoulder).   100+ wins seem a cinch for this squad.

The Padres and Diamondback should fight it out for the number-two spot.  I give the Diamondbacks a slight edge due to their rotation: Newcomer and Cy Young candidate Corbin Burnes (15-9, 2.92 with the Orioles last season), Zac Gallen (14-6, 3.65), Merrill Kelly and Brandon Pfaadt.   We’ll watch to see if Jordan Montgomery or Eduardo Rodriguez steps up.  The offense, which topped MLB in runs scored a year ago, will be led by MVP candidate 2B Ketel Marte (.292-36-95), Corbin Carroll (47 homers and 89 steals over the past two seasons), 3B Eugenio Suarez (.256-30-101) and newcomer Josh Naylor (.320-31-108 for Cleveland). Key bullpen arms include closer Justin Martinez (2.48 with eight saves), A.J. Puk and Kevin Ginkel. Thanks to the Dodgers, it looks like a Wild Card sport for the Diamondbacks.

The Padres had a less than inspiring off-season (particularly in relation to the Dodgers and Diamondbacks). They lost some key players like He-Seoing Kim, Tanner Scott and Jurickson Profar and didn’t make any notable additions.  With Joe Musgrove out, the rotation should be led by Yu Darvish (7-3, 3.31), Michael King (13-9, 2.95) and Dylan Cease (14-11, 3.47).  Only, oops, late in Spring Training, Darvish went down with elbow inflammation.  The Padres have to hope for a quick return.  Even if Darvish comes back early on, I don’t think the rotation goes as deep as LA and Arizona.  Robert Suarez (36 saves a year ago) leads the bullpen and Jason Adams (1.95 ERA in 74 games) and Jeremiah Estrada (2.95 in 62 games) have the stuff to fill in the late innings.  On offense three-time batting champion 1B Luis Arreaz will be a table setter, while the likes of 3B Manny Machado (.275-29-105) and RF Fernando Tatis, Jr. (.276-21-49) provide power. Keep an eye on CF Jackson Merrill – .292-24-90, with 16 steals and an All Star in his 2024 rookie season.

The Giants should be right around .500. They lost Blake Snell (fee agency), but still have Logan Webb (13-10, 3.47), Robbie Ray (3-2, 4.70, after returning from Tommy John surgery) and Jordan Hicks (4-7, 4.10, but with notable upside).  It remains to be seen what 42-year-old Justin Verlander has left in the tank and how 23-year-old southpaw Kyle Harrison (7-7, 4.56) develops.  Ryan Walker has taken over and is solid at closer (10-4, 1.91, 10 saves). Tyler Rogers (2.82 in 77 appearances) and Erik Miller (3.88 in 73 appearances) should set him up. The offense should be led by newcomer SS Willy Adames (26 homers/88 RBI), OF Heliot Ramos (.269-22-72) and 3B Matt Chapman (a veteran power bat and five-time Gold Glover).  Keep an eye on CF 26-year-old Jung Hoo Lee – a .340 hitter in seven seasons in Korea – who is coming off shoulder surgery, and had a strong spring.  Hard to see San Francisco rising above fourth place. 2B Tyler Fitzgerald (.280-15-34, with 17 steals in in 96 games) could surprise – especially if he improves his strike zone discipline (22 walks, 108 strikeouts in 2024).

The Rockies lost 101 game a year ago and I don’t see a lot of upward potential. There are few players to watch though. CF Brenton Doyle provides Gold Glove defense, power and speed (.260-23-72, with 30 steals a year ago). 3B Ryan McMahon, 1B Michael Toglia and SS Ezequiel Tovar all hit at least 20 long balls in 2004. The rotation will be led by Kyle Freeland (5-8, 5.24); Ryan Feltner (3-10, 4.49); Austin Gomber (5-12, 4.75). German Marquez and Antonio Senzatela are both coming back from injury. As far as the state of the bullpen, Tyler Kinley led the team in saves last year with 12 (with a 6.79 ERA.) He was better in the second half (2-0, 3.75 with seven saves). In the pen, keep an eye on Seth Halvorsen (1.46 in 12 appearances with the Rox last season) and Luis Peralta (0.73 in 15 appearances – both could make some noise this season,

Ultimately, in 2024, the Rockies allowed the most runs in MLB and, despite Coors Field, finished 11th in the National League in scoring.  (They were outscored by 247 runs.) They have a way to go to be competitive in the NL West.

Some of my sources for this post.

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the full list click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.

P 1101

Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances and statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention. I’m also drawn to baseball “unicorns,” those one-of-a-kind accomplishment or statistics. Today, we are looking not at a unicorn, but at an achievement that (for The Roundtable) qualified as a unicycle.

On September 18, 1980, Twins’ rookie Gary Ward – in his fourteenth MLB game, hit his first MLB home run. Ward, playing LF and leading off for the Twins in an eventual, nine-inning 9-8 win over the Brewers in Milwaukee:

• Doubled to lead off the first inning (off Mike Caldwell);
• Singled to lead off the third inning (off Caldwell);
• Hit a solo home run with two out in the fifth (off Caldwell);
• Hit an RBI triple in the seventh (off Reggie Cleveland);
• Lined out to SS in the eighth (off John Flinn).

Ward’s cycle was unique in the number of boxes it checked.

• It made Ward just the fifth player whose first MLB home run was part of a cycle. (It’s happened three more times since.)
• It gave him the earliest career cycle (14^th career game) in a nine-inning game. (The Cardinals’ Cliff Heathcote hit for a cycle in his sixth career MLB game – June 13, 1918 – but that was a 19-inning contest. He finished his cycle in the 11^th)
• Twenty-four seasons later (May 26, 2004), Ward’s son Daryle Ward – starting at 1B and hitting third for the Pirates – hit for the cycle in a 11-8 Pirates’ win over the Cardinals. This made Gary Ward part of the first father-son duo to both hit for an MLB cycle. (Craig and Cavan Biggio have since joined that list.)

Gary Ward was signed, at the age of 19, as an amateur free-agent (Twins) on August 29, 1972, and got his first call up to the major leagues in 1979 (hitting .286-0-1 for the Twins in ten September games after .263-13-67, with 17 steals in 139 games at Triple- A Toledo). It was back to Triple-A in 1980, where a .282-13-66, 26-steal season got him another September call up.  This time, he went .463-1-10 (including his cycle) and was in the major leagues to stay.

Ward played 12 MLB seasons (1979-90 … Twins, Rangers, Yankees, Tigers). He was a two-time All Star. His best season was 1982 (Twins), when he went .289-28-91, with 13 steals.  His career MLB stat line was .276-130-597, with 83 steals and 594 runs scored. For those who like to know such things, his son Daryle played in 11 MLB campaigns (1998-2008 … Astros, Pirates, Nationals, Braves, Cubs), going .263-90-379.

For inquiring minds:

• The oldest player to hit for an MLB cycle is Dave Winfield, who did it at 39 years – 264 days of age. (June 24, 1991 for the Angels);
• The youngest player to hit for an MLB cycle was Mel Ott (20 years – 75 days), for the Giants on May 16, 1920;
• The most cycles in an MLB career is three –  Bob Meusel, Babe Herman, Adrian Beltre, Trea Turner and Christian Yelich;
• The most cycles in a season is two – Babe Heerman (1931 Dodgers); Aaron Hill (2912 Diamondbacks) and Christian Yelich (2018 Brewers).

As Always, One Things Leads to Another – or The Yellow Jersey of Cycles

On June 18, 2000, Colorado Rockies’ 2B Mike Lansing completed the quickest MLB cycle ever – accomplishing the feat in just four innings. Lansing, hitting second in the order, hit an RBI triple to right in the first inning (getting the most difficult leg of the cycle out of the way ) on a 1-2 pitch, added a two-run home run (0-1 pitch) in the bottom of the second, hit a two-run double (2-2 pitch) in the bottom of the third (as the Rockies scored nine times to take a 14-1 lead), and then completed the cycle with a single (another 1-2 offering) to right in the fourth. Lansing then struck out in the sixth, before being lifted for a pinch-hitter in the eighth. Lansing ended the day four-for-five, with three runs scored and five RBI, as the Rockies torched the Diamondbacks 19-2 in Denver.  Lansing played nine mLB seasons (1993-2001 … Expos, Rockies, Red Sox), going .271-84-440, with 119 steals and 554 runs scored (in 1,110 games). 

More one thing lead to another.  On June 27, 2003 Red Sox’ CF (and leadoff hitter) Johnny Damon nearly completed a cycle in the first inning of a game against the Marlins (in Boston). He led off the bottom of the first with a double to right (on a 2-2 pitch from Carl Pavano). Eight batters, seven hits, one walk and seven runs later, Damon hit a two-run triple to right (on a 2-2 pitch Michael Tejera). Eight batters, three hits, three walks, two outs and four runs after that, Damon hit a single to left on a 1-2 pitch from Allen Levrault), The bases were loaded at the time and the runner from second was thrown out trying to score (ending the inning, with the score Red Sox 14 – Marlins 1). Damon came to the plate four more times in the game and collected a pair of singles (but no cycle). Boston’s 14 first-inning runs tied AL the record for runs scored in the first inning of a game. The BoSox eventually won 25-8. Damon, a two-time All Star, played 18 MLB seasons (1995-2012 … Royals, A’s, Red Sox, Yankees, Rays, Indians), going .284-235-1,139, with 408 steals and 1,668 runs scored in 2,490 games. He scored 100 or more runs in ten seasons (nine consecutively … 1998-2006); hit .300+ in five seasons and stole 25 or more bases ten times. 

Primary Resources: Stathead.com; Baseball-Almanac.com

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the full list click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.

P 1098

Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances and statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences. At times they may even be inconsequential. They’ll just be  events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention. I’m also drawn to baseball “unicorns,” those one-of-a-kind accomplishments or statistics.

Now, most readers will know that: Tony Conigliaro is MLB’s youngest-ever home run leader (32 dingers for the 1965 Red Sox at 20 years-269 days of age); Al Kaline is MLB’s youngest-ever batting champion (.340 for the Tigers in 1955 at 20 years-280 days of age); and Dwight Gooden is the youngest MLB 20-game winner (1985 Mets (20 years-282 days of age). Twenty seems like a magic number there.  Well, that led me (with The Roundtable doesn’t one thing always lead to another) to think about teenage major-leaguers – those who accrued the most MLB playing time before their twentieth birthday. I found four players who appeared in 200 or more major-league games before turning twenty:

• Robin Yount: – 243 games;
• Mel Ott – 241;
• Phil Cavarretta – 220; and
• Ed Kranepool – 208.

Here are their stats and stories.- plus a (more than) Honorable Mention – Bob Feller.

Robin Yount – 243 MLB Games Before His Twentieth Birthday

Date of Birth: September 16, 1955

MLB Debut: April 5, 1974 (18 years-201 days of age)

Photo: Hostess via tradingcarddb.com, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Yount may be a significantly underrated player – which is a lot to say when you consider he was a first-ballot Hall of Fame Electee (1999) and is Number 66 all time in Joe Posnanski’s “Baseball 100.”  I just don’t hear him talked about with the same level of frequency or reverence as a lot of other first-ballot HOFers (or other members of the 3,000-hit club).  Side note: Yount’s three All Star sections are the fewest among any MLB hitter with 3,000 hits whose MLB career occurred primarily after the first All Star Game (in 1933).

Yount was a First-Round (third overall) pick (Brewers) in the 1973 MLB draft – after hitting .455 and being name the Los Angeles City Player of the year in his senior (high school) season. He was assigned to the Class-A Newark Co-Pilots, where he hit .285-3-25 in 64 games.  It would be his only taste of the minor leagues, as he made the Brewers out of Spring Training in 1974 and embarked on a 20-season MLB career (1974-1993 … all with the Brewers) primarily at shortstop through 1984 and then in CF.

As a Brewer, Yount appeared in 243 MLB games before his twentieth birthday.

Over his 20 MLB seasons, Yount appeared in 2,856 games, going .285-252-1,406, with 1,632 runs scored and 271 steals. He collected 3,142 career regular-season hits (21^st all-time), was a three-time All Star, one-time Gold Glover and the National League MVP in 1982 and 1989. He was inductee into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1999.

Yount hit .300 or better in six seasons, scored 100+ runs five times, topped 100 RBI three times, hit 20+ home runs four times and stole 15 or more bases in nine seasons. He hit .344 in 17 post-season games.

———————————–

Mel Ott – 241 MLB Games Before His Twentieth Birthday

Date of Birth: March 2, 1909

MLB Debut: April 27, 1926 (17 years-56 days of age)

During his high school years, Ott, who started out as a catcher) played for both his high school team and a local semi-pro team. At the age of 16, he was playing for a lumber company’s semi-pro team in Patterson, Louisiana (about 90 miles from his home in suburban New Orleans).  The owner of the lumber company – Harry Palmerston Williams – happened to be of friend of Giants’ Manager John McGraw. Long story short: Williams arranged a tryout with the Giants for the young Ott. A nervous Ott, still in high school at the time, balked.  Williams then personally put Ott on a train to the Big Apple – and the rest, as they say, is history.

After the tryout, McGraw made three decisions: 1) Ott was a keeper; 2) He was not about to send Ott to the minors, where some manager or coach might mess with his swing; 3) Ott was too small to be a catcher and would be converted to an outfield.

Ott made his MLB debut with the Giants at the age of 17 – and stayed with the big club for 22 seasons (1926-47) – and he justified Williams’ recommendations and McGraw’s decision(s) by batting his way into the Hall of Fame.

Mel Ott was the first National League player to reach 500 career home runs.  

Over his career, Ott played in 2,730 games and went .304-511-1,860, with 1,859 runs and 89 steals.  He was an All Star in 11 consecutive seasons (1934-44); led the league in home runs six times; runs scored twice; RBI once; and walks six times.  He topped 100 runs scored in nine seasons; had 100+ RBI in nine campaigns; hit 30 or more home runs eight times; and walked 100 or more times in ten seasons.

___________________________

Honorable Mention – Bob Feller

Most MLB Games MLB Pitched Before Twentieth Birthday (M0dernEra)

Date of Birth: November 3, 1918

MLB Debut:  July 19, 1936 (17-years-259 Days)

Bob Feller was very good – very early.  As a pitcher, particularly a starter, the 200-game qualifying stat for this list was a bit out of reach for a teenager. Still, his MLB record as a teenager demands recognition.  He didn’t just go directly from high school to the major leagues; he went to the major leagues while he was still in high school.  In fact, he earned a share of the major league single-game strikeout record before he earned his high school diploma.

In Feller’s formative years (in a baseball sense), he played for his local American Legion team, the local Farmers Union team, his high school team and the “Oakviews” – a team of semi-pro and high school players that played on a field, complete with scoreboard and bleachers, built on the Feller family farm.

In 1935, Feller, sixteen-years-old and still in high school, was signed by the Cleveland Indians – reportedly for one dollar and an autographed baseball. The next year, Feller made his major league debut as a 17-year-old, pitching one scoreless inning in relief on July 19, 1936. In his first six games, all in relief, Feller totaled eight innings pitched, giving up 11 hits, seven runs, eight walks, and notching nine strikeouts. Despite those stats, the Indians felt the youngster – who had shown a blazing fastball and knee-buckling curve – was ready for his first major-league start.  It came on August 23, 1936, against the St. Louis Browns.  In that initial start, the 17-year-old threw a complete game 4-1 victory, giving up six hits and four walks and striking out 15. The teenager suffered a pair of losses (to the Red Sox and Yankees) before evening his record at 2-2 with another complete game win over the Browns in which he fanned ten.  Then, on September 13, Feller bested the Athletics 5-2, throwing a complete game two-hitter, walking nine, but striking out seventeen – which, at that time, tied the MLB single-game strikeout record.  Feller finished the 1936 season with a 5-3 record, 3.34 ERA and five complete games in eight starts.  He walked 47 and fanned 76 in 62 innings. And, of course, he had yet to complete high school.

In his first start of the 1937 season (April 24 against the Browns), the teenage phenom – who had been featured on the cover of the April 19, 1937 issue of Time magazine – came up with a sore elbow.  Feller ended up pitching six innings, striking out 11, in a 4-3 loss and didn’t appear in another game until mid-May, then was shelved again until June 22.  The break did give Feller time to complete high school (his graduation was broadcast live on NBC Radio).  He finished the year, 9-7, 3.39, with 106 walks and 140 strikeouts in 148 2/3 innings. Not bad for an 18-year-old, but the best was yet to come. In 1938, as a 19-year-old, Feller went 17-11, 4.08 and led the American League in strikeouts with 240.

Feller went on to an 18-season MLB career (1936-41, 1945-56), all with the Indians.  He racked up 266 wins (162 losses), a 3.25 ERA, 3,827 innings pitched, 279 complete games, 44 shutouts and 2,581 strikeouts. He made eight All Star teams, threw three no-hitters (12 one-hitters), led the AL in strikeouts seven times, wins six times, innings pitched five times, shutouts four times, complete games three times and ERA once.

And, had World War II not interrupted those numbers would be even more impressive. Two days after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor brought the U.S. into World War II, Feller became first professional athlete to enlist in the U.S. armed forces; eventually serving as a Gun Captain aboard the USS Alabama. Feller was discharged from the Navy in late August, 1945, having missed 3 ½ MLB seasons. He immediately rejoined the Indians and finished up the season with a 5-3, 2.50 record, completing seven of nine starts and striking out 59 in 72 innings.

In his first full season after his discharge, Feller picked up right where he left off before the war, leading the league in wins (26), complete games (36), shutouts (10), innings pitched (371 1/3) and strikeouts (a then MLB-record 348), while posting a 2.18 ERA.   In the first three full seasons after his post-war return, Feller led the league in wins twice, complete games once, shutouts twice, innings pitched twice, and strikeouts three times.

Side N0te: The record for most games pitched before a twentieth birthday pre-1900 is 1o7,  share by Willie McGill  (49-42, 3.99 from 1890 through 1893) and John Ward  (69-32, 1.92 … 1878-79). McGill went 71-73 in a seven-season MLB career (1890-96); while Hall of Famer Ward, went 164-103, 2.10 in seven pitching seasons (1878-84). Ward, also an outfielder/ infielder, has a 17-season MLB career (1878-1894 – hitting .275-26-869. (Of course, it was a very different game back then. In 1879. Ward’s National League Champion Providence Grays played in 85 games and Ward appeared in 70 of them (starting 60). 

——————————–

Phil Cavarretta – 220 MLB Games Before His Twentieth Birthday.

Date of Birth: July 19, 1916

MLB Debut: September 16, 1934 (18 years-59 days of age)

Photo: Los Angeles Daily News, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

As a teenager, Cavarretta (at the time a pitcher and first baseman) led his high school squad to a city championship and his American Legion team to a national title. Then, at 17 years of age, at the height of the Great Depression, Cavarretta dropped out of high school to help support his family by doing what he did best – playing baseball. Cavaretta tried out with the Cubs, whose Wrigley Field home was less than five miles from Cavarretta’s Chicago home and high school.

Cavarretta signed with the Cubs and began the 1934 season with the Class-B Peoria Tractors. That season, in 108 minor-league games (at Class-B and Class-A, Cavarretta hit .308, with seven home runs – earning a late-season call up to the Cubs, where he went .381-1-6 in seven games. He spent the next 21 seasons in the major leagues in Chicag0 (19 of those seasons with the Cubs, two with the White Sox).

Phil Cavarretta hit for the “cycle” (single, double, triple and home run in the same game) and drove in four runs in his first-ever professional baseball games (for the Peoria Tractors on May 15, 1934).

Cavaretta (1B/OF) played in 22 MLB seasons (1934-55 … Cubs, White Sox), hitting .293-95-920, with 990 runs scored and 65 steals, over 2,030 games. He was the 1945 NL MVP, when he led the league with a.355 average. Cavarretta was a three-time All Star. In addition to his 1945 batting championship, he led the NL in hits in 1944, with 197 safeties. He hit .317 in 17 World Series games.

____________________________________

Ed Kranepool – 208 MLB Games Before His Twentieth Birthday

Date of Birth: November 8, 1944

MLB Debut:  August 22, 1962 (17 years-318 days)

Photo: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Back in 1962, Kranepool – a 17-year-old “phenom” for James Monroe High School in New York City (where he starred in baseball and basketball) – seemed a good match for the fledgling (and woeful) New York Mets.

Kranepool signed with the Mets in June of 1962, and after about a week on the Mets’ major-league bench was sent to the minor leagues, where a .301 average in 41 games (at three levels) earned the 1B/OF a September call-up to the major-league club (three games, six at bats, one hit).  Kranepool.  was up-and-down between Triple-A Buffalo and the Mets in 1963. In 1964, he started the season with New York, but an early slump sent him back to Buffalo in May, where a solid couple of weeks (.352 in 15 games) got him back with the big club to stay. He finished the season with a .253-10-45 line in 119 games for the Mets.

In a Pinch? Ask Ed!

In 1974, Ed Kranepool had 28 pinch-hitting plate appearances (35 at bats) and collected 17 hits for a .486 pinch-hitting average – the highest “pinch” batting average in a season for a player with at least 30 pinch-hit at bats. In the five seasons from 1974 through 1978, as his career was winding down (Kranepool’s final MLB season was 1979), he thrilled Mets’ fans with a  .396 average as a pinch hitter.

Kranepool enjoyed an 18-season MLB career (1962-79), all with the Mets.  He hit .261-118-614, with 536 runs scored over 1,853 games. He was an All Star in 1965.

Primary Resources: Stathead.com; Baseball-Almanac.com; The Baseball 100, by Joe Posnanski, Avid Reader Press (2021); Phil Cavarretta bio, by Lawrence Baldassaro, Society for American Baseball Research (SABR);Ed Kranepool bio, by Tara Krieger, SABR.

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the full list click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.

P 1097

Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances and statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention. I’m also drawn to baseball “unicorns,” those one-of-a-kind accomplishment or statistics.

Photo: Johnmaxmena2, CC BY 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

This week’s Trivial(l) Tidbit was spurred by the 2024 performance of Pirates “phenom” Paul Skenes.  The 22-year-old righty – the first overall pick (Pirates) in the 2023 MLB draft – made his way to the majors after just 12 minor-league appearances (and no minor-league decisions).  (For those who like to know such things, Skenes was 24-6, 2.18 in three college seasons – Air Force Academy and Louisiana State.)

Skenes made his MLB debut on May 1, 2024, giving up three runs (six hits, two walks, seven strikeouts) in a four-inning outing against the Cubs (in Pittsburgh). In his next appearance, a May 17 start against the Cubs at Wrigley, Skenes got the win with six no-hit, one-walk, 11-whiff shutout innings – and the rest is history.

By the All Star break, Skenes was 6-0, 1.90. He made a bit of history becoming the first player to be named to an MLB All Star Team in the first season after being drafted and just the fifth rookie moundsman to start an All Star Game – joining: Hideo Nomo – 1995; Fernando Valenzuela -1981; Mark Fidrych – 1976; and Dave Stenhouse -1962). Skenes finished the season at 11-3, 1.96. That earned run average would have been enough to win the ERA title, but Skenes’ 133 innings pitched were 29 short of qualifying.

Well, as usual with The Roundtable, one thing led to another and I began to dig into rookie earned run averages. Turns out the lowest earned run average among rookies with at least 100 innings pitched in their season belongs to Hall of Famer Tim “Smiling Tim”  Keefe (6-6, 0.86 in 105 innings for the 1880 National League Troy Trojans). Sign of the Times: Keefe logged his 105 innings in just 12 appearances. If you want to limit yourself to the Modern Era (post-1900), the honor goes to Charles “Babe” Adams of the 1909 Pirates (12-3, 1.11 in 13o innings). Keep in mind that the league average ERA was 2.37 in 1880 and 2.53 in 1909.

Keefe pitched in 14 MLB seasons (1880-93), going 342-225, 2.63 and topping 30 wins in five seasons. Adams pitched in 19 MLB seasons (1906-07, 1909-16, 1918-26), going 194-140, 2.76 and twice topping 20 wins in a campaign.

Photo: MLB / Detroit Tigers, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

As usual, I kept looking, this time focusing on MLB rookie pitchers who won an earned run title. As the chart at the end of this post shows, there have been 25 – the most recent was the Tigers’ very colorful and uber-talented Mark “The Bird” Fidrych in 1976 (19-9, 2.34).  To illustrate how times have changed, the 21-year-old Fidrych threw a league-leading 24 complete games in 29 starts. Well as usual, one thing led to another, and I looked a little deeper. Fidrych recorded those 24 complete games even though he did not make the first start of his rookie season until May 15. In his first 13 MLB starts (May 15-July 20), Fidrych pitched 12 complete games, including two 11-inning outings – and logged 120 1/3 innings.   Despite the truly “phenom-enal” start to his MLB career, after his 19 wins in 1976, Fidrych won only 10 more MLB games. From 1977 through 1980, he went 10-10, 4.28, wth tencompletre games in 27 starts.   It could have been overwork in his rookie campaign or the impact of a 1977 Spring Training knee injury on his pitching motion, but in mid-1977 he began to deal with arm problems. He made his final MLB start October 1, 1980 (and, in 1985, underwent surgery for a torn rotator cuff).    I used the word “colorful” to describe Fidrych. For younger “post-Fidrych “ readers, I suggest you check out YouTube for videos of his eccentric mound presence. He was a treasure.

Photographer and Author Joe McNally in “Goodbye Bird …”, a tribute to Fidrych, who passed away at the age of  54  in 2009 (an accident on his farm), wrote that as a  young star, Fidrych “threw strikes, talked to the ball and skipped around the mound like a three-year-old in an FAO Schwartz.”

Side Note: Of the 25 MLB rookies to win an Era title (as listed in stathead.com), 11 were in the Negro Leagues (1920-48), with its much shorter schedules and qualifying limitations.  For example, Gene Richardson of the Kansas City Monarchs, is credited with the 1947 Negro American League ERA crown with a 3-0, 1.33 record (just three starts). As Negro League stats from 1920 through 1948 are further explored and documented some of these numbers could change. 

Fidrych, by the way is not the youngest rookie to win an ERA title. Henry Krause of the 1909 Athletics (18-8, 1.39) and Chet Nichols of the 1951 Braves (11-8, 2.88) both captured ERA titles in their age-20 seasons.  On the other end of the spectrum, Jim Turner was 33-year-old rookie (Boston Bees) when he went 20-11, with a National League-best 2.38 ERA in 1937. He also led the league in complete games (24) and shutouts (five). Turner was in his fifteenth professional season (with 218 minor-league wins on his resume) when he finally made the big leagues. He went on to pitch in nine MLB seasons (1937-45), going 69-60, 3.22.

Jim Turner (above is one of just four rookie ERA leaders who also won 20 games in that rookie campaign).  Joining Turner are: the 1948 Indians’ Gene Bearden (20-7, 2.43); 1911 Naps’ Vean Gregg (23-7, 1.80); and 1910 Cubs’ Leonard “King” Cole (20-4, 1.80).

For My Minnesota Readers – A Minneapolis Birthday Present

In a 1978 SABR Baseball Research Journal article, Randolph Linthurst noted that the Minneapolis Millers played a role in Jim Turner’s getting to the show.  After years of toiling in the minors, Turner started a game on August 6, 1936 – his 32nd birthday – or the American Association Indianapolis Indians against the Minneapolis Millers. A Boston Bees scout happened to be in the stands as Turner tossed a shutout and earned a shot at the big leagues.

I was a bit surprised to see that, since the MLB Rookie of the Year Award was established in 1947, the AL and NL have seen six rookie pitchers win the ERA title and only two of those won Rookie of the Year Honora: Mark Fidrych in 1976 and Gary Peters in 1973.

Every Post Needs a Unicorn

The unicorn in this post is Hall of Famer Hoyt Wilhelm, when won the NL ERA Crown as a rookie in 1952 (Giants), with a 15-3, 2.43 season, with 11 saves. In the process, Wilhelm became the first – and still only – MLB pitcher to win an ERA title in a season in which he did not make a single start. For more on Wilhelm, click here.

A few other tidbits.

• Hoyt Wilhelm had the longest career of any of the rookie ERA leaders – 21 seasons (1952-72) and 1,070 appearances.
• Wilhelm also had the most career wins of any pitcher on this list – 143 (122 losses). He edged out Mike Garcia at 142-91 over 14 seasons (1948-61).
• The fewest career wins by any rookie ERA leader is five by Jimmy Shields (5-7 over two seasons – 1928-29) and Gene Richardson (5-3 over seasons – 1947-48). Both pitched in the Negro Leagues.
• The only players on the list to make it into the Hall of Fame are Hoyt Wilhelm and Bill Foster.

Primary Resource: stathead.com.

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the full list click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.

P 1096

Once again, it’s time for Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances and statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention. I’m also drawn to baseball “unicorns,” those one-of-a-kind accomplishment or statistics.

This week, I am looking at a statistic that came as a little bit of a surprise to me.  It comes in the answer to the question: Which active player, with at least 100 career plate appearances with runners in scoring position (RISP) has the highest career batting average with RISP?

Looking at active players with at least 100 MLB plate appearances with runners in scoring position, the player with the highest batting average in such situation is not an acknowledged run producer like Aaron Judge (.295 in 991 plate appearances with RISP) or even Freddie Freeman (.333 in 2,220 plate appearances with RISP). Nope, it’s three-time batting champion Luis Arraez, who currently sits at .369 in 540 plate appearances with RISP.)  Okay, I admit, those batting crowns make him a potential candidate for this spot, but he is not among the first names that came to mind when I thought about this list.  (I think of Arraez as more of a table-setter than a bases clearer.) Perhaps even more surprising is number-two on the list, A’s speedy centerfielder Esteury Ruiz (a .243 overall average in his 178 games, but .354 in 130 plate appearances with RISP.

Of course, a lot of things come into play here – and there is a need for caution when evaluating the impact of this particular stat.  You need to consider such factors as the player’s overall average (and how his average with RISP compares), how often the player comes to the plate with RISP and how likely a pitcher is to give the particular player “something to hit” with ducks on the pond. (I did have to refer back to the title of the post at some point).

For example, I took at look at Judge (.295 with RISP) versus Arraez (.369 with RISP) and found a few stats that deserve consideration. To date, Judge has walked in 21.3 percent of his plate appearances with RISP, as opposed to 9.8 percent for Arraez.  Judge’s on-base percentage with RISP is slightly higher (.443 to .423) than Arraez’. When it comes to delivering runs, Judge has driven in 0.38 runs per plate appearance with RISP to 0.37 for Arraez (pretty close). Take out those walks, however, and Judge has delivered 0.53 runs per non-walk plate appearance (at bats and sacrifices), versus 41.3 for Arraez.  Dang, I do love statistics.

Ultimately, though, how can you not be impressed by Arraez’ .369 average with RISP or the fact that Ruiz’ average with RISP is 111 points higher than his overall average?

An MLB Unicorn

Luis Arraez is the only MLB player to win three consecutive batting titles with three different teams (Twins – 2022; Marlins – 2023; Padres – 2024) – and the only player to win an AL and NL batting title I consecutive seasons.

As usual with Baseball Roundtable, “one thing led to another,” and I looked at 2024 averages with RISP and career averages with RISP.

When it came to 2024, I set a minimum of 50 at bats with Runners in Scoring Position.  The leader was Reds’ outfielder Stuart Fairchild, a .215 hitter overall in 2024 (with a four-season MLB career average of .224). Fairchild came to the plate with RISP 53 times in 2024 – and delivered a eye-opening .465 average (20 hits in 43 at bats, six walks, one HBP, two bunts and one sacrifice fly).   Fairchild might be considered a bit of a surprise here.  In his first three MLB seasons, (2021-23), he had 98 plate appearances with RISP and hit .200 (17-for-85).  Here are the 2024 top ten.

I then moved on to career average with RISP, upping the minimum number of plate appearances with RISP to 500 (I wanted to keep Arraez in the mix). Another word of caution here.  The chart below is to provide a general point of comparison only.  The fact is, for all but Arreaz on this chart, the numbers are incomplete, due to fact (as stathead.com notes, play-by-play data for some – many, depending on the year – games in those early years is not be available). Still, the chart gives us a look into some of the best hitters with RISP, and indicates, to this point in his career, Arraez still fares pretty darn well.

Note:  Just missing the chart above is Tony Gwynn, with a career average of .349 in 2,547 plate appearances with RISP (and Gwynn’s play-by-play records are complete).

Baseball fans love numbers.  They like to swirl them around in their mouths like Bordeaux wine.

Pat Conroy – Author

Statistics can be an invaluable tool, but they can also deceive.  They can tell one story, while the truth lies in the nuances of the game.

Bill James –  Baseball writer, historan, statistician

 Baseball statistics are like a girl in a bikini. They show a lot, but not everything.

Toby Harrah, – MLB infielder

Primary Resource: Stathead.com

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

Baseball Roundtable is on the Feedspot list of the Top 100 Baseball Blogs. For the full list click here. 

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  More baseball commentary; blog post notifications; PRIZES.

Member: Society for American Baseball Research (SABR); Negro Leagues Baseball Museum; The Baseball Reliquary.

P 1095