Archives for September 2021

Dodgers Topped the NL in 1966 … But Couldn’t Touch Larry Jaster

September 28, 2021 by David

On this date (September 28) in 1966, 22-year-old southpaw Larry Jaster (in his first full MLB season) took the mound for the sixth-place Cardinals – against the first place (and eventual NL Champion) Dodgers. His mound opponent was future Hall of Famer Don Sutton. While the odds may have seemed to be against him, Jaster prevailed that Saint Louis evening, blanking the Dodgers 2-0 on four hits and two walks, while fanning four.

So, why is this game the focus of a Baseball Roundtable post? Well, the whitewashing marked Jaster’s league-leading fifth shutout of the 1966 season, as well as his fifth complete-game shutout in five starts against the Dodgers that campaign. That made Jaster the first (and still only) MLB pitcher to shutout the same team five consecutive times in one season and just one of three pitchers to shutout out the same team five times in a season (Senators’ Tom Hughes versus the Indians in 1905 & Phillies’ Grove Cleveland Alexander versus the Reds in 1916). In his five games against the Dodgers that season, Jaster gave up just 24 hits (.157 average) – ALL SINGLES.

Here’s how Jaster fared against the Dodgers in 1966:

April 25 at LA …. 2-0 win, seven hits, no walks, seven strikeouts.

July 3 at LA … 2-0 win, three hits, one walk, one HBP, five strikeouts.

July 29 in St. Louis … 4-0 win, five hits, two walks, eight strikeouts.

August 19 at LA … 4-0 win, five hits, three walks, seven strikeouts.

Sept. 28 in St. Louis … 2-0 win, four hits, two walks, four strikeouts.

Jaster was a multi-sport star in his youth, turning down multiple college football scholarship offers to sign with the Cardinals for what was then the princely bonus of $50,000 as an 18 year-old. The top prospect was on the mound for the Cardinals in just his fourth professional season. He enjoyed a seven-season (1965-70, 1972) MLB career (Cardinals, Braves, Expos) – going 35-33, 3.65 in 138 games (80 starts), with 15 complete games and seven shutouts. In his 1966 season, he set his career highs in wins (11), complete games (6), shutouts (5) and strikeouts (92). Jaster’s career took a southward turn in the middle of the 1968 season – when he developed shoulder problems. From 1965 through 1967, he was 23-12, 3.01 for the Cardinals. In 1968, he was 7-4, with a 1.79 ERA On July 14. Then went 2-9, 6.36 for the remainder of the campaign. After the 1968 season, he got in just 43 more MLB games (12 starts) going 3-8, 5.72. He did pitch in the minors through 1974, but did not make it back to the majors.

On April 14, 1969, Larry Jaster – starting for the Expos against the Cardinals – threw the first regular-season MLB pitch ever in Canada.

After retiring as a player, Jaster earned a Masters Degree in Physical Education from the University of New Mexico and went on to enjoy a long career coaching at the high school, college and professional levels.

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

Baseball Roundtable Disclaimer: The MLB records referenced in this (and previous) posts have the potential to change as Major League Baseball recognizes and incorporates Negro League records from 1920-46 into the MLB record book.

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Why I Love Baseball … Guest Post by Baseball Author/Lecturer Jason Love

September 22, 2021 by David

As regular Baseball Roundtable readers know, Baseball Roundtable invites and encourages guest contributions to its “Why I Love Baseball” page. Today, BBRT is pleased to present a post from Jason Love, author of the book “Slices of Americana – a Road Trip Through American Baseball History“published this year by Sunbury Press.

Love is a lifelong Phillies fan who lives in New Jersey. Love combines his passion for baseball and history (he has history degree from West Chester University) to his approach to the National Pastime and the road trip genre of baseball writing. In addition to “Slices of Americana,” Love has authored “A Visit to New Jersey’s Minor League Ball Parks.” He also presents lectures on baseball history at local libraries and other community venues (more than 50 communities to date.) You can find him at TalkingBaseballWithJasonLove.com and on Twitter @jason_love1. You’ll find a brief Baseball Roundtable review of Love’s latest book at the end of this post.

WHY I LOVE BASEBALL

By Jason Love

My first memories of baseball are not of going to my first professional game or watching the Phillies on television. Although I do have some vague memories of the Phillies winning the World Series over the Kansas City Royals in 1980. I remember watching the final game with my family and wondering why the Philadelphia Police Department brought German Shepherds onto the field prior to the final out. The police were anticipating the fans at Veterans Stadium storming the field. As a seven-year-old, I had a feeling that something special was happening. I can remember Tug McGraw leaping into the air after striking out Willie Wilson.

Playing Little League baseball is what I remember most about the game as a child. I have fond memories of my teammates, the snack bar, my first uniform and glove, and the game itself. Playing baseball in my youth laid the foundation for my love of America’s Pastime. I was never a great player (not even a good one), but I loved playing as a kid. In the early 1980s I had visions of being the next Pete Rose or Manny Trillo (we both played second base). In addition to Little League, I played Wiffle Ball with my buddies throughout the summer. I remember Saturday mornings spent watching This Week in Baseball narrated by the great Mel Allen and The Baseball Bunch with Johnny Bench. Collecting baseball cards was also a big part of my childhood. The 1985 Topps Dwight Gooden card was considered gold. Baseball was woven into the fabric of my childhood.

When my oldest daughter Delia was born in 1999, I started taking her to games at Veterans Stadium. One of my favorite photos is of me holding Delia up to meet the Phillie Phanatic in the 700-level of The Vet. She has a confused look on her face. Who is the green, fuzzy creature roaming about the stadium? When Sophia and Ian were born, I started taking them to games as well. We always enjoyed time spent at the ballpark. The game itself was just the backdrop. My kids had fun getting hot dogs, ice cream and cotton candy. And all of us still get a laugh out of watching the Phanatic. We always have fun and simply enjoy our time spent together at the ballpark.

The main reason I love baseball is the way it connects different generations. Baseball connects people of all ages and of all different social and economic backgrounds. Sitting at the ballpark, you can strike up a conversation with the person next to you about a favorite player, team, moment, or whatever. It does not matter if the person in the seat next to you is a CEO, bus driver, or visiting from another city. I like going to the ballpark with a friend, having a beer or two, and enjoying the moment. I enjoy watching my son Ian play Little League, just as I did 30 years ago. Baseball, at all levels, provides an instant connection between people.

I also love the timelessness of the National Pastime. Baseball today is essentially the same as it was in the 1880s. Yes, there have been some rules changes and the stadiums are bigger and the scoreboards more elaborate, but the atmosphere, the camaraderie of fandom, the discussion and debate and even the sense of history remain the same.

Over the years, I have visited several minor league ballparks and I make sure to watch several games each season at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. This past year, my children and I took a road trip to PNC Park to watch the Phillies play the Pirates in Pittsburgh.

Ultimately, the final score does not matter much to me. Of course, I hope the Phillies win; however, it is more about spending an afternoon watching some baseball with my family and creating wonderful memories.

For More Why I Love Baseball posts, click the link at the top of the Baseball Roundtable home page.

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Baseball Roundtable looks at Jason Love’s “Slices of Americana – A Road Trip Through American Baseball History.”

It’s clear author Jason Love has a passion for the national pastime, a love of history and the ability to tell a good story. Toss in a perspective shaped by personal/life challenges, a rancorous political climate and the impact of the surging Coronavirus epidemic (not to mention a penchant for The Waffle House) and you have a unique and entertaining entry into the baseball “road trip” genre.

In the book’s series of seven “essays,” Love shares the tales of 2019/2020 family road trips that taken him all the way from the Babe Ruth Hall of Fame and Museum and the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown to Love’s own Little League field in New Jersey and the minor-league home of the Reading Fightin’ Phillies. He shares the emotions baseball brings to him – from the reverence of entering the Baseball Hall of Fame to the joy of a Father’s Day game of catch with his son on a professional diamond. And, he touches on baseball history and personal memories along the way – from Babe Ruth’s childhood, to Hall of Famer Judy Johnson’s stellar Negro League career to Ken Griffey, Jr.’s 500^th home run … all the way to some of his personal favorite players like Manny Trillo and Steve Jeltz and even his own Little League career.

On the pages/posts of Baseball Roundtable, I often note that when researching a baseball topic “one thing always seems to lead to another.” That describes Love’s book – one thing baseball always seems to lead to another and Love ties these stories (big and small) together well. For example, the book appropriately comes to a close with Opening Day (July 23, 2020) and Love uses this chapter to consider the sense of hope that each Opening Day brings to fans. He also recognizes such “one thing leads to another” topics as the first official Opening Day (April 22, 1876 – Boston Red Stockings versus Philadelphia Athletics), Howard Taft’s first Presidential first pitch (1910), Walter Johnson’s 15-inning Opening Day (1926) shutout, Bob Feller’s 1940 Opening Day no-hitter and more.

All in all, a good read for the baseball fan – penned by an individual who clearly “loves” the game. (Pun intended.) Love’s book ($14.95) is available from Amazon.com and Sunbury Press.

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Filed Under: Guest Posts, Why I Love Baseball (YILBB)

Rosario Hits for the Cycle – and some “Cycling” Trivia

September 20, 2021 by David

Yesterday (September 20, 2021), Braves’ LF Eddie Rosario hit for the cycle (single, double, triple and home run all in one game) as Atlanta topped Giants 3-0 in San Francisco. Rosario doubled to right in the second inning; tripled to right in the fifth; hit a solo home run to right in the seventh; and singled to center in the ninth. It was the fourth cycle of the 2021 season and 333^rd regular-season cycle in MLB history.

In celebration, Baseball Roundtable thought this might be a good time to revisit come cycle trivia.

The Only Pitcher Ever to Record a Win and Hit for the Cycle in the Same Game

On July 28, 1888 – as the Chicago White Stockings topped the Detroit Wolverines, 21-17 – Jimmy Ryan started in CF for Chicago with Mark Baldwin on the mound. In the bottom of the second – with two out, six runs scored in the inning and the bases loaded – Chicago Manager Cap Anson had Baldwin and Ryan changed places. Ryan fanned Detroit pitcher Charles “Lady” Baldwin to end the inning, with the White Stockings trailing 7-4. Chicago tied the game at 8-8 in the top of the fourth and went on to win 21-17.

Ryan got the victory, pitching 7 1/3 innings, allowing ten runs. He also went five-for-six at the plate (a single, double, two triples and a home run), was safe on error, scored three runs, drove in four and stole a pair of bases. In the process, he became the first (and still only) player to record a pitching victory and a cycle in the same game. (For the season, Ryan hit .332, leading the National League in hits with 182, doubles with 33 and home runs with 16). On the mound, he was 4-0, 3.05 in eight appearances (two starts). For his 18-season MLB career (1885-1900, 1902-03), Ryan hit.308-118-1,093, with 419 steals (2,014 games). On the mound he was 6-1, 3.62 in 24 games (five starts).

The Fastest Cycle Ever

On June 18, 2000, Colorado Rockies’ second baseman Mike Lansing completed the cycle in just four innings – making it the quickest cycle in MLB history. Notably, Lansing was consistently behind in the counts and three of his four hits came with two strikes. Lansing, batting second in the order, hit:

An RBI triple to right in the first inning, on a 1-2 pitch;
A two-run home run (0-1 pitch) in the bottom of the second;
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
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 (Darren Bragg) 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.

In addition to his fastest-ever cycle, Lansing shares the record for the most home runs in an inning (two). On May 7, 1997, he hit a two-run and three-run homer in a 13-run sixth inning, as the Expos topped the Giants 19-3 in San Francisco. That was his best season in the majors, as he hit .281 and recorded his career highs in home runs (20), RBI (70) and doubles (45).

The “Slowest” Cycle Ever

The Expos’ Tim Foli is the only player to start a cycle one day and complete it the next. On April 21, 1976, Foli collected a single, double and triple in a contest against the Cubs that was suspended in the top of the seventh due to darkness. When play resumed the following day, Foli added an eighth-inning home run. (The Expos prevailed 12-6.)

The Most Cycles Ever

Only five MLB players have hit for the cycle three times in their careers: John Reilly (Red Stockings, twice in 1883 and Reds in 1890); Babe Herman (Brooklyn Robins, twice in 1931 and Cubs in 1933); Bob Meusel (Yankees in 1921, 1922 and 1928); Adrian Beltre (Mariners in 2008, Rangers in 2012 and 2015); and Trea Turner (Nationals in 2017, 2019 and 2021).

The Most Cycles Ever in One Season

Only five players have collected two cycles in one season. Among those, Brewers’ outfielder Christian Yelich is the only one to hit for the cycle against the same team (the Reds) twice in the same campaign. In Yelich’s 2018 MVP season, he hit for the cycle on August 29, as the Brewers topped the Reds 13-12 in ten innings in Cincinnati. He doubled up on cycles on September 17, as the Brewers topped the Reds 8-0 in Milwaukee.

Longest Time Ever Between Cycles

Among players with multiple cycles, George Brett went the longest time between cycles – 11 years & 57 days. He hit for the cycle on May 28, 1979 (his age-26 season) and again on June 24, 1990 (his age-37 season).

Shortest Time Between Cycles

John Reilly (Reds) and Tip O‘Neill (St. Louis Brown Stockings, American Association) had the shortest time between cycles at just seven days. Reilly’s came on September 12 and September 19, 1883. O’Neill’s came on April 30 and May 7, 1887.

Something Old … Something New

The youngest MLB player ever to hit for the cycle is the NY Giants’ Mel Ott (age 20, cycle on May 16, 1929). The oldest player to hit for the cycle is The Angels’ Dave Winfield (age 39, cycle on June 24, 1991).

Sharing the Wealth

Three players have hit for the cycle in both the NL and AL: Bob Watson (NL Astros-1977 and AL Red Sox-1979); John Olerud (NL Mets-1997 and AL Mariners-2001); Michael Cuddyer (AL Twins-2009 and NL Rockies-2014).

Quote the Raven, “Nevermore”

The Marlins are the only MLB team to never have a batter record a cycle.

Hitting (running) into an Out for the Cycle

Photo by rchdj10

The Yankees’ 1B Lou Gehrig (kind of) earned a cycle by being tossed out at the plate. On June 25, 1934, as New York topped Chicago 13-2 at Yankee Stadium, Gehrig hit two-run home run in the first inning; a single in the third; and a double in the sixth. Gehrig came up needing just the triple for the cycle in the seventh and hit a smash to deep center (scoring Yankees’ CF Ben Chapman). Gehrig wasn’t satisfied with a three-bagger and was thrown out at home (8-6-2) trying for an inside-the-park home run – thus getting credit for the triple he needed for a cycle.

Nearly a Cycle – In One Inning

On June 27, 2003, Johnny Damon was playing CF and leading off for the Red Sox as they took on the Marlins in Boston. In a start that brought Boston fans up out of their seats, Damon was three-fourths of the way to the cycle bat the end of the first inning – and had tied an MLB record with three hits in an inning. (The Red Sox scored 14 runs in the first inning, on their way to a 25-3 win over the Marlins at Fenway.) Damon who collected a single, double and triple in the bottom of the first, ended the game five-for-seven, with three runs scored, three RBI, a double, a triple and three singles. He, unfortunately, did not get the cycle. In his final three at bats Damon: struck out; flied out to center; singled to right; singled past third base.

Here’s how that first inning went:

Johnny Damon – Double past first base down the line. (Off starter Carl Pavano.)
Todd Walker – single, Damon scores.
Nomar Garciaparra – Double.
Manny Ramirez – Home run, scoring three.
David Ortiz – Double.
Kevin Millar – Single, Ortiz scores.

Michael Tejera replaces Pavano on the mound.

Trot Nixon – Single.
Bill Mueller – Walk, loading the bases.
Jason Varitek – Single, Millar and Nixon score.
Damon – Triple to deep right field, Mueller and Varitek score.
Walker – Single, Damon scores.

Allen Levrault takes over for Tejera – at this point, we’ve seen two pitchers, 11 batters, ten hits, one walk, nine runs and no outs.

Garciaparra – Foul pop out.
Ramirez – Single.
Ortiz – Walk, loading the bases.
Millar – Sacrifice fly, scoring Walker.
Nixon – Walk, loading the bases.
Mueller – Double, scoring Ramirez and Ortiz.
Varitek – Walk.
Damon – Line drive single to left, Nixon scores, Mueller is thrown out at the plate to end the inning.

Red Sox score 14 runs on 13 hits and four walks; Damon collects a single, double and triple.

The Cycle … From a Family Perspective

Only two father-son combinations have hit for the cycle at the Major-league level – and both involved rookies.

Gary Ward hit for the cycle as a rookie (in just his 14th game) for the Twins on September 18, 1980. His son Daryle hit for the cycle for the Pirates (against the Cardinals) on May 26, 2004 (in his seventh MLB season).

In 2018, Blues Jays’ rookie Cavan Biggio – in a September 17 game against the Orioles – hit for the cycle. Cavan’s father, Hall of Famer Craig Biggio, hit for the cycle (for the Astros versus the Rockies) on April 8, 2002.

The Cycle … Sometimes it Skips a Generation

Pittsburgh Pirates’ outfielder Gus Bell hit for the cycle on June 4, 1951 – as the Pirates topped the Phillies 12-4 in Philadelphia. Fifty-three seasons later – on June 28, 2004 – Phillies’ 3B David Bell (Gus Bell’s grandson) hit for the cycle (also in Philadelphia), as the Phillies topped the Expos 14-6. Gus and David Bell are the only grandfather-grandson combination to achieve MLB cycles.

Cycles … A Big Stage Perspective

Brock Holt is the only player to record a cycle in the post season. He did it on October 8, 2018, as the Red Sox beat the Yankees 16-1 in Game Three of the American League Division Series. Holt grounded out in the top of the second inning; had a single and a triple in the Yankees seven-run fourth; grounded out in the sixth; hit a ground-rule double in the eighth; and managed to finish his cycle with a home run with two outs in the top of the ninth. It was Holt’s second career cycle. He had a regular-season cycle for the Red Sox on June 16, 2015, as Boston topped Atlanta 9-4 at Fenway. He also completed that cycle with two outs in Boston’s last offensive inning – hitting a triple with two down in the bottom of the eighth.

Primary Resources: Baseball-Almanac.com; Baseball-Reference.com; “July 28, 1888: Jimmy Ryan hits for cycle as Chicago White Stockings win 21-17 slugging match, ” by Mike Huber, SABR.

Baseball Roundtable Disclaimer: The MLB records referenced in this (and previous) posts have the potential to change as Major League Baseball recognizes and incorporates Negro League records from 1920-46 into the MLB record book.

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“From Both Sides Now” … First Two Career Homers from Each Side of the Plate in the Same Game

September 16, 2021 by David

Johnny Lucadello St. Louis Browns: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

On this date (September 16) in 1940, Saint Louis Browns’ 21-year=old infielder Johnny Lucadello made a bit of baseball history. (Spoiler alert: We’re in #InBaseballWeCountEverything territory here.). On that day, as the Browns topped the Yankees 16-4 in St. Louis, Lucadello – playing second and batting second, went three-for-five with two runs scored, five RBI and two home runs. The history? Lucadello was the first switch-hitting major leaguer to hit his first two home runs from opposite sides of the plate in the same game. (At this point in his career, Lucadello was in his third MLB season and, going into the September 16 game, he had played in a career total of 23 games (63 plate appearances). His first homer in the game (a solo shot) came in the bottom of the first inning off southpaw Marius Russo (a 14-game winner that season) and the second round tripper came in the seventh frame (a two-run blast off righty Steve Sundra (the Yankees fourth pitcher of the game).

Lucadello would finish the 1940 season at .317-2-10. He would enjoy a six-season MLB career (1938-47, losing 1942-45 to military service), hitting .264-5-60 in 239 games. His best season was 1941, when he went .279-2-31 in 107 games for the Browns.

Oh, Those Lost Years

Johnny Lucadello was considered a solid prospect until a four-year stint in the military interrupted his career. From 1936-1940, he hit .312 in 557 minor-league games and was selected to his league’s All Star team each season.

I should add that hitting your first two career home runs, from opposite sides of the plate in the same game is a rare occurrence. Here are the other five instances I was able to uncover.

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U L Washington

Washington marked his third MLB season, 172^nd game and 424^th plate appearance before he hit his first MLB home run. It was a three-run shot in the top of the second inning of a game (September 21, 1979) in which his Royals would topple the A’s 13-4 in Oakland. It came left-handed off A’s righty Rick Langford. In his very next at bat – top of the third inning – Washington hit another three-run shot, this one right-handed off southpaw reliever Craig Minetto. Washington, playing SS and batting ninth, finished the game four-for-five with three runs scored and six RBI. The two dingers, by the way, would be the 25-year-old Washington’s only long balls in 101 games played that season. He would go .254-2-25, with 32 runs scored and ten steals.

Washington would have a 11-season MLB career (1977-87), going .251-27-255, with 358 runs scored and 132 steals. His best season was 1982, when he went .286-10-60, with 23 steals for the Royals.

What does U L stand for?

U L were not U L Washington’s initials, they were his given name.

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Bret Barberie

Barberie had his notable game on August 2, 1991 – as his Expos lost to the Phillies 6-5 (in 11 innings) in Montreal. The 23-year-old was playing SS and batting seventh. He went three-for-four with two runs and two RBI. It was Barberie’s 17^th MLB game (all in 1991) and he had 26 plate appearance up to that date. His first homer came leading off the bottom of the third inning (against righty Danny Cox). The second (another solo shot) tied the game at 4-4 in the bottom of the seventh (hit off left-hander Wally Ritchie). Barberie finished the season at .353-2-18 in 57 games. He played in six MLB seasons (1991-96), hitting .271-16-133. His best season was with the Marlins in 1994 (.301-5-31 in 107 games).

That Would Be A first

Bret Barberie recorded the first base hit in the expansion Marlins’ history, a first-inning single off the Dodgers’ Orel Hershiser on Opening Day (April 5) in 1993.

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Brian Simmons

Simmons, playing center field and batting in the eight spot, led the White Sox to a 13-5 win over the Royals (in Kansas City) on September 26, 1998. The 25-year-old outfielder was in his first MLB season and just his fourth MLB game (he had ten MLB plate appearances – four singles – going into the game.)

In the game, Simmons went three-for-five with two runs scored, five RBI and, of course, those two home runs. Like Lucadello, they would be Simmons ‘only home runs of the season. The first homer was a two-run shot off righty starter Brian Barber in the top of the fourth – breaking a 4-4 tie. Simmons went yard again in the seventh (off southpaw Allen McDill) – another two=run homer. He finished 1998 at .368-2-6 in five games. Simmons played in two more MLB campaigns (1999 & 2001) and put up a career line of .218-8-31 in 119 games. A ruptured Achilles tendon cut short his career.

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Aaron Miles

Miles had his “both sides now” first-two-career-homers day on April 14, 2004 – as his Rockies topped the Diamondbacks 14-4 in Denver. Miles, batting leadoff and playing second base went three-for-five with two runs scored and six RBI. He led off the bottom of the first with a home run off right-hander Elmer Dessens; then added a three-run homer of lefty Steve Randolph in the fifth. Miles had earned a late season call up in 2003, going four-for-twelve with three doubles in eight games. He had added five more MLB games and 22 plate appearances before his April 14 outburst. Miles had a solid season for the Rockies in 2005, hitting .293-6-46, with 75 runs scored in 134 games. He played nine MLB seasons (2003-2011), hitting .281-19-229. He hit a high of .317 in 134 games for the Cardinals in 2008.

Put Me In Coach

Primarily a utility infielder, Aaron Miles played every position except catcher during his MLB career. He appeared in five games on the mound, pitching five innings and putting up a 3.60 ERA.

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Yasmani Grandal

Grandal – still active – is easily the biggest name on this list. A two-time All Star the 32-year-old catcher is in his tenth MLB season. Grandal had his noted day on June 30, 2012, as his Padres topped the Rockies 8-4 in Denver. Gandalf did not wait long to make this particular page in the record books, he hit his first two career home runs (from each side of the plate in the same game) in just his second MLB game and his first MLB start. (He had one previous MLB at bat). On his big day, Grandal went two-for-four with two runs scored and three RBI. He hit a solo homer in the top of the fourth inning off lefty Christian Friedrich and a two-run homer in the sixth off right-hander Jeremy Guthrie. He went on to finish the season at .297-8-36 in 60 games. As of this writing – end do play September 16, 2021 – Grandal’s MLB line is .240-169-500. Notably, his rookie season is the only only which he had hit at .250 or better, he does however, have five seasons of 20 or more home runs (including 2012) on his resume. He now has homered from both sides of the plate in four MLB games.

Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better

Yasmani Grandal did Johnny Lucadello one better. Not only did Grandal join the list of players getting their first two career home runs, one from each side of the plate, in the same game. He is the only player whose fist two major leagues hits (of any kind) were home runs, from each side of the plate in the same game.

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

Baseball Roundtable Disclaimer: The MLB records referenced in this (and previous) posts have the potential to change as Major League Baseball recognizes and incorporates Negro League records from 1920-46 into the MLB record book.

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Filed Under: BB Fun Facts

Celebrating the Burnes-Hader NO-NO … and Other Combined No-Hitters

September 12, 2021 by David

CORBIN BURNES. Photo: Ian D’Andrea on Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Yesterday (September 11, 2021), Brewers’ ace right-hander Corbin Burnes faced off against the Indians in Cleveland. Burnes tossed eight innings of no-hit ball, before yielding the mound to southpaw reliever Josh Hader, who finished off the no-hitter with a 1-2-3 ninth. It was the ninth no-hitter of the 2021 season, breaking the MLB single-season record of eight (set back in 1884.) It was also the 314th MLB no-hitter and the 16th combined no-hitter (the second combined no-hitter of 2021).

JOSH HADER. Photo: Dirk Hansen, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Burnes tossed eight innings, walking one and fanning 14 – eleven swinging and three looking. He went to a three-ball count on just five batters and four of those struck out (Cleveland CF Myles Straw walked on a 3-1 pitch to open the seventh inning – the only Indians’ base runner in the game. Burnes threw a total of 115 pitches (his highest pitch count of the season), 78 for strikes. Hader came on in the ninth and retired the Indians on nine pitches (two strikeouts and a foul pop.)

Side note: Baseball Roundtable is trying to imagine the response from such pitchers as Bob Gibson, Don Drysdale or Jack Morris if they had been asked to turn over the ball after eight no-hit, 14-strikeout innings. Might mayhem have ensured? For those who like to know such things, the most pitches thrown in a no-hitter is 149 by the Diamondbacks’ Edwin Jackson on June 25, 2010. In that game, Jackson was still around to throw a complete-game no-hitter after tossing 70 pitches over the first three innings (seven walks). For the game he walked eight and fanned six.

Baseball Roundtable Disclaimer: The MLB records referenced in this (and previous) posts have the potential to change as Major League Baseball recognizes and incorporates Negro League records from 1920-46 into the MLB record book.

Here’s a few tidbits about the Burnes-Hader no-no.

The Indians became the first team to be no-hit three times in a single season.
Burnes became just the third pitcher in (American League / National League) to be pulled to open the ninth inning after eight hitless frames (Elias Sports Bureau).
It was the seventh no-hitter thrown on the road this season (an MLB single-season record – although 2021 already had the record at six).

Zach Plesac … Chuck Estrada in Reverse

The Indians have been no-hit a record three times this season and Zach Plesac was the starting pitcher for the Indians in all three contests. The first came on April 14 versus the White Sox in Chicago. In that one, Plesac was destined for a loss (even without the no-no) – giving up six runs in just 2/3 of an inning, as the Indians fell 8-0 and the White Sox’ Carlos Rodon went the distance walking none and fanning seven (then only base runner was Indians’ C Roberto Perez, hit by a pitch on an 0-2 count with one out in the ninth. Next, on May 7, the Reds’ Wade Miley no-hit the Indians (one walk, eight whiffs) in Cleveland, winning by a 3-0 score. Plesac started and took a no-decision after pitching eight scoreless innings (three hits no walks, seven strikeouts). In that one the Indians had just two base runners (both in the sixth frame) – SS Amed Rosario, who reached on an error, and 2B Cesar Hernandez, who reached on a full-count walk. Then, on September 11, Corbin Burnes and Josh Hader no-hit the Indians 3-0 in Cleveland, with the only Cleveland base runner being CF Myles Straw, who walked in the seventh. In this one, Plesac went six innings and gave up three runs (two earned). Plesac ended the day at 10-5, with three of the five losses in games in which the Indians were no hit.

Why is that Chuck Estrada in reverse.? It’s a matter of support. In 1961, Orioles’ 1B Jim Gentile hit a then-record (since topped) five Grand Slam home runs in a season. Chuck Estrada was the Orioles’ starter on the mound – and got the victory – in each of the four games in which Gentile connected for a Grand Slam. (Gentile had one two-Slam game.)

Now, let’s revisit the fifteen MLB combined no-hitters that preceded the Burnes-Hader game – and the touch upon circumstances that made many of them unique. Baseball Roundtable has lo0ked at combined no-hitter before, but this seems like a good time for review.

The First-Ever Combined No-Hitter – Babe Ruth Didn’t Hang Around Long

This took place on June 23, 1917 – with the Red Sox topping the Senators 4-0 in Boston. This game is special for several reasons:

It was the first MLB combined no-hitter;
Babe Ruth started on the mound;
It involved the most meager contribution by the starting pitcher (zero innings pitched- one batter faced); and
It is arguably the most “perfect” combined no-hitter ever.

Babe Ruth, at that time plying his trade as a left-handed starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox, opened the game by walking Washington’s lead-off hitter Roy Morgan. Ruth, and his catcher Pinch Thomas, took issue with umpire Brick Owens’ strike zone and, during the argument, Ruth made contact with the umpire (a glancing blow, it was reported). The ultimate result of the confrontation was the ejection of both Ruth and Thomas (with Ruth earning a $100 fine and ten-game suspension). Red Sox’ pitcher Ernie Shore was called in to replace Ruth and Sam Agnew took Thomas’ spot behind the plate. Morgan decided to test Agnew’s arm and was thrown out stealing, after which Shore retired the next 26 hitters in order – completing the first combined no-hitter within the minimum 27 total batters. Ruth, by the way, ended the season 24-13, with a 2.01 ERA and a league-leading 35 complete games in 38 starts.

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Second Combined No-Hitter – A Long Time A-comin’

Given the past propensity for pitchers finishing what they started, MLB’s second combined no-hitter came 50 seasons and 70 no-hitters later – on April 30, 1967, with the Tigers defeating the Orioles 2-1 in Baltimore. This combined no-hitter is unique because:

It was not a shutout.
The team that threw the no-hitter lost (the only combined no-hitter loss); and
It involved the briefest contribution by the relief staff (one pitcher/one-third inning pitched).

Orioles’ starter Steve Barber was effectively wild, walking ten hitters and hitting two in 8 2/3 innings. The opposing hurler was Detroit’s Earl Wilson – who matched goose eggs with Barber for seven innings. In the eighth, Baltimore pushed across a run on three walks and a sacrifice fly (Wilson gave up only two hits and four walks in his eight innings of work) and victory was there if Barber could take it. He didn’t. Barber walked Tigers’ 1B Norm Cash to start the ninth. He then walked SS Ray Oyler. Earl Wilson, a good-hitting pitcher, bunted the runners to second and third, before Barber got the second out of the inning, inducing PH Willie Horton to pop up to the catcher. Now, just one out away from a 1-0, no-hit win, Barber uncorked a wild pitch that brought the tying run home. He then walked CF Mickey Stanley, ending his day on the mound. Stu Miller came in to get the final out, but not until an error allowed the go-ahead run to score.

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Combined No-Hitter Number Three – Waiting Until the Last Possible Day

This no-hitter came on September 28, 1975, with the A’s topping the Angels 5-0 in Oakland. This game was unique in that:

It is one of only three no-hitters thrown on the final day of an MLB season;
It made starting pitcher Vida Blue the first hurler to take part in both a solo and combined no-hitter. (Blue had thrown a solo no-hitter on September 21, 1970.); and
It was the first time more than two pitchers were involved in a combined no-hitter.

Blue went five innings (two walks, two strikeouts) and was followed by Glenn Abbott (one inning,), Paul Lindblad (one inning, one whiff) and Rollie Fingers (two innings, two strikeouts). Note: Blue has been joined by Kevin Millwood, Kent Mercker and Mike Witt as pitchers with both solo and combined no-hitters.)

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Combined No-Hitter Number Four – Tea for Two

The next combined no-hitter went back to the two-pitcher formula, as Blue Moon Odom (five innings, nine walks, three strikeouts) and Francisco Barrios (four innings, two walks, two strikeouts) of the White Sox topped the A’s 2-1 in Oakland. In this July 28, 1976 game, Odom walked seven different players at least once in his five innings of work.

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Combined No-hitter Number Five – At Witt’s End

MLB’s fifth combined no-hitter came on April 11, 1990 (again just two pitchers), with the Angels topping the Mariners 1-0 in Anaheim. Mark Langston started the game and went seven (four walks, three strikeouts) and Mike Witt (the only pitcher to throw a perfect game – September 30, 1984 – and take part in a combined no-hitter ) threw the final two (two strikeouts.)

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1991 – The First “Year of the Combined No-Nos” (plural that is)

1991 saw seven MLB no-hitters, including two combined no-nos. On July 13, the Orioles no-hit the A’s 2-0 in Oakland behind Bob Milacki (who threw six no-hit innings – three walks/three whiffs) and was pulled after being hit by a Willie Wilson line drive. Mike Flanagan (one inning, one walk), Mark Williamson (one inning) and Gregg Olson (one inning, two strikeouts) finished up the no-no.

Then, on September 11, the Braves no-hit the Padres 1-0 in Atlanta, led by Kent Mercker (six innings, two walks, six strikeouts), Mark Wohlers (two innings) and Alejandro Pena (one inning). Greg Harris, who started for the Padres, threw a complete-game seven-hitter.

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Combined No-Hitter Number Eight – Working Overtime

Combined no-hitter number eight came on July 12, 1997 – with the Pirates topping the Astros 3-0 in Pittsburgh. It was unique in that it is:

The only extra-inning combined “no-no;” and
Made Francisco Cordova the (still) only pitcher to start a combined no-hitter by pitching nine full innings.

Francisco Cordova started and went nine hitless frames (two walks, ten whiffs) and Ricardo Rincon threw one hitless inning in relief (for the win).

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Combined No-Hitter Number Nine … Nearly the Whole Bullpen

The next combined no-hitter was a record breaker – as the then-National League Astros used a record six pitchers (since tied) to no-hit the Yankees 8-0 in an inter-league game at Yankee Stadium (the last no-hitter at Old Yankee Stadium). On June 11, 2003. Roy Oswalt started, but succumbed to a groin injury after just one completed inning (two strikeouts). Joining in the no-hitter were: Pete Munro (2 2/3 innings, three walks, two strikeouts ); Kirk Saarlos (1 1/3 innings, one strikeout); Brad Lidge (two innings, two strikeouts); Octavio Dotel (one inning, four strikeouts); and Billy Wagner (one inning, two whiffs).

Notably, the no-hitter also broke up the Yankee’s record streak of 6,980 games without being held hitless. They had not been held without a safety since September 20, 1958. The five relievers combined for eight innings pitched, with three walks and 11 strikeouts. The Houston Chronicle reported that the Yankees took the whitewashing strike and that, when they returned to the visiting clubhouse there was a bottle of champagne (courtesy of the Yankees) at each pitchers’ locker.

In the eighth inning of this game, Octavio Dotel recorded a four-whiff frame. He struck out Juan Rivera and Alfonso Soriano on three pitches each; fanned Derek Jeter on a 3-2 pitch only to see him awarded first base on catcher’s interference; and then got Jason Giambi on a 2-2 pitch. All four were swinging strikeouts.

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Combined No-Hitter Number Ten – Evening Up the Score

The very next combined no-hitter – another inter-league game – saw the six-pitcher record tied, as the Mariners topped the Dodgers 1-0 in Seattle on June 8, 2012. In addition, the AL evened up the score in combined inter-league no-hitters at one apiece. Kevin Millwood started that one (six innings, one walk, six strikeouts), followed by Charlie Furbush (2/3 inning, one strikeout), Stephen Pryor (1/3 inning, two walks, one strikeout), Lucas Luetge (1/3 inning), Brandon League (2/3 inning, one strikeout) and Tom Wilhelmsen (one inning).

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Combined No-Hitter Number 11 – The Fab Four

On September 1, 2014, the Phillies used four pitchers to no-hit the Braves 7-0 in Atlanta. The pitchers involved were Cole Hamels, who started and went six innings (issuing five walks versus seven strikeouts); Jake Diekman (one inning, two strikeouts); Ken Giles (one inning, three strikeouts); and Jonathan Papelbon (one inning, no strikeouts).

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Combined No-Hitter Number 12 – On New Turf

This one took place on May 4, 2018, as the Dodgers no-hit the Padres 4-0 in a regular-season MLB game played in Monterrey, Mexico – the first official MLB no-hitter ever thrown outside the United State or Canada.

Right-hander Walker Buehler started for the Dodgers, and the 23-year-old – making just his third major league start (11th appearance) – went six innings (93 pitches), walking three and fanning eight. He was followed by relievers Tony Cingrani (one inning, two walks, one whiff); Yimi Garcia (one inning, no walks, two strikeouts) and Adam Libertore (one inning, no walks, two strikeouts). Buehler, by the way, also collected an unusual sixth-inning single – as his groundball hit base runner Alex Verdugo between first and second, resulting in Verdugo being called out (for the final out of the inning) and Buehler being credited with a single. That single, of course, meant Buehler outhit the entire Padres’ lineup.

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Combined No-hitter number 13 – A Lucky Number

Thirteen was a lucky number for the Angels. On July 12, 2019, their staff put together MLB’s 13th combined no-hitter and their offense scored 13 runs on 13 hits. Taylor Cole started the game (in the “opener” role) and pitched two clean frames with two strikeouts. Felix Pena the came on for the Halos and went seven innings (one walk, six strikeouts).

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Combined No Hitter Number 14 – An Unlikely Starter

On August 3, 2019, four Astros’ pitcher no-hit the Mariners 9-0 in Houston. Starting pitcher Aaron Sanchez seemed an unlikely hurler to start off a no-no – he came into the game with a 3-14, 6.07 record in 23 starts (with batters hitting .290 against him – a .382 on-base percentage). Sanchez shut down the Astros, walking two and fanning six over six no-hit innings, then giving way to Will Harris (one inning pitched, one walk); Joe Biagini (one inning pitched, one walk, one whiff); and Chris Devinski (one inning pitched, one strikeout).

It was, notably, the first appearance for the Astros for Sanchez and Biagini – both had been included in a Blue Jays/Astros trade on July 31 (Sanchez, Biagini and minor-leaguer Cal Stevenson for OF Derek Fisher). Thanks to this effort, 2019 became just the second season with two combined no-hitters.

Combined No-Hitter Number 15 – Everyone Issued at least one Free pass

On June 24 of this season, the Chicago Cubs no-hit the Dodgers 4-0 in Los Angeles. Zach Davies started for the Cubs and went six innings, walking five and fanning four. He was followed by Ryan Tepera (one inning, one walk); Andrew Chafin (one inning, one walk); and closer Craig Kimbrel (one inning, one walk, three strikeouts). That these three should close out a no-no is no surprise, coming into the game their earned run averages, respectively, were 2.02, 1.72 and 0.61.

More Proof of that “In Baseball, We Count Everything.”

STATS, Inc. reported that this was the first no-hitter thrown against a lineup with three former MVP’s (Mookie Betts, Al Pujols, Cody Bellinger).

Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; MLB.com; Baseball-Almanac.com

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Seth Beer’s Long Ball in his First MLB At Bat … The Roundtable Has Been Waiting

September 11, 2021 by David

Yesterday (September 10, 2021), Seth Beer made his MLB debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He came on as a pinch hitter (for Christian Walker) in the top of the eighth inning with one out, no one on and the Diamondbacks trailing the Mariners 5-3. Beer got his MLB career off with a bang, hitting a 1-1 pitch from Diego Castillo to deep right field for a home run. For Baseball Roundtable that was a much-awaited long ball. Why? … you might ask. After all, more than 120 players have homered in their first MLB at bat. True enough, but Baseball Roundtable had recommended readers keep an eye on Beer as long ago as 2017 – after his freshman year at Clemson University. With that in mind, I’d like to:

Revisit that original post (from January 26, 2017); and
Update readers on Beer’s path to the big leagues.

First, that original post.

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Baseball and Beer – Clemson Baseball and Seth Beer – A Winning Combination

Published January 26, 2017 in Baseball Roundtable

Robin Ventura, Jason Varitek, Todd Helton, Mark Teixeira, Jered Weaver, Alex Gordon. David Price, Buster Posey, Stephen Strasburg, Kris Bryant. What ballplayer wouldn’t want to be mentioned in the same breath as these stars? Well, a young outfielder with a perfect baseball name – Seth Michael Beer – and tremendous baseball potential already is.

Seth Beer – first freshman Dick Howser Trophy winner – helped lead the Clemson Tigers to the 2016 ACC Title. Photo courtesy Clemson University.

Playing right field and batting in the three-spot for 2016 Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Champion Clemson University, the 6’3”, 200-pound Beer joined the previously noted MLB All Stars in earning the Dick Howser Trophy as the national college baseball player of the year. And, he did it in dramatic fashion. Not only did Beer become the first freshman to earn the recognition, he did it after leaving high school early to attend Clemson. Basically, he earned collegiate player of the year honors when he very well could have been enjoying his senior year at Lambert (GA) High School.

Now, as regular followers of Baseball Roundtable know, during the off-season, this blog has a tendency to look back nostalgically at what some members of my family call “antique baseball.” Witness recent posts on Hall of Famer Richie Ashburn (click here) and 1957 Braves’ hero Bob “Hurricane” Hazle (click here). In this post, however, I’d like to look toward the future – and share with readers a little bit about an individual who is truly a player to follow as he continues his college – and moves on to a major league – career.

THE NUMBERS

A lot of Roundtable readers are deep into statistics, so let’s start our look at Seth Beer with a few numbers.

As a college freshman, Beer played in 62 games – hitting .369, with 13 doubles, 18 home runs, 70 RBI, 57 runs scored, 62 walks (versus 27 strikeouts) and 15 hit-by-pitches. He led Clemson to the Atlantic Coast Conference title, being selected team MVP – after leading the squad in batting average, home runs, slugging percentage, on-base percentage and outfield assists. Can I say it again – as a freshman.

High School – A Precursor

Seth Beer’s performance on the diamond for the Clemson Tigers should be no surprise. In two seasons of high school baseball, Beer hit .537, with 12 home runs, 61 RBI, 44 runs scored, 30 walks (15 strikeouts) in 48 games. As a pitcher, he went 3-1, with a 1.80 ERA, striking out more than a batter an inning. (High school stats from maxpreps.com.) Beer earned six high-school athletic letters (three in baseball, two in football and two in swimming) and was a national high-school All American in baseball as a sophomore and a junior.

THE CHARACTER

Seth Beer. Photo: Courtsy of Clemson University.

Then, of course, there is character. Majoring in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management, Beer was an Atlantic Coast Conference Academic Honor Roll Member and All-ACC Academic selection.

And, while he definitely has his sights set on a major-league career (and cites his parents as the biggest influence in his life and baseball), Beer told Baseball Roundtable that “After my playing career, I want to be involved in helping others, specifically with homeless shelters.”

Beer’s coach at Clemson, who has called Beer the best freshman he’s ever seen, also praised the young star’s work ethic and quiet leadership. “Seth is more of a quiet leader and leader by example,” Clemson Coach Monte Lee said. “As he gets older, he will become more of a vocal leader. Players really look up to him because of his work ethic.”

Character is also reflected in Beer’s Dick Howser Trophy selection. In presenting the Award, DH Trophy Chair David Feaster said “Seth Beer truly deserves this national honor. His status as a national player of the year as a freshman is a history-making moment. In just a short time, he has exhibited the Dick Howser traits of excellent performance on the field, leadership, moral character and courage.”

ADDITIONAL RECOGNITION

I should emphasize here that the Dick Howser Trophy was not the only recognition Seth Beer earned as a college freshman. Here are just a few of the additional honors Beer received in his first season at Clemson:

College Sports Madness Player of the Year (first freshman winner);
First Team All American by American Baseball Coaches Association, Baseball America, College Sports Madness, D1Baseball, National College Baseball Writers Association, and Perfect Game;
Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year (first freshman winner); and, of course;
A host of awards reserved for college freshman, including National Freshman Player of the Year by Baseball America, College Sports Madness, D1Baseball and Perfect game, as well as several freshman All-American honors.

Baseball Roundtable is introducing readers to Seth Beer in this post because I believe he is a player and young man to watch – and that, someday, you will be able to see his baseball skills, leadership and positive character on a major-league field near you. I might add (see the box below), the odds seem to be in his favor.

The Dick Howser Trophy

The Dick Howser Trophy was established in 1987 to honor the national college baseball player of the year. The Award is named after Dick Howser – twice an All American shortstop at Florida State University, an eight-season major-league player (1961 All Star) and eight-season major league manager (1985 World Series Champion) – who passed away in 1987, at age 51, of brain cancer. From 1987-1998 the winners were selected by the American Baseball Coaches Association. Since 1999, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association has made the selection.

How much of an indicator of future success is this honor? Of the 28 winners (Brooks Kieschnick of the University of Texas is the only two-time winner):

24 became MLB First-Round draft picks;

24 went on to play in the major leagues;

13 became MLB All Stars;

Three became Rookies of the Year – Jason Jennings, Buster Posey, Kris Bryant;

Two were selected first overall in the MLB draft – David Price, Stephen Strasburg;

One went on to win a league MVP Award – Buster Posey; and

One captured a Cy Young Award – David Price.

Base ball Roundtable’s advice? Track Seth Beer’s sophomore season – and beyond. If you are in a fantasy league with “reserve keepers,” consider drafting him now. Start saving now for an MLB jersey with “Beer” and his number proudly displayed on the back.

In the meantime, BBRT says congratulations to Clemson and Seth Beer on a tremendous 2016 season – and the best of luck for the coming campaign.

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So, that post was Baseball Roundtable’s readers’ introduction to Seth Beer (I have to get a Beer jersey, that just says baseball all the way). Now an update on Beer’s path to the “bigs.”

In 2017, Beer hit .298, with 16 homers and 53 RBI, 64 walks and 14 hit-by-pitches (.478 on-base percentage). He led his Clemson squad in home runs, RBI, total bases, slugging percentage (.606), walks, intentional walks (17), hit by pitch and on-base percentage. After winning the Dick Howser Trophy as a Freshman, Beer was a semi-finalist for the recognition in his second college season. Among his honors were a second-team all American selection by the National College Baseball Writers Association and a second-team All Atlantic Coast Conference Selection.

Target Practice

In three collegiate baseball seasons (188 games), Seth Beer was hit by a pitch 42 times.

In 2018, Beer was once again a semi-finalist for the Dick Howser Award and was selected a first-team All American by the American Baseball Coaches Association, Baseball America, College Sports Madness, Collegiate Baseball, d1Baseball and the National College Baseball Writers Association – and was a first-team All Atlantic Coast Conference selection. He earned these (and more) honors with a .301-22-54 season, leading the Atlantic Coast Conference in homers, total bases (145) and slugging percentages (.642) – and finishing in the top five in walks (54), on-base percentage (.456) and runs scored (64). He was also hit by a pitch 13 times.

In 2018, Clemson was 20-2 in games in which Seth Beer hit a home run.

The list of collegiate accomplishments could go on and one, but you get the idea.

All of this earned Beer a first round (28^th overall) selection in the 2018 MLB draft (Astros).

He launched his pro career (as an OF/1B) as a 21-year-old in 2018 – putting up a .304-12-42 line at A and High-A (67 games). In 2019, he played at High-A and Double-A and went .289-26-103 in 122 games. (He was traded to the Diamondbacks in July of that season, in a transaction that sent 2009 AL Cy Young Award winner Zack Grienke to the Astros).

Beer began the 2021 season at Triple A Reno and hit.287-16-59 in 100 games before his call up to the D-backs.

Still a Target

In three-minor-league seasons (289 games), Seth Beer has been hit by a pitch 72 times.

All I can say is keep watching. It looks like this might be quite a ride – a major-league Beer run.

Primary Resources: Baseball-References.com; ClemsonTigers.com

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Baseball Roundtable Looks at Team Single-Season Home Run Records

September 5, 2021 by David

Yesterday (September 24), as the Braves fell 7-6 to the Rockies in Colorado, MLB had another of those #InBaseballWeCountEvrything moments. In the third inning, Braves’ 2B Ozzie Albies took Rockies’ starter German Marquez deep for his 25^th home run of the year. The “moment?” The solo shot made the Braves just the second team in MLB history to have its entire starting infield hit at least 25 home runs each. For the Braves, it was:

1B Freddie Freeman – .292-28-72

2B Ozzie Albies – .261-25-88

3B Austin Riley – .305-28-84

SS Dansby Swanson – .258-26-80

At the close of play that day, the Braves (NL East Division leaders) were third overall and second in the National League in home runs with 198 (three behind the Giants and six behind the Blue Jays).

The only other team to accomplish this infield feat? That would be the 2008 Miami Marlins.

1B Mike Jacobs – .247-32-93

2B Dan Uggla – .260-32-92

3B Jorge Cantu – .277-29-95

SS Hanley Ramirez – .301-33-67

That season, the Marlin finished third in the NL East at 84-77. Like the current Braves, they were third overall and second in the National League in home runs (with 208).

As usual, with Baseball Roundtable one thing led to another and I was spurred on to look at some other team home run records.

The Yankees finished in first place in the American League that season (109-53), and won the World Series. Their 240 home runs were (at the time) MLB’s single-season team record.

Despite leading MLB in home runs with 206 and in runs scored with 799, the 1973 Braves finished in fifth place in the NL West with a 76-85-1 record. Their team earned run average of 4.25 was the worst in the NL and third-worst in MLB that season.

The 1996 Rockies’ 243 home runs led the NL and were fourth in MLB. The Rockies finished third in the NL West with a 83-79 record. The Padres, who led the West Division at 91-71 hit 147 round trippers.

The 1997 Rockies’ 239 long balls led the NL and were second only to the Seattle Mariners’ 264 in MLB. The Rockies finished at 83-79, third in the NL West. The Giants won the Division at 90-72 – hitting 172 home runs.

The 2019 Twins set a new MLB single-season record with 307 home runs – edging the Yankees by one. The Twins won the AL Central with a 101-61 record, while the Yankees topped the East at 103-59. On the final day of the season, the Yankees got just one home run (Aaron Judge) in a 6-1 loss to Lance Lynn and the Rangers; while the Twins got home runs from C.J. Cron, Jake Cave and Jason Castro (in a 5-4 loss to the Royals) to claim the home run record. The Yankees got their revenge, sweeping the Twins three games-to-none in the ALDS.

The 2019 Yankees, who finished just one home run behind the Twins for MLB’s all-time single-season high, set the record for the most players on a team with ten or more home runs. Notably, the Yankees used 18 players at DH (seven for ten or more games) – and got 41 home runs out of the position in the lineup.

Primary Resources: The Elias Book of Records, 201 Edition (Elias Sports Bureau, Inc.); Baseball-Reference.com

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Kenny Lofton – An “Thorn” at the Plate, in the Outfield and on the Bases

September 3, 2021 by David

Photo; Jerry Reuss, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

As a baseball fan, I’ve always though it was important that (every once in a while) you take the time to acknowledge (and even applaud) a player who has been a thorn in the side of “your” team. As a long time, Twins’ fan, it always seemed to me that Indians’ center fielder Kenny Lofton continually wreaked havoc on my Twins – at the plate, in the field and on the bases.

The proof, of course, is not in the pudding, but in the statistics. So, I looked it up. Turns out, my recall was pretty solid. Over his career, Lofton had more hits against the Twins (180) than against any other team and his .347 average was the third-best against any team.

But I’m getting ahead of myself here. Let me first note why I chose today to recognize Lofton’s lofty (see what I did there) accomplishments against the Minnesota squad(s).

On this date (September 3) in 2000, Lofton had quite a day against the Orioles in Cleveland – a contest he topped with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 13^th inning. (The Indians won 12-11.) On the day, he was four-for-seven, with a walk, four runs scored and five stolen bases. He also made a bit of history that day. The run he scored in the first inning – driven in by a Jim Thome single after Lofton collected a leadoff single and stolen base – gave him a tie for the American League record of scoring a run in 18 consecutive games (August 15-September 3). During that streak, Lofton hit .380 (30-for-79), with six home runs, 20 RBI, 26 RBI, 26 runs scored, 11 walks and just four strikeouts. Notably, for me, not a single of those 18 contests was against the Twins.

With this in mind, today seemed a good day to recognize Lofton’s career and, in particular his accomplishments, against the Twins.

Lofton’s 180 hits are the he had against any team; as are his 58 RBI and 251 total bases. His 100 runs are second-most; as are his 34 doubles, eight triples and 43 stolen bases.

In 132 games against the Twins, Kenny Lofton never grounded into a double play.

Lofton’s best season against the Twins was 1994, when he hit .500 (23-for-46) in 12 games, with three home runs, 13 RBI, 15 runs scored, 11 walks and ten steals (in 11 attempts). He played in 13 seasons against Minnesota and hit over .340 in six of them. Over his career, Lofton collected his most, second-most and fourth-most hits against a trio of hurlers who spent considerable time (and gave up considerable hits to Lofton) in a Twins’ uniform: Keven Tapani (22 hits – .489 average), Scott Erickson (21 hits – .362) and Brad Radke (19 hits – .407). Note: Not all of the hits surrendered to Lofton were during their Twins’ tenure.

Now a little more about Lofton’s career.

He played 17 MLB seasons (1991-2007 … Indians, Pirates, Giants, Phillies, Braves, Rangers, Dodgers, Cubs, Yankees, Astros, White Sox). He was a six-time All Star and four-time Gold Glover in CF. He finished with 2,428 hits and a .299 average (four more hits would have put him at .300). He hit .300 or better in eight seasons, scored 100 or more runs in five and stole 50 or more bases in six seasons – 30 or more in nine. On defense, Lofton led AL center fielders in assists four times and double plays twice.

Kenny Lofton led the Al in stolen bases in five consecutive seasons … 1992-1996. During that span he swiped 325 bags and was caught 70 times … and average of 65 steals in 79 attempts per campaign.

Lofton appeared in the post-season with six different teams (Indians, Braves, Giants, Cubs, Yankees, Dodgers). He hit .247-7-34, with 65 runs scored and 34 steals in 95 games.

In his final (age-40), season, Kenny Lofton hit.296 in 136 games, scored 86 runs and stole 23 bases.

Lofton appears among MLB’s top 150 players all time in: runs scored (63^rd); stolen bases (15^th); outfield putouts (31^st); triples (108^th); offensive and defensive WAR (109^th and 108^th, respectively); hits (121^st); at bats (141^st); walks (147^th).

Given personal observation – and statistical evidence – I am surprised that in his one and only year on the Hall of Fame ballot, Lofton got only 18 votes (3.2%). Plenty of Twins fans would probably agree.

Primary Resource: Baseball-Reference.com

Baseball Roundtable Disclaimer: The MLB records referenced in this (and previous) posts have the potential to change (primarily additions) as Major League Baseball recognizes and fully incorporates Negro League records from 1920-48 into the MLB record book.

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Ted Williams 1949 Streak … Some Kind of Wander-ful

September 2, 2021 by David

Yesterday, Rays’ 20-year-old rookie SS Wander Franco got on base for his 32^nd straight game (hit, walk or HBP) – a remarkable achievement, particularly for a 20-year-old rookie. At this point in the still-active streak, which began July 25, Franco has hit .320 (40-for-125) with a .388 on-base percentage (12 walks and two hit-by-pitch). He has hit four home runs, driven in 25 runs and scored 31 during the streak, which has included ten multi-hit games and five games in which he did not get a hit. During the streak, the Rays have gone 23-9.

Wander’s streak sent me looking back at Ted Williams’ record-setting streak of safely reaching base in 84 games (July 1 – September 27, 1949).

Here are Williams’ stats during the astounding run:

Batting Average … .371

Hits … 112 (302 at bats)

On-base Percentage … .518

Walks … 92

Total Times on Base … 204 (2.43 times per game)

Home Runs … 24

RBI … 80

Runs Scored … 81

Slugging Percentage … .695 (20 doubles, three triples, 24 home runs)

Strikeouts … 19

Hit By Pitch … 0

Games Without a Hit …. 14

Multi-hit games … 30

Ted Williams – an on-base machine.

The longest hitting streak (base hits) Williams achieved during the 84-game on-base streak was nine games. During the streak, Williams had two stretches in which he recorded five consecutive multi-hit games: August 6-11, when he went 12-for-18 (plus four walks), with three homers and six RBI; and August 26-29 (doubleheaders in there), when he went 12-for-24 (plus one walk), with four homers and 11 RBI. For the month of August that season, William put up a .405-10-34 stat line. During William’s streak, his Red Sox won 60 and lost 24.

The streak ended on September 28. When Ray Scarborough of the Senators pitched a four-hit complete game, as Washington topped Boston 2-1. In three plate appearances, Williams had two strikeouts and an infield fly out against Scarborough. Note: Williams was on deck when Johnny Pesky made the last Boston out in the top of the ninth.

In the 1949 season, Ted Williams played in 155 games and got on base in 149 of them. For the season, the 30-year-old Williams led the league in games (155); plate appearances (730); runs (150); doubles (39); home runs (43); RBI (159); walks (162); on-base percentage (.490); slugging percentage (.650); total bases (368) – and was the AL MVP. Williams barely missed the batting title losing to George Kell of the Tigers (.34291 to Williams’ .34276).

Primary Resource: Baseball-Reference.com

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Baseball Roundtable August Wrap – Winning Streaks, Losing Streaks, Ten Straight Whiffs, Another No-Hitter and more.

September 1, 2021 by David

It’s September 1, and that means it’s time for Baseball Roundtable’s August Wrap Up – a look at August statistics and stories that caught BB Roundtable’s eye; leader boards for the month and Year-to-Date: BBRT’s Players and Pitchers of the Month; and the monthly Trot Index.

Here’s a hint at the kind of things you’ll read about – if you make it to the end of this post.

A player tying the MLB record for doubles in a game – and doing it in a seven-inning contest.
Another “Cycle” and another “Immaculate Inning.”
A rookie tossing a no-hitter in his first start.
A player hitting three Grand Slams in a span of 19 plate appearances.
A rookie ending the month with a still-active streak of getting on base in 31-straight games.
One team recording a 13-game winning streak; another a 19-game losing streak.
Miguel Cabrera’s 500th home run, Joey Votto’s 2000th hit and Aroldis Chapman’as 300th save.
Shohei Ohtani’s 42nd home run; eighth mound victory; 22nd stolen base; and first stela of home.

For all this and more, read on.

—–BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE PLAYERS AND PITCHERS OF THE MONTH – AUGUST 2021—–

National League Player of the Month (thought August 30) … C.J. Cron, 1B, Rockies.

Photo: KA Sports Photos from Hanover, MD, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Cron’s 34 August RBI led all of MLB, his .387 average led all MLB players with at least 75 August at bats and his 11 August home runs led the National League. Overall, he put up a .387-11-34 line with 36 hits, 18 runs scored and a .463 on-base percentage in 26 games. He had 12 multi-hit games and eight multi-RBI games – including a two-home, seven-RBI game against the Marlins on August 8.

Honorable Mentions: Can’t overlook Phillies’ RF Bryce Harper (.337-10-25) and Atlanta’s 3B Austin Riley (.359-6-18), whose 37 August hits led the NL. Paul Goldschmidt also had a solid month at .350-5-24, with 16 runs scored and four steals.

National League Pitcher of the Month … Adam Wainwright, RHP. Cardinals

Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Apparently life can being at (or just before )40. The veteran Wainwright, who turned 40 on August 30, was the only National Leaguer to notch five wins in August. Wainwright went 5-1, with a 1.43 ERA over the month. That 1.43 ERA was the fourth-best in the National League among pitchers with at least 20 August innings. You’ll see in the honorable mentions that there were a handful of very worthy candidates for this August recognition, but Wainwright gets the nod on the basis of his MLB-leading 44 innings pitched (averaging just over seven innings per start) and 0.80 WHIP (lowest in the NL among pitchers with at least 20 innings pitched). In his six August starts, he pitched under seven innings just once (that was a six-inning , two-run stint against the Brewers on August 17, when he was lifted for a pinch hitter with the Cardinal trailing 2-0). He threw a complete-game, two-hit shutout against the Pirates on August 11. Wainwright fanned 36 batters in his 44 August innings.

Honorable Mentions: A pair of Max(es) put up recognition numbers in August. Max Scherzer came over to the Dodgers from the Nationals on July 30 and went 4-0, 1.55, with 41 whiffs in 29 innings; while the Braves’ Max Fried went 4-0, 1.36 in five August starts (one a complete-game shutout) with 28 strikeouts in 33 innings. I’ll also give a nod to the Padres’ Blake Snell, who went 3-1. with a 1.72 ERA and whose 54 August strikeouts led MLB.

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American League Player of the Month … Salvador Perez, C, Royals

Photo: Arturo Pardavila III from Hoboken, NJ, USA, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

While Perez hit only .268 for the month, he led all of MLB with 12 home runs and his 28 RBI were second only to C.J. Cron of the NL Rockies. A lucky thirteen of his 26 August hits went for extra bases. From August 25 through August 29, Perez homered in five straight games – going .381-5-13 in that span. The five-time Gold Glover behind the plate finished August with 38 home runs and 94 RBI on the season.

Honorable Mentions: Indians’ SS Amed Rosario deserve a shout out for his 42 August hits (26 games), which led MLB. He put up a .372-4-20 line for the month. Oakland CF Starling Marte was right behind Rosario with 41 August hits (.363) in 26 games. Marte also led MLB with 19 stolen bases (in 19 attempts) for the month. White Sox’ 1B Jose Abreu put it all together in August, going .330-10-25 and scoring 22 runs. Finally, Rays’ SS Wander Franco went .313-3-18, with an MLB-leading 26 runs scored. Notably, he was on base in everyone of his 25 August games (hit, walk or hit by pith.) More on that in the Highlights section.

American League Pitcher of the Month … Tie: Marco Gonzalez, LHP Mariners & Robbie Ray, Blue Jays

Gonzalez was a workhorse for the Mariners in August, going 3-0, with a 1.58 ERA and pitching the AL’s second-most August innings (40). While he fanned only 27 batters, he walked just six and his 0.80 WHIP was the third-best among AL pitchers with at least 20 innings pitched. Gonzalez is a bit of a surprise here (and the surprise factor may have swayed my selection). He came into August at 3-5, with a 5.48 ERA (13 starts). His August surge included a complete-game, two-hit shutout of the Rangers on August 12.

Ray was perhaps even more effective for the Blue Jays – but with less reward. He threw 41 innings in six starts (leading the AL in innings pitched). He also led the AL in strikeouts with 52 (one of only three MLB pitchers with 50 or more whiffs this August). In addition, he logged and impressive 0.85 WHIP, gave up just one home run and held opposing hitters to a .188 average. Yet, he got just one win (five no-decisions). In his five no-decisions, the Blue Jays scored a total of nine runs (Ray did not give up more than two runs in any August start.)

Honorable Mentions: The White Sox’ Dylan Cease went 4-0, 2.83 in six August starts and had MLB’s third-highest August strikeout total, with 50 strikeouts in 35 innings, Cease fanned 10 or more batters in three of his six starts .The Rays’ Shane McClanahan went 5-0 in five August starts (more on McLanahan in the “Surprise Player” section.) The Indians’ Tristin McKenzie pitched 28 August innings (four starts, two wins, one loss and a 1.93 ERA) and delivered a 0.50 WHIP, holding batters to a .126 average. That WHIP and average were the lowest in August for any pitcher with at least 20 innings pitched.

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Surprise Player of the Month …. Tie: Shane McClanahan, LHP, Rays and Frank Schwindel, 1B, Cubs

Schwindel Photo: Desposito122, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Rays’ 24-year-old rookie southpaw Shane McClanahan (in just his third professional season) came into August with a 4-4, 3.93 record. The rookie got five starts in August, won all five and put up a 2.76 ERA with 33 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings. (Word of caution, he had three August starts against the Orioles). Still, 5-0 from a rookie – even if he was a first round draft choice (2018) – is a pleasant surprise.

When the Cubs picked up 29-year-old 1B Frank Schwindel on waivers from the A’s on July 18, he had 35 MLB at bats, with just four this (.114 average), one home run and three RBI. Yet, he was soon in line to replace Cubs’ star Anthony Rizzo, traded to the Yankees just 11 days later. In August, Schwindel hit a robust .344, with five home runs, 18 RBI and 16 runs scored. Schwindel hit safety in 22 of 26 August games, with multiple hits in ten of them. Side note: Schwindel had a .286-135-548 line in eight minor-league seasons and hit .296-17-49 in 54 games at Triple A this season.

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TROT INDEX … A REGULAR BBRT FEATURE

Through August 2021, 36.6 percent of the MLB season’s 148,181 plate appearances ended in a trot (back to the dugout, around the bases, to first base). We’re talking about strikeouts, home runs, walks, hit by pitch and catcher’s interference – all outcomes that are, basically, devoid of action on the base paths or in the field. Here’s the breakout: strikeouts (23.4%); walks (8.7%); home runs (3.2%); HBP (1.2%); catcher’s interference (less than 1%). Personally, I’d like more action in the field of play.

Now, to provide a little context (a more detailed post on this topic coming soon). Here are a few selected annual Trot Index scores since I began watching baseball in earnest: 1950 – 22.8 %; 1960 – 25.1%; 1970 – 27.0%; 1980 – 23.1%; 1990 – 26.1%; 2000 – 29.9%; 2010 – 30.3%; 2021 – 36.6%.

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Now for a look at how team performed in August.

The overall standings did not change a lot, but there was some movement of note. (You’ll find full year-to-date standings near the end of this post.) Notably, the Mets’ 19-loss August dropped them from first place (as of July 31) to third in the NL East. The Yankees’ 21-win month, moved them past the Red Sox into second place in the AL East. However, they actually lost ground on the first-place Rays. And, while the Dodgers’ 21-wins didn’t move them past the Giants (who won 19), they cut the lead from three games to just 1/2-game.

Three teams played .700+ ball in August – Rays (21-6), Dodgers (21-6) and Yankees (21-8). While we’ve come to expect the Rays to “get it done” with pitching, their August ERA placed tenth in the AL, while their 182 runs scored were first in MLB. Still they handled their staff well enough to win – using nine different starters and getting saves from seven different pitchers. (And, of course, they had Shane McClanahan, who started five games and won them all – 2.76 ERA). The offensive leaders were 2B Brandon Lowe (.262-9-26); SS Wander Franco (.313-3-19, with 26 runs scored); and RF Randy Arozarena (.362-4-11, with 15 runs scored. The veteran presence of newcomer Nelson Cruz (five homers, 18 RBI) was also felt.

The Yankees must feel frustrated having gained no ground on the Rays. New York had the AL’s lowest August ERA and second-most runs scored. They did it with a bit of star power and a solid bullpen. The Yankees scored 154 August runs and nearly a third of them were driven in by Aaron Judge (.345-8-26) and Giancarlo Stanton (.327-9-25). On the mound, Gerrit Cole went 3-0, 0.51 in three starts and the Bombers got three saves each from Aroldis Chapman, Chad Green and Wandy Peralta.

The Dodgers’ pitching fueled their 21-win month. Their 2.25 August ERA was far and away MLB’s best; while their 129 runs were sixth in the NL. Max Scherzer went 4-0, 1,55 in five starts; Julio Arias 3-0, 1.38 in five starts; and Walker Buehler 2-1, 1,56 in six starts. Kenley Jansen picked up a win and eight saves (in eight opportunities) and Blake Treinen was 3-0, 1.23, with two saves in 14 appearances out of the pen. On offense, LF AJ Pollock, C Will Smith, 1B Max Muncy and SS Corey Seager each had 14 or more August RBI and Muncy, 3B Trea Turner and SS Corey Seager each scored 17 or more August runs.

——-Team Statistical Leaders for August———

RUNS SCORED

National League – Reds (142); Phillies (142); Rockies (141)

American League – Rays (182); Yankees (154); Red Sox (147); White Sox (147)

Three teams scored fewer than 100 runs in August: Pirates (92); Met’s (95); Tigers (95).

BATTING AVERAGE

National League – Rockies (.266); Cardinals (.262); Brewers (.256)

American League – Astros (.270); Red Sox (267); Indians (.261)

The lowest August team average belonged to the Pirates at .217. Lowest in the AL were the Angels at .229.

HOME RUNS

National League – Reds (46); Braves (43); Giants (43); Rockies (43)

American League – White Sox (47); Rays (44); Red Sox (43)

The Pirates had the fewest August home runs at 17. Lowest in the AL were the Tigers at 24.

STOLEN BASES

National League – Marlins (17); Padres (15); Cardinals (13)

American League – A’s (33); Indians (32); Royals (32);

Contrary to expectations – at least Baseball Roundtable’s expectations – the top six teams in August steals were from the American League (as well as seven of the top eight and eight of the top ten). The Rockies, Reds and Diamondbacks were at the bottom of the stolen base list with three swipes each.

BATTERS’ STRIKEOUTS

National League – Cubs (303); Diamondbacks (282); Reds (267)

American League – Yankees (268); Angels (262); Mariners (258)

Hitters for the Blue Jays fanned the fewest times in August (200).

BATTERS’ WALKS

National League – Nationals (108); Phillies (99); Braves (96)

American League – Yankees (111); Red Sox (104); Twins (97)

EARNED RUN AVERAGE

National League – Dodgers (2.25); Giants (3.07); Cardinals (3.30)

American League – Yankees (3.16); Blue Jays (3.49); Mariners (3.52)

Two teams had earned run averages over 6.00 for August: The Orioles (7.43) and the Cubs (6.97). No surprise, they combined for 11 wins and 44 losses. At the other end of the spectrum, the two squads with the lowest August ERA’s (Dodgers and Giants) went a combined 40-15.

STRIKEOUTS

National League – Brewers (281); Dodgers (278); Padres (261)

American League – White Sox (292); Red Sox (265); Yankees (265)

The White Sox staff fanned an MLB-highest 10.51 batters per nine innings in August. The Brewers led the NL at 10.32. Ten teams average better than one strikeout per inning for the month.

SAVES

National League – Brewers (12); Dodgers (12); Giants (11)

American League – Yankees (14); Mariners (9); Rays (9)

The Orioles had just four save opportunities in August and converted one.

—-August 2021 Highlights —-

Rizzo, Not a Bad Deadline Pickup

Anthony Rizzo, acquired by the Yankees (from the Cubs) two days before the July 29 trade deadline, began paying dividend immediately. Rizzo drove in a run in each of his first six games as a Yankee (July 30-August 4) – becoming the first Yankee ever to collect an RBI in each of his first six games with the Bronx Bombers. After those six contests, Rizzo was hitting .400 (8-for-20) as a Yankee, with three home runs, eight runs scored, six RBI, four walks and just one strikeout. He did cool off, however. At the end of August Rizzo was hitting .250-4-12 in his Yankee tenure.

Home Sweet Home

On August 7 – at the Olympic competition in Japan – the Japanese baseball squad top the Americans 2-0 for the Olympic Gold

Burnes Burns Cubbies

On August 11, Brewers’ 26-year-old righty Corbin Burnes was in control, as his Brewers topped the Cubs 10-0 at Wrigley Field. Burnes not only fanned 15 batters in eight innings, he tied an MLB record by fanning ten consecutive batters (from the leadoff hitter in the second inning through the leadoff hitter in the top of the fifth (Cubs’ 1B Fred Schwindel both times). Burnes used 41 pitches to record the ten straight whiffs (all swinging) and did not go to a three-ball count on any batter. In his eight innings of work, he faced 27 batters and threw 99 pitches – 74 strikes. Burnes’ 2021 record at the end of August was 9-4. 2.27.

Record are Made to be Broken … or at Least Tied

Hall of Famer Tom Seaver (Mets) set an MLB record by striking out 10 consecutive Padres’ batters on April 22, 1970. That streak stood unmatched for more than fifty years – until this season, when the Phillies’ Aaron Nolan fanned ten straight Mets on June 25 and the Brewers’ Corbin Burnes sent ten straight Cubs down swinging on August 11.

Tossing a Maddux

Braves Hall of Famer Greg Maddux had a reputation for efficiency. That, in fact, is why the term “throwing a Maddux” has come to mean tossing a complete-game shutout in less than 100 pitches. On August 11, the Cardinals’veteran righthander Adam Wainwright did just that – shutting down the Pirates 4-0 for his 11^th win of the season – in just 88 pitches (58 strikes). Wainwright gave up just two hits, walked no one and fanned seven. Here’s his inning-by-inning pitch count (starting with the first frame); 13; 7; 12; 9; 9; 12; 7; 13; 6. Wainwright appears to have he Pirates’ number this season. Through August, in four 2021 starts against the Pirates, he is 4-0, with a 0.30 earned run average.

Walk Don’t Run

On August 12, A’s 3B Matt Chapman came to the plate six times, saw 31 pitches, never put the ball in play and still scored three runs. Chapman drew a five-pitch walk in the top of the second inning; a seven-pitch walk in the fourth; a four-pitch walk in the fifth; a six-pitch walk in the sixth; and a five-pitch walk in the eighth. He came up in the top of the ninth with a chance to tie the all-time record for walks in game, but struck out looking on a 1-2 pitch from Blake Parker.

THE PROMOTIONAL DAYS OF AUGUST

Field of Dreams with a Dream Finish

On August 12, Baseball came to Dyersville, Iowa – to the farm that was featured in the blockbuster movie Field of Dreams – and baseball did not disappoint. It started, appropriately, with a dramatic entrance – Kevin Costner, lead character from the movie, emerging from a cornfield beyond the outfield with a baseball in hand, followed by the Yankees and White Sox teams (in throwback uniforms). The teams then proceeded to face off in an 8,000-seat ballpark built especially for the event (about 500-feet from the ball field featured in the 1989 movie).

Ultimately, baseball was the star of this event, as the White Sox won a see-saw game 9-8 on a walk-off, two-run home run by SS Tim Anderson. In the contest, the White Sox jumped out to a 1-0 lead in the first, fell behind the Yankees 3-1 after 2 ½ innings, retook the lead in the bottom of the third (5-3) and held it until the top of the ninth, when the New Yorkers tallied four times to move ahead 8-7, before Anderson’s long ball won the game.

The game proved a win, not only for the White Sox, but for MLB – as it drew the largest TV audience of any regular-season MLB game since 2005. Side note: Tickets for the game (sold via lottery) had a face value of $375 and $425 and, according to news reports, were going for well in excess of $1,000 on the secondary market. How this event will fare going forward remains to be seen. Will the novelty/nostalgia factor decline or will it have staying power? It will be interesting to see what promotional and ceremonial activities MLB comes up with for future Field of Dreams matchups.

The Little League Classic Shows Its Staying Power

MLB’s fourth Little League Classic (August 22) featured the Indians and Angels at Williamsport, Pennsylvania’s Muncy Bank Park Ballpark at Historic Bowman Field (the second oldest ballpark in minor league baseball). The game brought major leaguers to Williamsport during the Little League World Series. The Little Leaguers enjoyed the evening’s game, which saw the Indians top the Angels 3-0.

Just as important, if not more important, the event featured a lot of interaction between the Little Leaguer and Big Leaguers – whether it was signing autographs; paying ping pong, Wiffle Ball or “Ladder Golf”; sharing batting, pitching and fielding tips; or sliding down the Lamade Stadium hill on flattened cardboard boxes. A good time, as they say, was had by all. The Little League Classic, initiated in 2017, has become a baseball tradition that let’s the national pastime shine. Clearly, the LLC will continue to be an unforgettable experience for big leaguers, little leaguers and all of us who follow the game.

Lucky Friday the 13th

On Friday, August 13^th, the Los Angeles Dodgers topped the Mets 6-5 in ten innings (in New York) scoring two runs on a Will Smith leadoff homer (that dreaded and dreadful placed runner scored) in the top of the tenth. (The Mets came back to tally one run in the bottom of the inning.) The win broke a bad “spell” for the Dodgers, who had lost their past 11 extra-inning games (and had a 1-12 record in extra frames on the season). Perhaps to prove the spell was truly broken, the Dodgers topped the Mets 2-1 in ten innings the very next day. Then, on August 25, they won their third consecutive extra-inning outing (5-3 over the Padres in 16 innings).

Let’s Get This Party Started- and Tie a Record, Too

On August 14, Diamondbacks’ rookie southpaw Tyler Gilbert no-hit the Padres (7-0) in his very first MLB start. Not only did it make him one of just 24 pitchers to hurl a no-hitter as rookie, it also made him just the fourth player to toss a no-no in his first MLB start. Further, it was the eighth no-hitter of 2021, tying the MLB record for the most no-hitters thrown in a season (set in 1884). Gilbert completed his no-no in 102 pitches, walking three and fanning five. For more on first start no-hitter, click here.

Newman Won’t Four-Get This One

On August FOURteenth, the Pirates hosted the Brewers in a FOURteen-inning doubleheader. Pittsburgh won the first game FOURteen to FOUR. In that game, Pirates’ SS Kevin Newman, who came into the contest hitting .218, went FOUR-for-FOUR, with FOUR runs scored and two RBI. His FOUR hits were all doubles, enabling him to tie the MLB record for most doubles in a game (and he did it in seven innings). Not only that, he recorded his FOUR doubles in consecutive at bats in FOUR consecutive innings (third, FOURth, fifth and sixth). Newman had just 12 doubles in his first 105 games played this season. In Game Two of the twin bill, by the way, the Pirates collected just FOUR hits in losing to the Brewers 6-0.

Racking Up the Big Numbers

Photo by Keith Allison

On August 16, the Reds’ Joey Votto notched his 2.000 MLB hit (as well as his 1,999^th and 2001^st), as the Reds pounded the Cubs 14-5. This was Votto’s third landmark hit of the 2021 season. On April 30, he smacked his 300^th home run and on June 30^th, he collected his 1,000^th RBI. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, the only other player to reach the three marks in the same season was the Cubs’ Billy Williams (1971).

Move Over Babe Ruth, Here Comes Brett Phillips

On August 16, as the Rays topped the Orioles 9-2, Rays’ RF Brett Phillips smacked (and ran) an inside-the-park home run leading off the sixth inning. It was Phillips’ 10^th home run off the season and fifth in 19 days. Notably, three of the immediately preceding four Phillips’ long balls (all of the over-the-fence variety) were Grand Slams (July 29 versus the Yankees; August 9 versus the Orioles; and August 11 versus the Red Sox). Per STATS, 19 days is the shortest period of time in which any MLB player has record three Grand Slams and an inside-the-parker. Previous record holder? Babe Ruth (36 days, 1929). Side note: Phillips three Grand Slams came in a span of just nineteen plate appearances. Impressive, but well short of the record – three slams in 14 plate appearances by the Tigers’ Jim Northrup (June 24-June 29, 1968). All of this, of course, is part of the #InBaseballWeCountEverything” mindset.

Move Over Babe, Here Comes the Sho

On August 18, Shohei Ohtani put on a show in the Motor City. The Angels’ two-way star started on the mound, batting leadoff. In the contest, won by the Halos 3-1, Ohtani pitched eight innings for the victory, giving up six hits and one run while fanning eight. He also hit his MLB-leading 40^th home run of the season. It was Ohtani’s 18^th start on the mound this season and he ran his record to 8-1, 2.79.

Shohei Ohtani is the first MLB player to hit 40 home runs and pitch in at least 15 games in the same season. Second place on the list? Babe Ruth, who hit 29 homers (leading the AL) and pitched in 17 games in 1919.

Motoring for the Cycle

On August 18, as the Braves topped the Marlins 11-9, Atlanta 1B Freddie Freeman hit for the cycle – going four-for-five with four runs scored and two RBI. It was the second cycle of the 31-year-old Freeman’s career – making him the 28th player (post-1900) to achieve multiple cycles. Freeman doubled in the first, tripled in the fourth, singled in the fifth and went deep in the sixth.

The Beautiful Swan that Turned into an Ugly Duckling

On August 21, the Yankees faced off against the Twins in New York and it was a pretty ho-hum game (at least for Twins fans, as the Yankees held a six-run lead in the seventh inning). That’s when we had the “you see something new at just about every ball game” moment. Yankee 3B Rougned Odor came up with two-on and one out in the bottom of the seventh. On an 0-2 count Odor called – and was granted – time out as Twins’ pitcher Ralph Garza went into his windup. Garza completed the pitch, which Odor (still in the batter’s box) launched into the right field bullpen for an apparent three-run home run. Not so fast! Despite the loud New York celebration, Odor was called back to the plate, with the timeout enforced. He proceeded to strikeout – part of a zero-for-three, two strikeouts game (one HBP).

The Ugly Duckling that Turned into a Beautiful Swan

Okay, this is out of chronological order, but it seems to fit after the Odor story directly above. On August 28, as the Red Sox topped the Indians, recently called up Boston 2B Jonathan Aruaz (starting and batting in the nine-hole) came up in the top of the eighth inning with runners on first and second, no outs and the Red Sox trailing 3-1. Aruaz was called on to bunt and (ugly duckling here) muffed on two bunt attempts. After those futile bunt attempts, Aruaz hit a 3-2 pitch off James Karinchak for a three-run homer (beautiful swan)– giving the Red Sox a one-run lead that held up for the win. It was the 23-year-old’s second MLB home run (in 42 games … 2020-21).

500 and Counting

On August 22, Tigers’ DH hit his 13^th home run of the season – a solo shot off the Blue Jays’ Steven Matz, in the top of the sixth, that tied the game 1-1. (This Tigers went on to win 5-3). Home run number 500 came nine games and 37 plate appearance after number 499 (in the fifth inning of an August 11 5-2 Tigers’ win at Baltimore.) Number 499 broke a scoreless tie in the top of the fifth. Cabrera did not wait as long between 500 and 501 (which he hit in the Tigers’ very next game, August 24 at St. Louis.). Cabrera’s next target on his Hall of Fame quest? That would be 3,000 hits. He stood at 2,961 as August action came to an end.

A long time a coming.

On August 10, 1971, Harmon Killebrew hit his 500^th career round tripper. It came in the first inning, off the Orioles’ Mike Cueller, in a 5-3, ten-inning loss in Minnesota. Killebrew had been sitting on number 499 since July 25 (14 Twins games), a period of 59 plate appearances and 43 at bats between 499 and 500. Number 501, by the way, came just five innings and two at bats after 500.

There’s a FIRST Time for Everything

MLB’s current ageless wonder – 41-year-old Nelson Cruz (who finished August with a .268-26-71 line on the season) started at first base for the Rays (against the Phillies in Philadelphia). Cruz went three-for-four with two RBI in the game – which is no surprise for the professional batsman. It was surprising, however, to see Cruz start at first base for the Phillies. It was the first time he started at first base in 17 MLB seasons and 1,852 MLB games. In fact, it was the first time he started at first base in his professional career – so you can add in 741 minor-league games and 98 games in the Dominican Winter League and Caribbean Series. Cruz handled seven fielding chances without an error, which proved you can teach and old dog new tricks. (There’s hope for me yet.)

Three K’s – Nine Pitches-Three Times. That’s a Fire Sale

On August 26, as the Red Sox topped the Twins 12-2 in Boston, Chris Sale threw the fourth “Immaculate Inning” (three up, three down, three strikes on nine pitches) of the 2021 season. Three appeared to be a lucky number as the Immaculate Inning came in the third frame. The victims were CF Nick Gordon, SS Andrelton Simmons and RF Rob Refsnyder – the numbers eight, nine and one in the order. Notably, it was the third Immaculate Inning of Sale’s career – tying him with Sandy Koufax for the most such perfect frames. Sales’ previous Immaculate Innings came on June 5, 2019 and May 8, 2019. In getting the win, Sale itched 5 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on two hits and two walks, while fanning eight.,

They Call It the Streak

August was a streaky a month, at least for a couple of teams. The Yankees put together a 13-game winnings streak (August 8 through August 27 – during which they outscored their opponents 75-35, outhit them .251 to .215 and out-homered them 25-15. In the streak, Yankees pitchers pit up a 3.19 ERA to their opponents 6.20. Yankees’ batters went down on strikes 123 times to their opponents’ 135. Notably, the 13-win streak included three one-run victories and five two-run wins. It involved seven home victories and six on the road.

Aroldis Chapman helped keep the Yankee streak alive with a save on August 26. He came on in the ninth with New York up 7-6 on the A’s and gave up just a harmless single. It was Chapman’s 300th MLB save and 24th of this season.

On the other side of the coin, the Orioles dropped 19 consecutive games (August 3 through August 24) – in which they were outscored 163 to 55. The streak started with four losses in which the Orioles gave up a total of 45 runs, while scoring just 13. Over the course of the streak they were outhit by their opponents .311 to .245 and out-homered 38 to 27. The Orioles’ pitching staff put up an 8.67 ERA during the streak, to their opponents’ 2.68. The Orioles gave up ten or more seven times during the losing streak and lost by six or more runs eight times. They finally made it back to the win column on August 25 with a 10-6 win over the Angels (thankfully in Baltimore). The Orioles trailed in that one 6-5 until scoring five in the bottom of the eighth innings.

More #InBaeballWeCountEverything

On August 27, Yasmani Grandal came off the injured list to get his first start behind the plate for the White Sox since July 5. He did it with a flare – going four-for-six, with a double, two home runs and eight RBI (as the ChiSox topped the Cubs 17-13). The eight RBI were a career-high for Grandal and tied the White Sox single-game record. Now, for the “counts everything” moment, STATS reported that it is the most RBI in the first game back from a player who spent at least a month in the IL.

Happy Birthday to Me

On August 27, Cubs’ rookie first baseman Patrick Wisdom celebrated his thirtieth birthday – on the ball field. Wisdom, whose rookie status is intact, despite brief call ups with the Cardinals, Ranger and Cubs in 2018, 2109 and 2020, celebrated the big 3-0 with a two-homer, four-RBI game against the crosstown White Sox. (It was his second multi-homer game of the season). Apparently, he wasn’t done celebrating, as he had another two-homer game against the ChiSox the very next day.

Baseball, It’s a Wander-ful Thing

As August came to an end, Rays’ 20-year-old rookie shortstop Wander Franco could look back on a month in which he got on base in all 25 games he played – via 31 hits, nine walks and two hit-by-pitch. (Franco went .313-3-19 for the month. The August performance was part of a still active 31-game streak of getting on base .

Still A Long Way to Go

In 1949 (July 1 through September 27), Ted Williams set the MLB record for more consecutive games reaching base safely. – an astounding 84 contests. During the streak, Williams hit .371 (112-for-302) with a .518 on-base percentage (92 walks). He had 24 home runs, 81 runs and 80 RBI over the 84 games. The streak included 14 games in which Williams did not get a hit, but got on base via the walk(s).

What Doesn’t This Guy Do?

On, August 31, Angels Pitcher/DH Shohei Ohtani – who leads MLB with 42 home runs and has an 8-1, 3.00 record in 15 2021 starts on the mound – stole stole two bases (his 21st and 22nd of the season). The cherry on top of the Sundae – one of those was not really a base, but home plate.

——-Individual Statistical Leaders for August ———

AVERAGE (75 June at bats minimum)

National League – C.J. Cron, Rockies (.387); Tyler Naquin, Reds (.386); Bryan De La Cruz, Marlins (.384)

American League – Amed Rosario, Indians (.372); Starling Marte, A’s (.363); Randy Arozarena, Rays (.362)

The lowest August average (among players with at least 75 at bats in the month) belonged to the Yankees’ Rougned Odor at .146 (12-for-82).

HOME RUNS

National League – C.J. Cron, Rockies (11); Bryce Harper, Phillies (10); Patrick Wisdom, Cubs (9); Brandon Belt, Giants (9)

American League – Salvador Perez, Royals (12); Hunter Renfroe, Red Sox (10); Jose Abreu, White Sox (10)

RUNS BATTED IN

National League – C.J. Cron, Rockies (34); Bryce Harper Phillies (25); Joey Votto, Reds (24); Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals (24)

American League – Salvador Perez, Royals (28); Eloy Jimenez, White Sox (27); Jorge Polanco, Twins (27)

The Rockies’ C.J. Cron had the highest slugging percentage for August (among players with at least 75 at bats) at .828.

HITS

National League – Austin Riley, Braves (39); C.J. Cron, Rockies (36); Paul Goldschmidt, Cardinals (36)

American League – Amed Rosario, Indians (42); Starling Marte, A’s (41); Ty France, Mariners (39)

DOUBLES

National League – Bryce Harper, Phillies (11); Tommy Edman, Cardinals (11); three with ten

American League – Jeimer Candelario, Tigers (10); Myles Straw, Indians (9); Starling Marte, A’s (9); Brandon Lowe, Rays (9); Nathaniel Lowe, Rangers (9)

TRIPLES

National League – Bryan Reynolds, Pirates (3); Edmundo Sosa, Cardinals (3); five with two

American League – Amed Rosario, Indians (2); Jose Ramirez, Indians (2); Victor Reyes, Tigers (2); Brandon Marsh, Angels (2)

The Rockies’ C.J. Cron led (players with at least 75 August at bats) in on-bad percentage at .463.

STOLEN BASES

National League – Trea Turner, Dodgers (5); Jazz Chisholm, Marlins (5)

American League – Starling Marte, A’s (19); Whit Merrifield, Royals (11); Nicky Lopez, Royals (10)

The Royals’ Nicky Lopez was ten-for ten in August steal attempts. .

WALKS

National League – Juan Soto, Nationals (33); Bryce Harper, Phillies (22); Jorge Soler, Braves (18)

American League – Joey Gallo, Rangers (23); Shohei Ohtani, Angels (21); Franmil Reyes, Indians (19)

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

National League – Patrick Wisdom, Cubs (45); Ian Happ, Cubs (38); three with 36.

American League – Joey Gallo, Rangers (48); Brandon Marsh, Angels (43); Adolis Garcia, Rangers (42)

Joey Gallo struck out in one-half of his August at bats (48 whiffs / 96 at bats).

PITCHING VICTORIES

National League – Adam Wainwright, Cardinals (5-1); Max Fried, Braves (4-0); Max Scherzer, Dodgers (4-0); Logan Webb, Giants (4-0); Vladimir Gutierrez, Reds (4-2); Kyle Gibson, Phillies (4-2)

American League – Shane McLanahan, Rays (5-0); Dylan Cease, White Sox (4-0); J/T. Chargois, Rays (4-0); Liam Hendriks, White Sox (4-1)

The Orioles’ Spencer Watkins (0-6, 10.80) was the only MLB pitcher to take six losses in August.

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (at least 25 innings pitched)

National League – Max Fried, Braves (1.36); Julio Urias, Dodgers (1.38); Logan Webb, Giants (1.41)

American League – Steven Matz, Blue Jays (1.30); Cal Quantrill, Indians (1.42); Marco Gonzalez, Mariners (1.58)

Among Pitchers with at least 25 innings pitched in August, the Indians Tristin McKenzie held batters to the lowest average (.126) and recorded the lowest WHIP (0.50).

STRIKEOUTS

National League – Blake Snell, Padres (54 / 36 2/3 IP); Sandy Alcantara, Marlins (48 / 39 2/3 IP); Zack Wheeler, Phillies (43 / 43 IP)

American League – Robbie Ray, Blue Jays (52 / 41 IP); Dylan Cease, White Sox (50 / 35 IP); Cal Quantrill, Indians (40 / 38 IP)

SAVES

National League – Will Smith, Braves (8); Kenley Jansen, Dodgers (8); Josh Hader, Brewers (7); Jack McGee, Giants (7)

American League – Alex Colome, Twins (8); Raisel Iglesias, Angels (7); Emmanuel Clase, Indians (6)

–——Team Statistical Leaders through August ———-

RUNS SCORED (average 594)

National League – Dodgers (676); Reds (658); Braves (636)

American League – Rays (710); Astros (699); Red Sox (675)

Five teams averaged five or more runs per game through August: Rays (5.38) Astros (5.30); Dodgers (5.08); Red Sox (5.04); and White Sox (5.02). The Pirates averaged the fewest runs per game through August at 3.58. Lowest in the AL was the Rangers at 3.87.

AVERAGE (average .242)

National League – Nationals (.257); Reds (.249); Rockies (.249)

American League – Astros (.267); Blue Jays (.262); Red Sox (.259)

The lowest team average through August belonged to the Mariners at .223. The lowest average in the AL? Rangers – .229.

HOME RUNS (average 160)

National League – Giants (199); Braves (191); Dodgers (186)

American League – Blue Jays (196); Twins (185); Rays (179)

The Pirates had the fewest home runs through August at 101.

STOLEN BASES (average 60)

National League – Padres (97); Marlins (96); Phillies (68)

American League – Royals (97); Indians (83); A’s (78)

The Reds stole the fewest sacks through August at 27 (in 49 attempts).

WALKS DRAWN (average 431)

National League – Dodgers (514); Padres (502); Brewers (483)

American League – Yankees (529); Rays (485); White Sox (482)

The Astros led MLB in on-base percentage through August at .339. The Nationals led the NL at .333. In slugging percentage, the Blue Jays were on top at .450, while the Giants led the NL at .434.

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS (average 1,155)

National League – Cubs (1,313); Marlins (1,274); Diamondbacks (1,224)

American League – Rays (1,290); Mariners (1,26-); Tigers (1,254)

What do those whiffs mean? In the American League, the team with the most batters’ strikeout is leading its division (Rays, 1,290), as is the team with the least batters’ strikeouts (Astros, 999)

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (average 4.22)

National League – Dodgers (3.01); Giants (3.30); Brewers (3.35)

American League – Yankees (3.65); Rays (3.67); Astros (3.68)

Three teams had ERA’s through August at 5.00 or higher– Orioles (5.84), Diamondbacks (5.14); and Pirates (5.05). They have a combined record of 132-262 – and all reside in last place. Among the six ERA leaders listed above, four are division leaders and two are in second place. Their combined W-L through August is 474-320.

STRIKEOUTS (average 1,155)

National League – Brewers (1,334); Dodgers (1,327); Padres (1,275)

American League – White Sox (1,322); Red Sox (1,248); Yankees (1,246)

The White Sox averaged an MLB-best 10.3 strikeouts per nine innings through August. The Brewers led the NL at 10.1. The only other team at 10 or better was the Dodgers (10.). The MLB average was 9.0.

FEWEST WALKS SURRENDERED (average 431)

National League – Giants (344); Mets (377); Phillies (413)

American League – A’s (355); Rays (362); Blue Jays (385)

The Giants walked a stringiest 2.6 batters per nine frames through August. The Rays had the best strikeouts-to-walks ratio at 3.40.

SAVES (average 32)

National League – Giants (48); Dodgers (43); Padres (40)

American League – Yankees (41); Red Sox (40); Mariners (38)

The White Sox and Phillies led MLB with four complete games each through August. (There were 44 complete games across MLB and six teams had zero complete games – Pirates, Rangers, Royals, Indians, Angels, Red Sox.

Bonus Stat – Hit By Pitch

Cardinals’ pitchers hit the most batters through August at 82 (the average was 58). Reds batters were hit the most often (92 times).

——-Individual Statistical Leaders through August 31———-

BATTING AVERAGE (qualifying players – 3.1 at plate appearance for each team game played)

National League – Trea Turner, Dodgers (.322); Nick Castellanos, Reds (.315); Jesse Winker, Reds (.307)

American League – Yuli Gurriel, Astros (.313); Michael Brantley, Astros (.313); Vlad Guerrero, Jr. , Blue Jays (.313);

The lowest average through August (among qualifiers) belonged to the Reds’ Eugenio Suarez at .169 (73-for-432). Notably, it was a productive .169 – as Suarez also had 23 home runs and 66 RBI.

HOME RUNS

National League – Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres (36); Pete Alonso, Mets (29); Adam Duvall, Braves (29); Max Muncy, Dodgers (29)

American League – Shohei Ohtani, Angels (42); Vlad Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays (39); Salvador Perez, Royals (38)

Shogo Akiyama, Reds’ CF has the most at bats without a home run this season (154). He stat line is .201-0-12 in 81 games. Royals’ SS Nicky Lopez ended August hitting .292 in 120 games (373 at bats) with just one home run.

RUNS BATTED IN

National League – Jesus Aguilar, Marlins (92); Adam Duvall, Braves (88); Ozzie Albies, Braves (86); Manny Machado, Padres (86)

American League – Jose Abreu, White Sox (102); Rafael Devers, Red Sox (97); Vlad Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays (96)

The Padres’ Fernando Tatis, Jr. had the highest slugging percentage among qualifiers at .640. The only other players above .500 through August were the Angel’s Shohei Ohtani at 623 and Blue Jays’ Vlad Guerrero, Jr. at 602.

RUNS SCORED

National League – Freddie Freeman, Braves (95); Juan Soto, Nationals (88); Fernando Tatis, Jr. , Padres (86); Chris Taylor, Dodgers (86)

American League – Vlad Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays (98); Bo Bichette, Blue Jays (96); Marcus Semien, Blue Jays (92)

HITS

National League –Trea Turner, Dodgers (154); Adam Frazier, Padres (148); Freddie Freeman, Braves (144); Austin Riley, Braves (144)

American League – Cedric Mullins, Orioles (151); Vlad Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays (151); David Fletcher, Angels (150)

DOUBLES

National League – Tommy Edman, Cardinals (35); Ozzie Albies, Braves (34); Nick Castellanos, Reds (32): Nolan Arenado, Cardinals (32); Jesse Winker, Reds (32): Nick Costellanos, Reds (32); Bryce Harper, Phillies (32)

American League – Jeimer Candelario, Tigers (36); J.D. Martinez, Red Sox (35); Rafael Devers, Red Sox (34); Marcus Semien, Blue Jays (34)

The Angels’ Shohei Ohtani had the most extra-base hits through August (72). The Braves’ Ozzie Albies led the NL with 63 extra-base knocks.

TRIPLES

National League – Dave Peralta, D-backs (8); Ozzie Albies, Braves (6); Jake Cronenworth, Padres (6)

American League – Akil Baddoo, Tigers (6); Amed Rosario, Indians (6); four with five

STOLEN BASES

National League – Trea Turner, Dodgers (26); Fernando Tatis, Jr., Padres (24); Starling Marte, Marlins* (22); *Marte is now with the A’s.

American League –Whit Merrifield, Royals (38); Cedric Mullins, Orioles (25); Myles Straw, Indians (22); Shohei Ohtani, Angels (22)

Starling Marte led all MLB players with 42 stolen bases through August, but lead neither league. Marte stole 20 bases in the AL (A’s) and 22 in the NL (Marlins).

WALKS

National League – Juan Soto, Nationals (105); Bryce Harper, Phillies (74); Max Muncy, Dodgers (73)

American League – Joey Gallo, Yankees (99); Robbie Grossman, Tigers (79); Vlad Guerrero, Jr., Blue Jays (72)

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

National League – Javier Baez, Mets (154); Eugenio Suarez, Reds (149); Chris Taylor, Dodgers (144)

American League – Joey Gallo, Yankees (176); Matt Chapman, A’s (166); Shohei Ohtani, Angels (159)

PITCHING VICTORIES

National League –Julio Urias, Dodgers (15-3); Kyle Hendricks, Cubs (14-6); Walker Buehler, Dodgers (13-2); Adam Wainwright, Cardinals (13-7)

American League – Gerrit Cole, Yankees (13-6); Chris Bassitt, A’s (12-4); Hyun Jin Ryu, Blue Jays (12-8)

The Orioles’ Jorge Lopez 3-14, 6.18), Orioles’ Matt Harvey (3-14, 6.14), Nationals’ Patrick Corbin (7-14, 6.26) and Reds’ Luis Castillo (7-14, 4.30) tied for the lead in losses through August.

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (qualifying players … at least one inning pitch for each team game played)

National League – Walker Buehler, Dodgers (2.05); Corbin Burnes, Brewers (2.27); Brandon Woodruff, Brewers (2.35)

American League – Lance Lynn, White Sox (2.59);Robbie Ray, Blue Jays (2.71); Gerrit Cole, Yankees (2.80)

INNINGS PITCHED

National League – Zach Wheeler, Phillies (182 2/3); Walker Buehler, Dodgers (176); Adam Wainwright, Cardinals (169 2/3)

American League – Zack Greinke, Astros (159 2/3); Robbie Ray, Blue Jays (159 1/3); Luis Giolito, White Sox (158 1/3)

STRIKEOUTS

National League – Zack Wheeler, Phillies (208 / 182 2/3); Corbin Burnes, Brewers (189 / 139 IP); Max Scherzer, Dodgers (188 / 140 IP)

American League – Robbie Roy, Blue Jays (202 / 159 1/3 IP); Gerrit Cole, Yankees (200 / 148 IP); Dylan Cease, White Sox (188 / 143 2/3 IP)

Among qualifying pitchers, the Brewers’ Corbin Burnes had the best strikeouts/nine innings ratio through August at 12.24. The Yankees’ Gerrit Cole led the AL at 12.16.

Among qualifying pitchers, Burnes also had the best strikeouts-to-walks ratio at 7.27. Cole led the AL at 6.25.

SAVES

National League – Mark Melancon, Padres (36); Kenley Jansen,Dodgers (30); Alex Reyes, Cardinals (29); Jake McGee, Giants (29); Will Smith, Braves (29)

American League – Liam Hendriks, White Sox (30): Raisel Iglesias, Angels (29); Matt Barnes, Red Sox (24); Aroldis Chapman, Yankees (24); Craig Kimbrel, White Sox (24)

Blake Treinen of the Dodger had the most “holds” through August at 25. The A’s Yusmeiro Petit led MLB in mound appearances through August with 66 (with a record of 8-1, 2.96, with two saves).

Primary Resources: MLB.com; Baseball-Reference.com

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Archives for September 2021

Dodgers Topped the NL in 1966 … But Couldn’t Touch Larry Jaster

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Why I Love Baseball … Guest Post by Baseball Author/Lecturer Jason Love

WHY I LOVE BASEBALL

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Rosario Hits for the Cycle – and some “Cycling” Trivia

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“From Both Sides Now” … First Two Career Homers from Each Side of the Plate in the Same Game

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Celebrating the Burnes-Hader NO-NO … and Other Combined No-Hitters

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Seth Beer’s Long Ball in his First MLB At Bat … The Roundtable Has Been Waiting

Baseball and Beer – Clemson Baseball and Seth Beer – A Winning Combination

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Baseball Roundtable Looks at Team Single-Season Home Run Records

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Kenny Lofton – An “Thorn” at the Plate, in the Outfield and on the Bases

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Ted Williams 1949 Streak … Some Kind of Wander-ful

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Baseball Roundtable August Wrap – Winning Streaks, Losing Streaks, Ten Straight Whiffs, Another No-Hitter and more.

——-Team Statistical Leaders for August———

—-August 2021 Highlights —-

——-Individual Statistical Leaders for August ———

–——Team Statistical Leaders through August ———-

——-Individual Statistical Leaders through August 31———-

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