Baseball Roundtable apologizes for being a little light on posts over the past week or so.  My hometown Twins have been in a tight division title race and I’ve spent most of my time at Target Field or glued to Fox Sports North’s television coverage.  It’s an off day today, so here some BBRT Baseball Musings from the past ten days.

Boomstick … On Cruz Control

Yesterday (September 22), as the Twins topped the Royals 12-8 in Minnesota, Twins’ DH Nelson Cruz launched a fourth-inning solo home run.  It was part of a two-for-three (with two walks) game that left Cruz with a .303 average, 40 home runs and 105 RBI on the season.  It was also a landmark blast for Cruz, his 400^th career long ball.  Further, it made Cruz just one of three players to reach the 40-home run mark in a season at age 39 or older.  The others?  Hank Aaron, who hit an even forty round trippers in his age-39 season (1973 Braves) and Barry Bonds, who hit 45 long balls in his age-39 campaign (2004 Giants).  No player has hit forty home runs in his age-40 or later season – although 40-year-old David Ortiz came close with a .315-38-127 campaign in his final season (2016 Red Sox).  Cruz may have a target to next season.

It’s Miller Time – or Making those Tators Count

John Miller (center) made his two MLB home runs historic.

On this date (September 23) fifty years ago (1969), the Dodgers’ John Allen Miller popped a pinch-hit home run (off the Reds’ Jim Merritt) in the top of the eighth inning of an LA 6-3 loss to the Reds.  It was one of just two career home runs for Miller – who made both of his long balls count big time.

Miller played just parts of two seasons in the major leagues (1966 and 1969, with the Yankees and Dodgers, respectively).  An outfielder/first baseman, he appeared in a total of 32 major league games, getting 61 at bats and just ten hits (.164 career average), two home runs and three RBI.  With that output, however, Miller earned a special place in the MLB record books.  Miller’s two round trippers came in his very first and very last MLB at bats – making him just one of two players in MLB history to homer in their first and final big league at bats. The other is Paul Gillespie – whose MLB career spanned three seasons during World War II (1942, 1944, 1945), all with the Cubs. Gillespie, a catcher, appeared in 89 games – hitting .283, with six home runs and 31 RBI; and went zero-for-six in the 1945 World Series.

Miller made his MLB debut with the Yankees on September 11, 1966. The 22-year-old was in his fifth professional season and had hit a promising .294, with 16 home runs and 59 RBI in 113 games at AA and AAA that season. Miller started that debut game (against the Red Sox at Fenway) in LF, batting seventh. In his very first big league at bat, he hit a two-out, two-run home run off of Red Sox starter Lee Stange.  Despite the Yankees’ long heritage of home run hitters, Miller’s long ball made him the first Yankee to homer in his first MLB at bat. (Little did Miller know he would not get another home run nor another RBI until the final at bat of his MLB career.) Miller got in five more games with the Yankees in 1966, ending the season at .087 (two-for-23), with one home run and two RBI.

In April of 1967, Miller was traded (along with pitcher Jack Cullen and $25,000) to the LA Dodgers for utility infielder John Kennedy. Miller spent 1967 and 1968 at Triple A Spokane – putting up respectable numbers.  In 1969, he made it back to the big leagues, getting in 26 games (just 38 at bats) for the Dodgers. In the first 37 of those at bats, Miller collected seven hits (one double and six singles), scored twice, but did not collect an RBI.   Miller’s last at bat of the season (and what turn out to be the last at bat of his MLB career) was that September 13, 1969 pinch-hit appearance. 

Miller appeared in one more box score for the Dodgers after his pinch-hit long ball, but did not come to the plate.  On September 27, the Dodgers and Giants faced off in a contest tied 1-1 in the bottom of the eleventh inning.  Southpaw Ron Bryant was on the mound for the Giants and, after getting Dodgers’ SS Maury Wills to pop out, he gave up singles to LF Manny Mota and CF Willie Davis. Dodgers’ manager Walt Alston sent the right-handed hitting Miller up to hit for LA pitcher Jim Brewer.  Giants’ skipper Clyde King –playing the percentages – brought in veteran righty Don McMahon to pitch.  Alston countered by calling Miller back and sending up left-handed swinging Len Gabrielson (who singled in the winning tally.)  Without the switch, that final at bat home run could have become just an obscure next-to-last at-bat dinger.

How About a 100^th Anniversary Involving the Great Bambino – and a Touch of Irony

This September (September 20 to be exact) marks the 100^th Anniversary of the first-ever Babe Ruth Day at a ballpark. In this case, it was at Fenway Park and Ruth suited up as a member of the Boston Red Sox. By this time, Ruth: was in his sixth season in a Red Sox jersey; had already twice been a twenty-game winner; had led the league in ERA, complete games and shutouts once each; had led the AL in home runs the year before; and was on the verge of setting a new MLB single-season high in long balls.

With all of this in mind, the Knights of Columbus sponsored “Babe Ruth Day” for the BoSox hero, with ceremonies and gifts to presented between games of a double-header against the White Sox. The Babe did not disappoint – breaking a 3-3 tie with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth of game one; his 27^th home run of the season, tying the MLB single-season record.  (Ruth, by the way, started the game on the mound, giving up three runs in 5 1/3 innings before moving to left field.) In Game Two, Ruth started in left field and went one-for-three with an RBI, as the Red Sox prevailed again 5-4. By season’s end, he would extend the MLB home run record to 29 (.322-29-113.)

Oh yes, the irony I noted in the header?  The Red Sox’ Babe Ruth Day would mark the last time Ruth ever appeared in Boston in a Red Sox uniform.  The team finished out the season on the road and, that December, Ruth was sold the Yankees.  (The rest, of course, is history.)

Cole Rolls a 300

Photo by boomer-44

On  September 18, Astros’ right-hander Gerrit Cole notched his 19^th game with ten or more strikeouts this season. – beating the Texas Ranger 3-2 (six hits, one walk, two earned runs), while fanning ten batters in eight innings.   It was also his seventh consecutive start with ten or more whiffs – and brought his season total to 302 strikeouts in 200 1/3 innings pitched.

The performance made Cole the 41st pitcher in MLB history and just the 18^th since 1893 (when the pitching distance was increased to 60’ 6”) to reach the 300 mark.   (Side Note:  Most baseball historians divide MLB records into pre-1900 and 1900-present. BBRT prefers to use 1893 for this record, since that is when the pitching distance was extended to 60’6”.   However, it really makes no difference in record-keeping, since there were no 300K seasons between 1892 and 1903.)

Here, in honor of Cole’s feat, are a few 300-strikeout tidbits.

• 41 MLB pitchers have turned in 68 seasons of 300 or more strikeouts – 31 of those before 1893.
• 1884 saw a record 15 pitchers notch at least 300 strikeouts.
• Since 1893, there have never been more than two 300K pitchers in any one MLB season.

The Exclusive 500 Club

Only one MLB pitcher has ever fanned 500 batters in a season – and that was Matt Kilroy, who whiffed 513 batters in 583 innings as a 20-year-old rookie with the 1884 American Association Baltimore Orioles. Of course, it was a different game back then.  The pitching distance was shorter, hurlers threw from a box and not from a rubber and it took six balls to draw a walk.

In his record-setting season, Kilroy started 68 of the Orioles 139 games (49 percent) – and completed 66 of them. (That season, American Association starting pitchers finished an average of 96 percent of their starts.) Despite five shutouts and a 3.37 earned run average (the league ERA was 3.44), Kilroy finished 29-34 for the last-place (46-85) Orioles.

• There were no 300-strikeout campaigns between 1912 (Walter Johnson – 303) and 1946 (Bob Feller – 348).
• Rube Waddell’s 349 strikeouts in 1904 stood as the post-1893 (or post-1900, as most MLB historians prefer) record for 61 years (Sandy Koufax – 382 in 1965). Koufax’ record held for just eight seasons (Nolan Ryan – 383 in 1973, still the post-1900 MLB record). Koufax still holds the NL post-1900 record for whiffs in a season.

Rube Waddell – The Man Could Bring it

How good was Rube Waddell?  In 1902, he joined the Philadelphia Athletics in June – making his first start on June 26 (with just 86 games left in the season). Waddell proceeded to win 24 games (the league’s second-highest total) against seven losses, with a 2.05 ERA.  Despite his shortened season, he led the AL with 210 strikeouts, fifty more than the runner-up (none other than Cy Young).

The 6’1”, 195-lb. lefty (figures Waddell, known as one of the zaniest players in MLB history, would be a southpaw) went on to lead the AL in strikeouts six consecutive seasons (1902-1907) – by a wide margin.  In 1904, when he set the MLB strikeout record (which stood for 61 years) at 349, he outpaced the runner up by 110 K’s. 

Final note:  Rube Waddell was born on Friday the 13 of October in 1876 and died on April Fool’s Day 1914.  There is some symmetry there.

• The only team to boast two 300+ strikeout pitchers in the same season is the 2002 Diamondbacks – Randy Johnson (334) and Curt Schilling (316).
• The most 300-K seasons by any one pitcher is six – and two hurlers share the record: Nolan Ryan (1972-73-74-76-77-89) and Randy Johnson (1993-98-99-2000-01-02).
• Randy Johnson reached 300 strikeouts in a record five consecutive campaigns.
• The oldest player ever to record a 300-strike out season ewes 42-year-old Nolan Ryan in 1989 (301 whiffs for the Texas Rangers).

Youth will be Served

The youngest pitcher ever to record 300+ strikeouts in a season was 18-year-old rookie Larry McKeon, who fanned 308 batters in 512 innings for the American Association Indianapolis Hoosiers in 1884. Despite all those whiffs (and a 3.50 ERA) McKeon led the AA with 41 losses (versus 18 wins) that season. In 1884, the overall AA earned run average was 3.24 – and Guy Hecker was the league’s premier hurler.

The youngest pitcher to notch 300 whiffs in a season since 1900 was 21-year-old Vida Blue, who fanned 301 batters (312 innings pitched) for the A’s in 1971.  That season, Blue went 24-8, with an AL-best 1,82 ERA, a league-topping eight shutouts and 24 complete games in 39 starts.

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

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At about 5:00 a.m. on September 10, 1963, Stan “The Man” Musial and his wife Lillian got a call from Stan’s son Dick informing them that Stan “The Man” was now Stan “The Grandpa.”

Approximately 15 hours later, Stan Musial was on the field, playing left field for the Saint Louis Cardinals, facing the Chicago Cubs.  Bob Gibson was on the mound for Saint Louis and, after giving up a single to Lou Brock to open the game, he retired the next three Cubs in order.   In the bottom of the first, the Cubs’ Glen Hobbie fanned Cardinals’ lead off hitter 2B Julian Javier before giving up a single to SS Dick Groat.  That brought the 42-year-old Musial to the plate – for his first at bat as a grandpa. He was apparently not the least bit phased by the new age marker – drilling the first pitch he ever saw as a grandpa over the right field wall for a two-run homer.  (MLB’s first-ever homer by a grandfather.  Yes, in baseball we track everything.)

The Cardinals won 8-0, and Musial went two-for-three with one run scored and three RBI. It was Musial’s final big league season and he finished the year at .255-12-58.    Being a grandfather seemed to agree with him, as he played in 16 games after his first grandson’s birth, going .341-2-7.

Oh, for those who track such things, Musial played 22 MLB seasons, made 20 All Star teams, collected 3,630 hits (.331 average) and seven batting titles; hit 475 home runs; led the league in hits six times, doubles eight times, triples five times, runs scored five times and RBI twice; and was a three-time NL Most Valuable Player. Over his life, he also was a father four times; grandfather eleven times; and great grandfather 12 times.

Side note: In that September 10, 1963 game, Cardinals’ starting pitcher Bob Gibson not only  threw a complete-game, six-hit shutout, but also popped a three-run home run.  More #WhyIHateTheDH.

Primary Resource:  Baseball-Reference.com

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Today (September 9, 2019) is the 54^th anniversary of the MLB game that featured the fewest base hits ever.  It happened in 1965, with the Dodgers’ Sandy “The Left Arm of God” Koufax facing Cubs’ righty Bob Hendley in Los Angeles. At the time, the Dodgers (eventual 1965 World Series Champions) were in second place with an 80-61 record, while the Cubs were in the eighth spot at 65-77. Koufax went into the game with a 21-7, 2.20 record on the season; while Hendley was 2-2, with an 8.22 earned run average.

Hendley, however, was on top his game that day. After eight innings, he had given up just one hit and one walk (versus three strikeouts). The only hit had been a harmless double by Dodgers’ LF Lou Johnson in the bottom of the seventh. Hendley had allowed just one run (unearned) in eight frames – and even that wasn’t his fault.  The pesky Johnson had led off the fifth with a walk; moved to second on a sacrifice by RF Ron Fairly; stole third; and then scored as Cubs’ catcher Chris Krug made a wild throw past third baseman Ron Santo.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t nearly enough. Koufax, threw a perfect game – striking out 14 Cubs.  It was the last of Koufax’ four career no-hitters (one each in 1962-63-64-65) and his only perfect game.  For Hendley, it was a well-pitched loss and a piece of the record for playing/pitching in the MLB game with the fewest combined hits.

Hendley, by the way, went 48-52, 3.97 in a seven-year MLB career (Braves, Giants, Cubs, Mets)’ while Koufax went to the Hall of Fame with a 165-87, 2.76 record, three Cy Young Awards, one MVP and a heavenly nickname.

HOW ABOUT BEING PART OF A DOUBLE NO-NO?

Photo by The Library of Congress

Bob Hendley could take some solace in the fact that his may not be the best-ever unrewarded mound effort. Back on May 2, 1917, another Cubs’ pitcher – Hippo Vaughn – found himself in a true pitchers’ duel (in Chicago) against the Reds’ Fred Toney. Vaughn was 3-1 on the season at the time, while Toney was 4-1. After nine innings, the game was scoreless and NEITHER pitcher had given up a hit.

Looking at total offense over the first nine innings, Vaughn had given up two walks and one Reds’ hitter had reached on an error.  Those three runners were retired on an attempted steal and a pair of double plays, so Vaughn had actually faced the minimum 27 batters through nine, striking out ten. Toney was not as overpowering, but just as effective. The Reds’ starter had also given up just a pair of walks, but had fanned just one.

So, going into the tenth, Vaughn and Toney were matched up in the first (still only) double nine-inning no-hitter in MLB history. In the top of the tenth, however, Vaughn:

• Surrendered a lead off single to Reds’ SS Larry Kopf;
• Got CF Greasy Neale to fly out to Cubs’ CF Cy Williams (gotta love a game where a guy named Hippo Vaughn pitches to a guy name Greasy Neale);
• Saw Williams drop a liner by Reds’ 1B Hal Chase – putting runners at second and third with one out; and
• Gave up a high-hopping infield hit to speedy RF Jim Thorpe – scoring what would be the only run of the game.

Toney, who had fanned only one Cub over the first nine, was energized after getting the lead – completing his no-hitter with a 1-2-3 tenth, striking out two more Chicago batters.   Tough loss for Vaughn, after nine innings of no-hit, no-run ball.

For those who track such things: Toney finished the 1917 season 24-16, 2.20 – and his 12-season MLB career at 139-102, 2.69. Vaughn went 23-13, 2.01 in 1917 and 178-137, 2.49 in 13 MLB seasons (

12 PERFECT INNINGS – FOR THE LOSS

For, perhaps, MLB’s toughest hard luck story, consider the Pittsburgh Pirates’ Harvey “The Kitten” Haddix, who took a perfect game into the 13th inning – AND LOST.

On May 26, 1959, Haddix took the mound (fighting a  bout of the flu) against the power-laden Milwaukee Braves (who had won the National League pennant the previous two seasons and came into the game again leading the league).  Haddix retired the first 36 hitters in order – fanning eight, carrying a perfect game into the bottom of the 13th. A 20-game winner in 1953, the 33-year-old Haddix had come into the game 4-2, with a 2.67 ERA in seven starts – and had thrown complete games in his two previous outings. (He would end up 12-12, 3.13 on the year.)

Unfortunately, the Braves’ “Fidgety” Lew Burdette, despite giving up 12 hits and fanning only two, had held the Pirates scoreless. (Like Haddix, Burdette had not issued a single free pass.) Milwaukee 2B Felix Mantilla led off the 13th by reaching on error by Pirates’ third baseman Don Hoak. Slugging 3B Eddie Mathews bunted Mantilla over to second, which led to an intentional walk to RF Hank “The Hammer” Aaron, bringing up 1B Joe Adcock.

Adcock rapped a 1-0 pitch over the right field fence for what appeared to be a three-run home run.  However, the Braves, in celebrating the tension-filled victory, forgot how to run the bases. Adcock passed Aaron between second and third and, after some deliberation, Adcock was called out – ultimately changing his three-run homer to a one-run double. So, despite 12 perfect innings, Haddix lost the no-hitter, the shutout and the game itself.  But he did etch his name forever into baseball lore; and countless trivia quizzes.

Braves’ manager Fred Haney once commented that Lew Burdette’s fidgeting antics on the mound “would make coffee nervous.” 

Haddix spent 14 seasons (1952-65) in the major leagues (Cardinals, Phillies, Reds, Pirates, Orioles), going 136-113, 3.48.  His best seasons were with the Cardinals in 1953-54. In those two campaigns, Haddix put up lines of 20-9, 3.06 and 18-13, 3.57.  The 5’9”, 170-pounder was a three-time All Star and led the NL in shutouts (six) in 1953.

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Yesterday, August 25, marked the 67^th anniversary of Tigers’ righty Virgil Trucks’ admission to a pretty exclusive MLB “Club.” In fact, at the time Trucks made his mark, this Club had only two previous members – The Reds’ Johnny Vander Meer and the Yankees’ Allie Reynolds.  In the 67 years since that time, this trio has been joined by three additional hurlers – Nolan Ryan, Roy Halladay and Max Scherzer.  Trucks, however, remains its most unlikely member.

I am talking (writing) about MLB pitchers who have thrown two no hitters in a single season (or single season and post season in the case of Halladay. Let’s take a look at the membership of this club, starting with Trucks.

Note:  Yep, I’m a day late on this celebration.  You can blame the Minnesota State Fair and Peter Noone of Herman’s Hermits fame.  I started this post yesterday morning, but had to head out to the Minnesota State Fair – for a day of great food (everything from foot-long hot dogs to T-bone lamb chops) and great things to look at (from demonstrations of mops to Belgian horses to lots of live music to pure people watching).  It was all topped off by a 90-minute concert by Herman’s Hermits (one of my reasons for choosing yesterday). So, I may be a day late, but it was worth it.

Now, those hurlers with two no-hitters in a single season.

Virgil Trucks (RHP), Tigers – No hitters on May 15 and August 25, 1952.

Distinction:  Least likely member of the Two No-Hitters in One Season Club, won only five games that season.

In 1952, 35-year-old Virgil Trucks was toiling for the Detroit Tigers, who were on their way to a 50-104, last-place finish. On May 15, he took the mound against the Washington Senators.  His record was 1-2, with an 8.47 earned run average. In his first four starts, he had lasted more than four innings just once.

That day, Trucks tossed a true gem, winning a 1-0, no-hit, complete-game shutout over Bob Porterfield and the Senators (in Detroit). Trucks walked one and hit two batters in completing his first no-no of his season (and career).

On August 25, Trucks faced an even tougher foe, the powerful Yankees (with the likes of Mickey Mantle, Hank Bauer, Yogi Berra and Phil Rizzuto in the lineup). At the time, the Yankees were 72-53 and the Tigers 42-8). Trucks, to that point in the season, had won four games and lost fifteen, although he had lowered his ERA to a respectable 3.55.

On this day, in a game played at Yankee Stadium, Trucks pitched his second complete-game, no-hitter of the season.  And, once again, he needed it.  Like his first 1952 no-no, Trucks emerged a 1-0 winner. The only Yankee base runners were RF Hank Bauer (who reached in the first inning on a catcher’s error after Trucks struck him out) and Mickey Mantle (who walked in the third inning). Trucks fanned eight in the game including Mantle and Bauer twice each.

For the season, Trucks finished with just five wins (against 19 losses) and a 3.97 ERA. Three of his fine victories were shutouts. (In ten of Trucks’ losses, the Tigers scored two or fewer runs.) Trucks enjoyed a 17-season MLB career (1941-58, missing 1944 due to military service). He went 177-135, 3.39 and was an All Star in 1949 and 1954 (at ages 32 and 37).  He won 19 games (11 losses) for the Tigers in 1949 and for the White Sox (12 losses) in 1954.  In 1949, he led the AL in strikeouts with 153 in 275 innings. Trucks was also a 20-game winner in 1953 (Browns/White Sox), when he went 20-10, 2.79.   He threw 33 shutouts in his career, leading the AL twice (1949 and 1954).

Johnny Vander Meer (LHP), Reds … No-hitters on June 11 and June 15, 1938.

Distinction(s): First player to throw two no-hitters in a season; only player to throw two consecutive no-hitters.

Although Johnny Vander Meer is best known for throwing consecutive no-hitters, he should also be recognized for leading the National League in strikeouts for three consecutive seasons (1941-43). He was an All Star in 1942 and 43, before losing two prime seasons to military service.

On June 11, 1938 Vander Meer faced the Boston Bees in Cincinnati. At the time, the Bees were 21-20, the Reds 24-20. Vander Meer, at 23-years-old, was in just his second major league campaign – and he was off to a good start. He went into the contest with a 5-2 record, and a 2.77 earned run average. In his previous three starts he had pitched compete-game victories (one of ten innings) and had surrendered just 13 hits, three walks and three runs in 29 innings.   Against the Bees that day, Vander Meer was even better.

He pitched a no-hitter as the Reds topped the Bees 3-0; walking three and fanning four – running his record to 6-2, 2,47.

Just four days later, Vander Meer took the mound against the Dodgers in Brooklyn.  He came away with his seventh win – and a second consecutive no-hitter – as the Reds prevailed 6-0. It wasn’t exactly a flawless performance, as Vander Meer walked eight (and fanned seven). The June 15 no-no had one of the more tense finishes of any no-hitter. In the ninth inning, Vander Meer walked the bases loaded with one out, but got the next two hitters on a grounder to third (force at home) and a lazy fly to center.

In a six start stretch – from May 27 to June 19, 1938 – Johnny Vander Meet went 6-0, threw six complete games (two no-hitters), pitched 55 innings – giving up just 17 hits and four runs (0.65 ERA).

Vander Meer finished the 1938 season with a 15-10, 3.12 record and sixteen complete games in 29 starts. In his 13 MLB seasons, he went 119-121, 3.44. He won 15 or more games in four seasons. Notably, he was 75-66. 3.11 before losing two seasons (WW II) and 44-55, 3.93 after returning from military service.

Allie Reynolds (RHP), Yankees … No-hitters on July 12 and September 28, 1951.

Distinction:  First American Leaguer with two no-hitters in a season.

The Yankees Allie Reynolds entered the 1951 season coming off two consecutive All Star campaigns – 17-6, 4.00 in 1949 and 16-12, 3.74 in 1950.  When he started against the Indians on July 12, he was 9-5, 3.60 on the season and had made 13 starts (nine complete games) and eight relief appearances. He had been in a bit of a slump.  In his previous three appearances (two starts), he had given up 13 earned runs in 10 1/3 innings pitched. He righted the ship in Cleveland on June 12, beating the Indians and Bob Feller 1-0, with a no-hitter (walking three and fanning four).  From that point on in 1951, he went 13-6, 2.51 – and, of course, added a second no-hitter.

In his last 1951 regular-season start, Reynolds faced the Red Sox and 18-game winner Mel Parnell in New York. Reynolds pitched his second no-hitter of the season in an easy 8-0 Yankee win – walking four and whiffing nine.  He ended the season 17-8, 3.05.

Allie Reynolds made the AL All Star five times between 1949 and 1954.  The only year he missed was 1951, when he threw his two no-hitters and went 17-8.  That year, he finished third in the MVP voting.  Reynolds won 182 games (107 losses) in 13 MLB seasons (1942-54). He won 16 or more in seven campaigns, with a high of 20 wins in 1952 (20-8, with an AL-best 2.06 ERA). He led the AL in shutouts in 1951 (7) and 1952 (6). He also topped the AL in strikeouts in 1943 and 1952.

Nolan Ryan (RHP), Angels   … May 15 and July 15, 1973.

Distinction(s):  Ryan’s two 1973 no-hitters were the first two of his record seven career no-hitters; his second no-hitter that season included a record 17 strikeouts (in a no-hitter, since tied).

No surprise to find Nolan Ryan, twirler of seven career no-hitters, in this club.

Ryan’s first 1973 no-hitter came on May 15 against the Royals in Kansas City. He was 4-3, 3.09 at the time and had lost his last two starts. On this day, he would be superb, walking three and fanning a dozen, as he topped the Royals 3-0.

Two months later, July 15, Ryan would face the Tigers in Detroit. He was not exactly on fire at the time – sporting a 10-11 record. Still he had pitched well enough to have a better won-lost mark, boasting a 3.05 ERA and 203 strikeouts in 180 innings. In this contest, won by the Angels 6-0, Ryan would walk four and fan 17; notching at least one whiff against each member of the Tigers’ batting order.  After evening his record at 11-11, Ryan would take off, finishing the season at 21-16, 2.87, completing 26 of 39 starts.

Ryan would finish his 27-seasons career at 324-292, 3.19, with an MLB record 5,714 strikeouts (and a record 2,795 walks) in 5,386 innings. He would be an eight-time All Star and a two-time 20-game winner, while leading his league in strikeouts 11 times (six times fanning more than 300 batters in a season), shutouts three times, ERA twice and innings pitched once. Two notable facts: 1) Ryan would go on to throw five more no-hitters, the last at age 44 (making him the oldest to throw an MLB no-hit game); 2) Ryan never won a Cy Young Award.

Something Extra for Minnesota Readers

On this date (August 26) in 1962, southpaw Jittery Jack Kralick (nicknamed for his fidgeting presence on the mound)  tossed the first-ever Minnesota Twins no-hitter. (The franchise had two no-hitters before moving to Minnesota from Washington D.C. in 1961.) It came in a 1-0 in over the Athletics (Kansas City) in Bloomington and was very nearly a perfect game. Kralick retired the first 25 hitters he faced.  Then, with one out in the ninth, he walked pinch hitter Billy Bryan (hitting .226 at the time), before getting the final two outs. Kralick fanned three in the game. Kralick finished the season 12-11, 3.86.

Kralick pitched nine seasons in the majors (Senators/Twins and Indians), going 67-65, 3.56. His highest win total was 14 (against 13 losses) in 1963.  He was an All Star once (1964, Indians) and posted ten or more wins four times.

Roy Halladay, (RHP), Phillies … May 29 and October 6, 2010.

Distinctions: Halladay’s first 2019 no-no was a perfect game; his second was just the second post-season no-hitter ever (the first being Don Larsen’s 1956 World Series perfect game.  (Does that require an asterisk beside his line on this list?)

The 33-year-old Roy Halladay was in his 13^th MLB season when he tossed his two no-hitters. The first came on May 29 – on the road against the Marlins. Halladay needed the effort, as his Phillies squeaked by 1-0.  Halladay’s outing produced a perfect game, with 11 strikeouts.  It was his seventh win of the season (versus three losses) and lowered his earned run average to 1.99. Halladay had lost his previous two starts – a nine-inning complete game in which he gave up just two runs and a 5 2/3 inning outing in which he surrendered seven runs (six earned).

Halladay finished the regular season with a 21-10, 2.44 record – leading the NL in wins, complete games (9), shutouts (4), innings pitched (250 2/3) and earning a Cy Young Award.

Halladay’s second no-hitter of 2010 may not have been a perfect game, but it came at a perfect time – in Game 1 of the National League Division Series. Halladay shut down the Reds (in Philadelphia) 4-0, on no hits, one walk and eight strikeouts.  He also went 1-for-3 in the game with a run scored and an RBI.

In his 16-season MLB career, Halladay won 203 games (105 losses) and put up a 3.38 ERA. He was a three-time 20-game winner (leading his league in victories twice) and led his league in complete games seven times, shutouts four times and innings pitched four times. He won a Cy Young Award with the Blue Jays in 2003 and the Phillies in 2010.

Max Scherzer (RHP), Nationals … June 20 and October 3, 2015.

Distinction:  In his second no-hitter, Scherzer tied the MLB record for strikeouts in a no-hitter with 17.

Max Scherzer threw his two no-hitters in his eighth MLB season – at age 30 – in his first season with the Nationals. (He led the AL in wins in 2014 before becoming a free agent and signing with the Nats.)

The first of his no-no’s came on June 20 and he might have signaled the gem in his previous start (June 14), when he tossed a one-hit, one-walk, sixteen-strikeout, complete-game shutout against the Brewers. He came back on June 20^th to no-hit the Pirates 6-1 in Washington, surrendering no walks and fanning ten.  His outing was so-o-o close to a perfect game. He hit pinch hitter Jose Tabata with a pitch with two outs in the ninth for the only Pirates’ base runner.  The win left him with an 8-5, 1.76 record on the season.

On October 3, Scherzer was arguably even better than on June 20. In his second no hitter, he beat the Mets 2-0 in New York.   In that game he walked none and fanned 17 (tying the record for whiffs in a no-hitter). The only base runner (Kevin Plawecki) came on a sixth-inning error by Nationals’ 3B Yunel Escobar.

Surprisingly, 2015, the year of his two no-hitters, saw Scherzer win the fewest games (14) in any season between 2011 and 2018.  He was 14-12, 2.79 – but still led the NL in complete games (4) and shutouts (3),  Now in his 12^th season, Scherzer has been an All Star the last seven campaigns, has won three Cy Young Awards, led his league in wins four times, starts twice, complete games three times, shutouts twice and strikeouts three times. His record to date is 168-87, 3.17 with 2,641 strikeouts in 2,256 innings pitched.  His best season was 2018, when he went 21-3, 2.90 for the Tigers.

Primary Resource: Baseball-Reference.com

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Yesterday, the Braves’ 21-year-old outfielder Ronald Acuna, Jr. (the 2018 NL Rookie of the Year) swiped his 30^th base of the 2019 campaign.  That gave him 36 home runs and 30 steals on the season – and made him just the 40^th member of MLB’s 30-30 (HR/SB) Club.  It also made him the youngest National Leaguer to achieve this feat and the second-youngest MLB player to have a 30-30 season.  (The Angels’ Mike Trout hit 30 home runs and stole 49 bases as a 20-year-old in 2012, when he was the AL Rookie of the Year.) Note: Overall, the forty members of the 30-30 Club have produced 63 30-30 seasons.  Note: Statistics as of August 24, a.m.

Next up for Acuna? A run at the more exclusive 40-40 Club.

Later in this post we’ll look at each of member of the 30-30 Club in detail, but first a few bits of 30-30 trivia.

• The first player to achieve a 30-30 season was Ken Williams of the 1922 Saint Louis Browns.
• Only two players have recorded five 30-30 seasons and they are truly family – Bobby Bonds (father) and Barry Bonds (son).
• Bobby Bonds and Alfonso Soriano are the only players to have a 30-30 season in both leagues. Bonds for the Giants (1969), 1973), Yankees (1975), Angels (1977), White Sox/Rangers (1978). Soriano for the Yankees (2002, 2003), Rangers (2005) and Nationals (2006).
• Bobby Bonds and Carlos Beltran are the only players to play for two teams in a 30-30 season and Beltran is the only player to complete a 30-30 MLB season while playing in both leagues. Bonds (White Sox and Rangers in 1978) – Beltran (Royals and the then NL Astros in 2004).

• The first switch hitter to record a 30-30 season was the Mets’ Howard Johnson in 1987.
• The most 30-30 campaigns in any one season is four – and that has been done four times (1987-1996-1997-2011).
• The only player to record three consecutive 30-30 seasons is Barry Bonds (1995-96-97). Six players have recorded back-to-back 30-30 seasons: Willie Mays (1956-57); Bobby Bonds (1977-78); Ron Gant (1990-91); Vlad Guerrero (2001-02); Alfonso Soriano (2002-03 & 2005-06); and Ryan Braun (2011-12).

• Only two teams have had two 30-30 players in the same season – the 1987 Mets (Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry) and the 1996 Rockies (Dante Bichette and Ellis Burks).
• There have been only two 30-50 (30 homers-50 steals) seasons: Eric Davis (Reds, 1987); Barry Bonds (Pirates, 1990).
• The most home runs ever hit in a 30-steal campaign is 49, by Larry Walker (Rockies, 1997).
• The most steals in a 30-homer campaign is 52, by Barry Bonds (Pirates, 1990).
• In the 63 30-30 seasons, the player achieving the milestone has been an All Star selection 45 times. (73.5 percent – There were no All Star selection in 1922.)
• In 17 of the 62 completed 30-30 seasons, the achieving player has also won a Gold Glove.

More 30-30 Tidbits … 

Among the 40 players with at least one 30-30 season, four joined the “Club” in the only season in which they reached either 30 home runs or 30 steals (although two of those four players, Jose Ramirez and Ronald Acuna, Jr. are still active). Another fourteen members of the 30-30 Club reached 30 steals just once and five reached 30 home runs just one time in their careers.

In six of the 63 30-30 seasons, the player has gotten exactly 30 home runs; while, in nine, the player has stolen exactly 30 bases. (Not including Acuna as one of those six, since he is sure to swipe at least one more base this season.) No player has ever hit 30-30 “on the nose.”  The Rangers’ Ian Kinsler came closest in 3008, with 31 home runs and 30 steals.

In 26 30-30 seasons, the player has hit .300 or better, with Larry Walker’s (Rockies) .366 in 1997 being the highest average. The lowest average ever for a 30-30 player belongs to Ron Gant of the Braves at .251 (1991). As this is written, Acuna stands at .295.

Eight 30-30 seasons have featured 200 or more base hits, topped by Alex Rodriguez; 213 hits for the Mariners in 1998. Fewest hits in a 30-30 season? That would be 139, by Eric Davis of the Reds in 1987.

How about RBI? Ken Williams, the first 30-30 Club member (Browns, 1922), set the bar high at 155 runs plated in his 30-30 campaign.  It has yet to be matched. There is a tie for the fewest RBI in a 30-30 season (67) – Raul Mondesi (Dodgers, 1990) and Hanley Ramirez (Marlins 2008).

Runs scored?  The 30-30 player has scored at least 100 runs in 52 of the 63 campaigns (Acuna already has 106 run scored this season.) The high of 143 is shared by Larry Walker (Rockies, 1997) and Jeff Bagwell (Astros, 1999). The fewest runs scored in a 30-30 season is 74 by Ron Gant (Braves, 1991).

The most doubles in a 30-30 season goes to the Yankees’ Alfonso Soriano with 51 in 2002. Two players have actually reached 20 triples in a 30-30 season: Willie Mays of the Giants in 1957 and Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies fifty years later.

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Now a look at each member of the 30-30 Club – chronologically based on their first 30-30 campaign.

MLB’S 30-30 CLUB

Ken Williams, OF, Saint Louis Browns (LH) … 39 home runs/37 stolen bases in 1922

The left-handed hitting Ken Williams was in his seventh MLB season (age 32) when he became the first member of MLB’s 30-30 club. It was a banner year for the 6-foot, 170-pound fly chaser, as he notched what would be his career highs in games (153), runs (128), home runs (39), RBI (155) and total bases (367) for the second-place (93-61) Browns. Williams led the AL in homers, RBI and total bases.

Williams played 14 MLB seasons (1915-16, with the Reds; 1918-27 with the Browns; 1928-29 with the Red Sox).  He collected 1,552 hits (.319 average), with 196 home runs and 154 stolen bases. He hit 30 or more home runs only once (20-plus an additional three times) and stole at least 30 bases only once (reaching 20 an additional two times).

Ken Williams was the first American Leaguer to hit two home runs in one inning – August 7, 1922, in the sixth inning of a Saint Louis Browns 16-1 win over the Washington Senators.

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Willie Mays, OF. Giants (RH) …

36 home runs/40 stolen bases in 1956

35 home runs/38 stolen bases in 1957

The “Say Hey Kid,” in 1956, became the first right-handed hitter and first National Leaguer to join the 30-30 club.  The following year, Mays became the first player to have multiple (and consecutive) 30-30 seasons.  In both 1956 and 1957, Mays led the NL in steals (he would also lead in the category in 1958 and 1959). In 1956, he had 26 doubles and 20 triples to go with his 35 home runs and 38 steals – making Mays just the second member of the 20-20-20-20 Club (doubles-triples-home runs-stolen bases). The first was the Cubs’ Wildfire Schulte (1911).  Mays and Schulte were joined in the 20-20-20-20 Club in 2007 by the Tigers’ Curtis Granderson and Phillies’ Jimmy Rollins. Rollins and Mays are the only players whose 20-20-20-20 seasons also included 30 HRs and 30 SBs.

It’s no surprise to find Mays in the 30-30 Club.  In 22 MLB seasons, Mays led his league in home runs four times (topping thirty 11 times, with a high a 52 in 1965) and led his league in steals four times (stealing thirty or more three times, with a high of 40 in 1956). He also was the league leader in triples three times, total bases three times, runs twice, hits once and batting average once.  In addition, he earned Rookie of the Year honors, a pair of NL MVP Awards and a dozen Gold Glove recognitions. Mays played for the Giants (1951-52, 1954-72) and Mets (1972-73).  He collected 3,283 hits (.302 average), 660 home runs, 1,903 RBI and 338 stolen bases.

Willie Mays hit 51 home runs as a 24-year-old in 1955 and 52 long balls as a 34-year-old in 1965 – the longest time ever between two MLB 50-HR seasons.

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Hank Aaron, OF, Braves (RH) … 44 home runs/31 stolen bases in 1963

In 1963, Aaron hit an NL-leading 44 home runs and swiped 31 bases (the  only 30-steal season in his MLB career – although he did top 20 steals in five additional campaigns).  That season, Aaron led the league in home runs (44), runs (121), RBI (130) and total bases (370) – while hitting .319. In his 23-season MLB career Aaron hit thirty or more home runs in 15 campaigns (forty or more eight times).

In his 23-season MLB career, Aaron led his league in total bases eight times,  home runs four times, doubles four times, RBI four times, batting average twice,  runs three times and hits twice. He captured one MVP Award and earned three God Gloves.  Aaron retired with 3,771 hits (.305 average), 755 home runs, 2,297 RBI, 2,174 runs scored and 240 stolen bases.  He played for the Braves (1954-74) and Brewers (1975-76).

Hank Aaron, who played in the major leagues from 1954 through 1976, was the last former Negro Leagues player on a major league roster.

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Bobby Bonds, OF, Giants, Yankees, Angels (RH) …

32 home runs/45 steals for the Giants in 1969

39 home runs/43 steals for the Giants in 1973

32 home runs/30 steals for the Yankees in 1975

37 home runs/41 steals for the Angels in 1977

31 home runs/43 steals for the White Sox in 1978

In the ten MLB seasons from 1969 to 1978, outfield Bobby Bonds wrote the record book for 30-30 seasons. He achieved a record five such campaigns (a record tied later by – wait for it – his son Barry). He also became the first player with a 30-30 season for more than one team; the first player with a 30-30 season in both the National and American Leagues; and the first player to go 30-30 while playing for two teams in the same season. Notably, Bonds also had his first 30-30 season in his first full MLB season (at age 23); although he had played 81 MLB games the year before, so did not qualify as a rookie. In 1978, when he played for the White Sox and Rangers, Bonds hit 29 of his 31 long balls for Texas and swiped 33 of his 43 bases for Texas. (He was traded by the White Sox to the Rangers in mid-May for Rusty Torres and Claudell Washington.)

While never leading his league in home runs or stolen bases, Bonds (in 14 MLB seasons) hit 30 or more home runs in a season six times and stole 30 or more bases ten times (40 or more seven times). He led his league in runs scored twice, total bases once and earned three Gold Gloves. Bonds finished his career with 1,886 hits (.268 average), 332 home runs, 1,024 RBI, 1,258 runs scored and 461 stolen bases.  He played for the Giants (1968-74); Yankees (1975); Angels (1976-77); White Sox (1978); Rangers (1978); Indians (1979); Cardinals (1980); and Cubs (1981).

Bobby Bonds played his first seven MLB seasons with one team – the Giants.  Over his final seven MLB seasons, he put on the uniform of seven different teams.

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Tommy Harper, 3B/2B/OF, Brewers (RH) … 31 home runs/38 stolen bases in 1970

Tommy Harper is one of the biggest surprises on this list. In 1970, the American League Brewers’ (former Seattle Pilots) first season, the 29-year-old Harper reached what would be career highs in games (154), hits (179), doubles (35), home runs (31), RBI (82) and batting average (.296). His 30-30 season was the only time Harper topped 17 round trippers in his 15-season MLB career. He did, however, lead his league in stolen bases twice (with a high of 73 in 1969), topping 30 steals in four campaigns. He also led the NL in runs scored in 1965 (Reds) with 126.  In his 30-30 season, Harper started 128 games at 3B, 22 at 2B and 13 in the outfield.

Harper accumulated 1,609 MLB hits (.257 average), 146 home runs, 972 runs, 567 RBI and 408 steals.  He played for the Reds (1962-67); Indians (1968); Pilots (1969); Brewers (1970-71); Red Sox (1972-74); Angels (1975); A’s (1975); and Orioles (1976).

Tommy Harper was the first player ever to come to bat for the short-lived Seattle Pilots.  He doubled – becoming the first Pilot player to record an MLB hit and scored the team’s first run (on a home run by Mike Hegan).

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Dale Murphy, OF/1B/C, Braves (RH) …. 36 home runs/30 stolen bases in 1983

Thirty home runs was no big challenge for Dale Murphy, he topped thirty round trippers in six of his 18 MLB seasons (a high of 44 in 1987) and twice led the NL in long balls.  His 30-30 season in 1983, however, was the only time he reached 30 steals and in only one other campaign did he reach 20 thefts.

In 18 MLB seasons, Murphy collected 2,111 hits (.265 average), hit 398 home runs, had 1,266 RBI, scored 1,197 runs and stole 161 bases. He led his league in games played four times (1982-85), home runs once, RBI twice, total bases once and runs scored once. He also earned five Gold Gloves. Murphy played for the Braves (1976-90); Phillies (1990-922); and Rockies (1993).

In his 1983 30-30 season, Murphy won his second consecutive National League MVP Award – one of only 13 players to win consecutive MVP honors.

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Joe Carter, OF/1B Indians (RH) … 32 home runs/31 stolen bases in 1987

In 1987, the Indians’ Joe Carter made the 30-30 Club – a distinction he missed by a whisker the previous year, when he smacked 29 home runs and stole 29 bases. In 1987, Carter hit just .264 (down from .302 in 1986), but rapped 32 home runs and stole 31 bags. It would be his only season of 30 or more steals (he did steal twenty or more in six seasons) and one of six seasons in which he reached 30 home runs.

In a 16-year MLB career, Carter – a five-time All Star – played for the Cubs (1983); Indians (1984-89); Padres (1990); Blue Jays (1991-97); Orioles (1998); and Giants (1998). He collected 2,184 hits (.259 average), 396 home runs, 1,445 RBI, 1,170 runs scored and 231 stolen bases.

Joe Carter, playing for Wichita State University, was the Sporting News College Player of the Year in 1981.  That season, in 69 games played, Carter hit .411, with 24 home runs, 88 runs scored, 120 RBI and 24 stolen bases (25 attempts).

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Eric Davis, OF, Reds, 1987 (RH) … 37 home runs and 50 stolen bases in 1987

Eric Davis was a speed and power guy, six times reaching at least 20 home runs (topping thirty twice) and seven times topping 20 steals.  Although he never led his league in steals, he stole a high of 80 bases in 1986. (The Cardinals’ Vince Coleman stole 107.)  In his 1987 campaign, Davis hit .293, with 37 home runs, 120 runs scored, 100 RBI and fifty stolen bases.

In 17 MLB seasons, Davis collected 1,430 hits (.269 average), scored 1,430 runs, drove in 934, hit 282 round trippers and swiped 349 bases. Davis played for the Reds (1984-91, 1996); Dodgers (1992-93); Tigers (1993-94); Orioles (1997-98); Cardinals (1999-2000); and Giants (2001). He was a two-time All Star and three-time Gold Glover.

Eric Davis and Barry Bonds are the only players to steal at least 50 bases in their 30-30 season.

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Howard Johnson, 3B/SS/OF, Mets (SH) …

36 home runs/32 steals for the 1987 Mets

36 home runs/41 steals for the 1989 Mets

38 home runs/30 steals for the 1991 Mets

Howard Johnson had just three seasons of 30+ home runs – and he reached at least 30 stolen bases in all of them (he had four seasons of 30 or more steals). In his three 30-30 campaigns, Johnson led the NL in runs scored once (1989), home runs once (1991) and RBI once (1991). In those three 30-30 campaigns, he hit 74 long balls left handed (1,084 at bats) and 36 homers right handed (605 at bats).

Johnson played 14 MLB seasons: Tigers (1982-84); Mets (1985-93); Rockies (1994); and Cubs (1995). He amassed 1,229 hits (.249 average); 228 home runs, 760 runs scored, 760 RBI and 231 stolen bases. He was a two-time All Star.

Howard Johnson started his professional career as a pitcher (Tigers’ system), but was quickly converted to shortstop and then to third base. In his MB career, he played 1,032 games at 3B, 273 at shortstop and 221 in the outfield.

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Darryl Strawberry, OF, Mets (LH), 1987 … 39 home runs/36 stolen bases

Darryl Strawberry was in his fifth MLB season when he put up a 30-30 campaign for the Mets. While he topped 25 stolen bases in five seasons (1984-88), 1987 was the only season he reached 30 steals. Strawberry hit 30 or more home runs in three seasons, 20 or more in six.  In 1988, Strawberry came within a whisker of back-to-back 30-30 seasons, leading the NL with 39 home runs and stealing 29 bases.

Strawberry was an eight-time All Star. In a 17-season MLB career,  he had 1,401 hits, 335 home runs, an even 1,000 RBI, 898 runs scored and 221 steals. He topped 100 RBI three times and 100 runs scored twice.   He played for the Mets (1983-1990); Dodgers (1991-93); Giants (1994); and Yankees 1995-99).

Darryl strawberry was the 1983 NL rookie of the Year (Mets), when he hit .257, with 26 home runs, 74 RBI and 19 stolen bases in 122 games.

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Jose Canseco, OF/DH, A’s (RH) 1988 … 42 home runs/40 stolen bases

In 1988, the A’s Jose Canseco achieved a 30-30 season and more.  That year, Canseco became the first 40-40 player – launching an AL-best 42 home runs and stealing 40 bases. For the year, he hit .307, led the AL with 124 RBI and won the league MVP Award.  It was Canseco’s only season with at least 30 steals (he did top 25 two additional times) and one of eight seasons in which he topped 30 home runs.

In 17 seasons, the five-time All Star collected 1,877 hits (.266 average), 462 home runs, 1,407 RBI, 1,186 runs scored and 200 steals. He led his league in home runs twice.

Jose Canseco was the 19865 AL Rookie of the Year.  The 20-year-old hit just .240 in 157 games, but hit 33 home runs and drove in 117 tallies.

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Barry Bonds, OF, Pirates & Giants (LH) …

33 home runs/52 stolen bases for the Pirates in 1990

34 home runs/39 stolen bases for the Pirates in 1992

33 home runs/31 stolen bases for the Giants in 1995

42 home runs/40 stolen bases for the Giants in 1996

40 home runs/37 stolen bases for the Giants in 1997

Barry Bonds is one of only two MLB players to record five 30-30 campaigns – and the other is his father Bobby Bonds. In his 22-season career, Bonds had 14 seasons of at least 30 home runs and nine seasons of at least 30 stolen bases.  He was the NL MVP in his first two 30-30 seasons (he was the NL MVP a total of seven times).

In his career, Bonds led the NL in runs once, home runs twice, batting average twice, RBI once, walks 12 times and intentional walks 12 times.  He was an All Star selection 14 times and an eight-time Gold Glover.  Bonds collected 2,935 hits (.298 average), hit 762 home runs, drove in 1,996 runs, scored, 2,227 and swiped 514 bases.

In 2004, Barry Bonds drew a record 120 intentional walks.  He also drew the second-most intentional walks in a season (68 in 2002) and third-most (61 in 2003). Fourth on the list is Willie McCovey, with 45 intentional passes in 1969.

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Ron Gant, OF, Braves (RH) …

32 home runs/33 steals in 1990

32 home runs/34 steals in 1991

Ron Gant put together back-to-back 30-30 seasons for the Braves in 1990-91. In his 16-season MLB career, Gant hit 30 or more home runs four times and stole 30 or more bases in three seasons.

Gant’s career stat line includes 1,651 hits (.256 average), 321 home runs, 1,008 RBI, 1,080 runs scored and 243 stolen bases. He was a two-time All Star.  Gant played for the Braves (1987-1993); Reds (1995); Cardinals (1996-98); Phillies (1999-2000); Angels (2000); Rockies (2001); A’s (2001, 2003); and Padres (2002).

In 1994, Ron broke his leg in a dirt-bike accident and missed the entire 1995 season. He came back with the Reds in 1995 and made the NL All Star Team – finishing the season at .276-29-88, with 23 stolen bases in 199 games.

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Sammy Sosa, OF, Cubs (RH) …

33 home runs/36 stolen bases in 1993

36 home runs/34 stolen bases in 1995

Sammy Sosa recorded a total of three seasons of 30 or more steals in his MLB career – and two of those coincided with campaigns of 30 or more home runs.  Overall, Sosa had 11 seasons with 30+ round trippers.

In his 18-season career, Sosa collected 2,408 hits (.273 average), hit 609 home runs and amassed 1,667 RBI. He also scored 1,475 runs and stole 234 bases. Sosa was a seven-time All Star, the 1998 NL MVP and led the league in runs three times, total bases three times, home runs twice and RBI twice. Sosa played for the Rangers (1989, 2007); White Sox (1989-1991); Cubs 1992-2004); and Orioles (2005).  In the five seasons from 1998 to 2002, Sosa averaged just over 58 runs per season.

Sammy Sosa is the only MLB player to hit at least  sixty home runs in a season three times (66 in 1998; 63 in 1999; 64 in 2001) and yet did not lead his league in home runs in any of those seasons.

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Dante Bichette, OF, Rockies (RH) … 31 home runs/31 stolen bases in 1996

Dante Bichette had just one season of at least thirty stolen bases – and it coincided with one of his three seasons of at least 30 home runs.

In 14 MLB seasons, Bichette was an All Star four times, led the NL in hits twice, home runs once, RBI once and total bases once.  He played for the Angels (1988-90); Brewers (1991-92); Rockies (1993-1999); Reds (2000); and Red Sox (2000-01).  He collected 1,906 hits, hit 274 home runs, drove in 1,141, scored 934 times and stole 152 bases.

Dante Bichette hit the first home run in Colorado Rockies’ history. It was off the Mets’ Brett Saberhagen on April 7, 1993.

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Ellis Burks, OF, Rockies (RH) … 40 home runs/32 stolen bases in 1996

Ellis Burks had just one season of at least 30 steals – which happened to line up with his one season of at least 40 home runs (he did have another three seasons of 30 or more long balls). In his 30-30 season, Burks led the league in runs scored (142) and total bases (392) and topped 200 base hits (211, .344 average).

In his 18-season MLB career, Burks had 2,107 hits (.291 average), 352 home runs, 1,253 runs scored, 1,206 RBI and 181 steals.  Burks played for the Red Sox (1987-92, 2004); White Sox (1993); Rockies (1994-98); Giants (1998-2000); and Indians (2001-03). Burks was a two-time All Star and one-time Gold Glover.

In 1996, Ellis Burks and Dante Bichette both achieved 30-30 seasons for the Rockies. The only other teammates to put up 30-30 campaigns in the same season are Howard Johnson and Darryl Strawberry of the 1987 Mets.

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Barry Larkin, SS, Reds (RH) … 33 home runs and 36 stolen bases in 1996

Barry Larkin found the fountain of power in 1996 – bopping a career-high 33 home runs (he only reached 20 round trippers in one other season). He also swiped 36 bases, earning his spot in the 30-30 club. That season, Larkin also notched what would be his career highs in RBI (89), runs scored (117), walks (96) and total bases (293).

In his 19-season MLB career – all with the Reds – Larkin was a 12-time All Star and three-time Gold Glover. Larkin collected 2,340 hits over his career, with 198 home runs, 960 RBI, 1,328 runs scored and 379 stolen bases.

Barry Larkin was the 1995 NL MVP, when he hit .319, with 15 home runs, 66 RBI, 98 runs scored. He also swiped 51 bases (in 56 attempts) and won a Gold glove – leading the Reds to the NL Central Division crown. 

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Jeff Bagwell, 1B , Astros (RH) …

43 home runs/31 stolen bases in 1997

42 home runs/30 stolen bases in 1999

Jeff Bagwell – one of the Astros’ “Killer Bees” (Bagwell, Craig Biggio, Lance Berkman) of the 1990s, put together a pair of 30/30 seasons, each time topping 40 home runs. Notably, while Bagwell hit 30 or more home runs in nine seasons, he only reached 30 steals twice. In 1997, Bagwell hit .286, with 43 home runs and 41 steals. Two years later, he hit .304, with 42 home runs and 30 steals.  In that 1999 campaign, he led the NL in runs with 143, while also drawing a league-topping 140 walks.

In 15 MLB seasons, Jeff Bagwell collected 2,314 hits (.297 average) and amassed 449 home runs, 1,529 RBI, 1,517 runs scored and 202 stolen bases. He was the 1991 NL Rookie of the Year, 1994 NL MVP and a four-time All Star. He also earned a Gold Glove in 1994. He led the NL in runs three times and RBI once.  In his 1994 MVP season, Bagwell hit .268, with a league-leading 104 runs scored, an NL-best 116 RBI – as well as 39 home runs and a league-topping 300 total bases.

Jeff Bagwell is the only MLB player to achieve six consecutive seasons (1996-2001) of 30 home runs, 100 RBI, 100 runs scored and 100 walks. During that span he hit .301, with 236 home runs, 754 RBI, 765 runs scored, 121 steals and 733 walks.  That makes his season average in that period  .301, 39 home runs, 126 RBI, 128 runs scored, 20 stolen bases and 122 walks.  A Killer Bee, indeed.

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Raul Mondesi, OF, Dodgers (RH) …

30 home runs and 32 stolen bases in 1997

33 home runs/36 stolen bases in 1999

Raul Mondesi had multiple opportunities to join the 30-30 Club – recording three seasons of 30 or more stolen bases to go along with three seasons of 30 or more home runs. He matched 30’s up twice – in 1997 and 1999. In 1997, he hit .310 with 30 long balls, 87 RBI and 32 steals (47 attempts). Two years later, despite hitting .253, he had his second 30-30 campaign, with 33 home runs, a career-high 99 RBI and 36 steals in 45 tries.

In his 13-year MLB career, Mondesi had 1,589 hits (.273 average), 909 runs scored, 860 RBI, 271 home runs and 229 steals. He was the NL Rookie of the Year as a 23-year old in 1994, when he hit .306-16-56 in 112 games. He was an All Star once (1995) and a Gold Glover twice. He never scored or drove in 100 runs in a season, but came close – scoring 98 runs in a season twice and driving in 99 in 1999.

Raul Mondesi was the first Dodger to have a 30-30 season.

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Larry Walker, OF, Rockies (LH) … 49 home runs/33 stolen bases in 1997

Larry Walker had just one 30+ stolen base season in his 17-year MLB career – and he smacked 49 home runs in that same campaign.  It was 1997, and Walker hit .366, with an NL-leading 49 home runs, 130 RBI, 143 runs scored, 33 steals and a league-leading 409 total bases.  That season, he set his career highs in games, at bats, hits, runs, doubles, home runs, RBI and total bases. That offense – and a Gold Glove – earned him MVP honors in his 30-30 season.

Walker collected 2,160 career hits (.313 average), 383 home runs, 1,311 RBI, 1,355 runs scored and 230 stolen bases. He won three batting crowns, led his league in doubles once, home runs once and total bases once.  He also picked up seven Gold Gloves and was an All Star five times.

In the three season from 1997 to 1999, Larry Walker averaged .369 – putting up averages of .366, .363 and .379. Hitter-friendly Coors Field played a role, as Walker hit .397 at home over those seasons. But he was no slouch on the road (.314).

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Shawn Green, OF, Blue Jays (LH) … 35 home runs/35 stolen bases in 1998

Shawn Green had just one season of 30 or more steals – 35 for the Blue Jays in 1998. That same year he also rapped 35 home runs.  In fact, between 1998 and 2002, Green’s home runs totals (for the Blue Jays and Dodgers) were 35, 42, 24 and 49.  The two-time All Star improved nearly across the board in the season following his 30-30 campaign – improving his average from .278 to .309; hits from 175 to 190; doubles from 33 to a league-leading 45; homers from 35 to 42; RBI from 100 to 123; runs scored from 106 to 134; and total bases from 321 to a league-topping 361.  His stolen bases, however, dropped from 35 to 20.

In his career, Green topped 100 runs scored in four seasons, had 100 or more RBI in four seasons, hit 40+ doubles in three seasons and 40+ home runs in three seasons. Green played for the Blue Jays (1993-1999); Dodgers (2000-2006), and Mets (2006-07.  He collected 2,003 hits, hit 328 home runs, drove in  1,070 runs, scored 1,129 and stole 162 bases.

Shawn Green holds the MLB record for most total bases in a single game.  On May 23, 2002 – as the Dodgers topped the Brewers 16-3 in Milwaukee – Green hit four home runs, a double and a single in six at bats.  He scored six times, drove in seven runs and set a new MLB record (that still stands) of 19 total bases in a game.

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Alex Rodriguez, SS, Mariners (RH) … 42 home runs/46 stolen bases in 1998

You might have expected to see A-Rod on this list more than once, but Rodriguez had only one season of thirty or more steals (46 in 1998, when he was playing shortstop for Seattle).  He also banged out 40 home runs that year, becoming just the third member of the 40-40 Club (Jose Canseco and Barry Bonds preceded Rodriguez, Alfonso Soriano would follow). In his 40-40 year, Rodriguez hit .310 and led the AL in hits with 213. His 42-HR season was one of 15 in which he would hit at least 30 long balls (he had five seasons in the 40‘s and three in the 50’s).

In his 22-season MLB career, A-Rod collected 3,115 hits, smacked 696 home runs, drove in 2,086 tallies, scored 2,021 times and swiped 329 bases. He played for the Mariners (1994-2000): Rangers (2001-2003); and Yankees (2004-2013, 2015-16). He was a 14-time All Star, three-time MVP and two-time Gold Glover. Rodriguez led his league in runs five times, home runs five times, total bases four times, RBI twice, hits once, doubles once and batting average once.

Alex Rodriguez’ 25 major league Grand Slam home runs are the MLB record.

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Preston Wilson, OF, Marlins, (RH) … 31 home runs/36 steals in 2000

In 2000, the Marlins’ Preston Wilson hit 31 home runs, stole 36 bases and drove in 121 runs. Not bad for a 25-year-old in his second full MLB season. It would be his only 30-steal campaign, although he did reach 20 steals in each of the next two seasons. He topped 30 home runs once more – in 2003, when (as a Rockie) he hit 36 long balls, drove in an NL-best 141 runs and made his only All Star team.

In a 10-season MLB career, Wilson collected 1,055 hits (.264 average), scored 573 runs, hit 189 home runs, drove in 668 and swiped 124 bags. Wilson played for the Mets (1998); Marlins (1998-2002); Rockies (2003-05); Nationals (2005); Astros (2006); and Cardinals (2006-07).

Preston Wilson was the Baseball America 1992 High School Player of the Year – and was the ninth overall pick in the 1992 June MLB draft.

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Bobby Abreu, OF, Phillies (LH) …

31 home runs/36 stolen bases in 2001

30 home runs/40 stolen basses in 2004

Bobby Abreu picked up his first 30-30 season in 2001 – at age 27 – in his sixth MLB season.  He earned a second 30-30 stat line three seasons later. Abreu was a true power-speed guy. He had six seasons of 30 or more steals, with a high of 40 in his 2004 30-30 campaign. He reached 30 home runs in his two 30-30 seasons, but swiped 20 or more bases in 12 campaigns. He was a two-time All Star and won a Gold Glove in 2005.

In 18 MLB seasons, Abreu rang up 2,470 hits (.291 average), 288 home runs, 1,363 RBI, 1,453 runs scored and 400 stolen bases. He led the NL in triples once and doubles once.   Abreu hit .300 or better in six seasons, drove in 100 or more runs eight times and scored 100 or more runs eight times. Abreu played for the Astros (1996-97); Phillies (1998-2006); Yankees (2006-08); Angels (2009-12); Dodgers (2012); and Mets (2014).

Bobby Abreu was a disciplined hitter who drew 1,476 walks – 20th all-time. He drew 100 or more free passes in eight consecutive seasons (1999-2006).

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Jose Cruz, Jr., OF, Blue Jays (SH) …. 34 home runs/32 steals in 2001

In his 2001 30-30 campaign, Jose Cruz, Jr.  reached what would prove to be career highs in hits, batting average, runs, doubles, home runs, RBI and stolen bases. His 32 steals that season represented the only year in which he stole more than 15. He topped 30 home runs twice.

In his 12-season MLB career, Cruz had 1,167 hits (.247 average), 204 home runs, 624 RBI, 713 runs scored and 113 stolen bases.  He played for the Mariners (1997); Blue Jays (1997-2002); Giants (2003); Rays (2004); Diamondbacks (2005); Red Sox (2005); Dodgers (2005-06); Padres (2007); and Astros (2008).

Jose Cruz Jr. brought good genes to his MLB career.  His father, Jose Cruz, Sr., hit .284 over 19 major league seasons. In addition, his uncles, Hector and Tommy Cruz, had MLB careers of nine and two season, respectively.

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Vlad Guerrero, OF, Expos (RH) …

34 home runs/37 stolen bases in 2001

39 home runs/40 stolen bases in 2002

In 2002, as he completed his second consecutive 30-30 season, Vlad Guerrero just missed joining the elite 40-40 club – racking up 39 home runs and 40 steals. Notably, 2001 and 2002 were the only seasons in which Guerrero stole more than 15 bases – notching 77 steals in those two years and just 104 in his additional 14 MLB campaigns. He did top 30 home runs in eight seasons, with a high of 44 in 2000.

In his 16-season MLB career, Guerrero hit .300 or better 13 times, drove in 100 or more runs ten times  and scored 100+ runs six times. He also had three 200-hit seasons, leading the NL with 206 hits for the Expos in 2002. He was an All Star in eight seasons.  Guerrero played for the Expos (1996-2003); Angels (2004-2009); Rangers (2010); and Orioles (2011). His career stats include 2,590 hits (.318 average), 449 home runs, 1,496 RBI, 1,328 runs scored and 181 steals.

Vlad Guerrero was the American League MVP (Angels) in 2004, when he hit .337, with 39 home runs, 126 RBI, a league-leading 124 runs scored and a league-best 366 total bases.

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Alfonso Soriano, OF/2B, Yankees, Rangers, Nationals (RH) …

39 home runs/41 stolen bases in 2002  for the Yankees

38 home runs/35 stolen bases in 2003 for the Yankees

36 home runs/39 stolen bases in 2005 for the Rangers

46 home runs/41 stolen bases in 2006 for the Nationals

In 2002 (age 26), in just his second full MLB season, Alfonso Soriano of the Yankees joined the 30-30 club and nearly became a member of the 40-40 fraternity – hitting 39 home runs to go with 41 stolen bases. Four seasons later (2006), he cracked the 40-40 barrier, hitting 46 home runs and stealing 40 bases for the Nationals. In between, he notched another pair of 30-30 campaigns. His first 30-30 campaign may have been the most impressive, as Soriano led the AL in at bats, runs, hits and steals; while hitting.300 and driving in 100+ runs – finishing third in AL MVP balloting.

In his 16-season MLB career, Soriano was an All Star seven times (2002-08), stole 30 or more bases five times (40+ three times), launched 30 or more homers in a season seven times, drove in 100+ runs four times and scored 100+ four times. He collected 2,095 hits (.270 average), 412 home runs, drove in 1,159 runs, scored 1,152 times and swiped 289 bases.  Soriano played for the Yankees (1999-2003, 2013-14); Rangers (2004-2005); Nationals (2006); and Cubs (2007-13).

Not known for his patience at the plate, in his first 30-30 season, Soriano walked just 23 times, while striking out 157 – but still managed to hit .300. He upped his walks and reduced his whiffs over time, ending with 496 walks and 1,803 strikeouts.

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Carlos Beltran, OF, Royals/Astros (SH) … 38 home runs and 42 stolen bases in 2004

Carlos Beltran retired as a player (at age 40) after the 2017 season. His 30-30 campaign came way back in 2004 – in a season that saw him traded from the Royals to the Astros in late June. Beltran played 69 games for the American League Royals and 90 games for the then National League Astros – and is the only player to play in both leagues in a 30-30 season. He hit 15 home runs and stole 14 bases for Kansas City and rapped 23 round trippers and stole 28 bases for Houston. Beltran put up four seasons of 30 or more home runs (a high of 41 in 2006) and four seasons of 30 or more steals (a high of 42 in 2004).

In his 20 MLB seasons, Beltran was an All Star nine times and a three-time Gold Glover. He collected 2,725 hits (.279 average), hit 435 home runs (fourth-most among switch hitters), drove in 1,587 tallies, scored 1,582 runs and stole 312 bases.  Beltran is one of only four players with 400 home runs and 300 stolen bases – and the only switch hitter.

In his rookie season (1999), the 22-year-old Carlos Beltran hit .293, with 22 home runs, 108 RBI, 112 runs scored and 27 stolen bases for the Royals – capturing AL Rookie of the Year honors.

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David Wright, 3B, Mets (RH) … 30 home runs/34 stolen bases in 2007

David Wright was a force for the Mets – bringing power and speed, as well as solid defense at the hot corner (a two-time Gold Glover). While he only topped 30 home runs in a season twice and stole 30 or more bases just once, Wright had five season of 25 or more homers and three seasons of 20 or more steals. In his 30-30 campaign, he reached what would be his career highs in hits, doubles, and batting average – and added a Gold Glove for Good measure.

In his 14 MLB seasons, Wright was a seven-time All Star.  He hit over .300 in seven seasons, topped 100 RBI in five and scored 100+ runs twice. Overall, he amassed 1,777 hits (.296 career average), 242 home runs, 970 RBI, 949 runs scored and 196 stolen bases. Wright played his entire career for the Mets.

David Wright hit the first Mets’ round tripper in Citi Field history on April 13, 2009. It was, however, the third official home run in Citi Field. Padres’ lead off hitter Jody Gerut inaugurated the ballpark with a home run to right to lead off the top of the first and San Diego 1B Adrian Gonzalez belted a solo shot in the top of the fifth. Wright hit the Mets’ first dinger, a three-run blast that tied the game at 5-5 in the bottom of the fifth. (The Mets eventually lost 6-5.)

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Jimmy Rollins, SS, Phillies (SH) … 30 home runs/41 steals in 2007

Phillies’ SS Jimmy Rollins made the most of his 2007 30-30 season – translating it into an NL MVP Award.  That season, Rollins led the league in games, at bats, runs scored and triples, while hitting .296 and earning a Gold Glove on defense. He also reached what would-be his career highs in games, at bats, hits, runs, triples, home runs, RBI and full-season batting average. It was Rollins’ only 30-home run season, but one of ten in which he stole 30 or more bases (a high of 47 in 2008).

In a 17-season MLB career, Rollins led the league in triples four times, stolen bases once and runs scored once.  He collected 2,455 hits (.264 average), hit 231 home runs, drove in 936, scored 1,421 times and stole 470 bases (46th all-time). Rollins was a three-time All-star and four-time Gold Glover. He played for the Phillies (2000-2014); Dodgers (2015); and White Sox (2016).

In a portent of things to come, Jimmy Rollins’ first MLB hit was a triple.  He would go on to hit 155 MLB triples, leading the NL four times and hitting ten or more three-baggers in five seasons.

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Brandon Phillips, 2B, Reds (RH) … 30 home runs/32 stolen bases in 2007

Brandon Phillips smacked 30 home runs and stole 32 bases in 2007, the only season in which he reached either 30 round trippers or 30 steals. In 17 MLB seasons, Phillips was an All Star three times and won four Gold Gloves. He has reached at least 100 runs scored twice and 100+ RBI once. Phillips also stole 15 or more bases in seven seasons and hit 15 or more dingers in eight.

Phillips recorded 2,029 base hits (.275 average), 211 home runs, 951 RBI, 1,005 runs scored and 209 stolen bases. He has played for the Indians (2002-2005); Reds (2006-2017); Braves (2017); Dodgers (2017); and Red Sox (2018).

In 2019, Brandon Phillips is playing for Diablos Rojas del Mexico in the Mexican League

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Grady Sizemore, OF , Indians (LH)  … 33 home runs/38 stolen bases in 2008

In 2008, Grady Sizemore hit 33 home runs and swiped 38 bases for the Indian – also earning a spot on the AL All Star team and a Gold Glove for his defensive play in center field. Overall, Sizemore was a three-time All Star and two-time Gold Glover.  He topped 30 home runs once (four seasons of 20 or more) and reached 30+ steals twice (four season of 20 or more).

A series of injuries – beginning with elbow issues (that required surgery in 2009) and  followed by knee and back surgeries – curtailed Sizemore’s career. Between 2009 and 2015, he played in 100 games in a season only once – missing the entire 2012 and 2013 seasons.  In the four seasons between 2005 and 2008, he averaged 160 games per season, with an average stat line of .281-27-81, and 29 steals. In his first four full seasons, he led the AL in games played twice, runs scored once and doubles once; was an All Star three times; and a Gold Glover twice.  He also hit 32 triples in that time, reaching 11 twice. From 2009-2015 (excluding 2012-13), he averaged just 84 games a season with an average stat line of .238-8-34, five steals.

In ten MLB seasons (1,101 games), Sizemore collected 1,098 hits (.265 average), hit 150 home runs, drove in 518, scored 66o times and stole 143 bases. Sizemore played for the Indians (2004-2011); Red Sox (2014); Phillies (2014-15); and Rays (2015).

During his MLB career, Grady Sizemore had abdominal, elbow, knee and back surgeries.

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Hanley Ramirez, SS, Marlins (RH) … 33 home runs/35 stolen bases in 2008

In 2008, Marlins’ 24-year-old shortstop Hanley Ramirez made his first All Star team and joined the 30-30 Club in just his third full MLB season.  Ramirez hit .301, led the NL in runs scored with 125, hit 33 home runs and a stole 35 bases. It is one of just two 30-homer seasons for Ramirez (still active after 14 MLB seasons) and one of four 30+ stolen base seasons. (Ramirez stole 51 bases in the 2006 and 2007 seasons.)

As this is written, Ramirez has 1,834 MLB hits (.289 average), 271 home runs, 917 RBI, 1,049 runs scored and 281 stolen bases (15 MLB seasons).  He has been an All Star three times, won the 2009 NL batting title with a .342 average and was the NL Rookie of the Year in 2006. He elected for free agency after being designated for assignment by the Indians in April.

Ramirez scored 100+ runs in two seasons, drove in 100+ in two seasons, topped 200 hits once, hit .300 or better five times. He has played for the Red Sox (2005, 2015-18); Marlins (2006-12); Dodgers (2012-14); and Indians (2019).

In 20 post season games, Hanley Ramirez has 27 hits (.380 average), one home run, 14 RBI, nine runs scored, two stolen bases and seven walks. His post-season on base percentage is .450.

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Ian Kinsler, 2B, Rangers (RH) …

31 home runs/31 stolen bases in 2009

32 home runs/30 stolen bases in 2011

Ian Kinsler, still active, has put up a pair of 30-30 campaigns in 14 MLB seasons. Interestingly, the power has seemed to come at the expense of the batting average. In 2009, Kinsler smoked 31 home runs and stole 31 bases.  His home runs were up from 18 the previous year, but the batting average was down to .253 (from .319 the previous season). In 2010, Kinsler’s average was up to .286, but he hit only nine homers in 103 games.  Then in 2011, his averaged slipped to .255, but he popped 32 homers and stole 30 bags.  Notably, he made the AL All Star team in 2008 and 2010, but not in his 2009 and 2011 30-30 seasons.  The 2009 and 2011 seasons were the only ones in which Kinsler reached 30 home runs or 30 steals. He does have five seasons of 20 or more homers and five seasons of 20 or more steals.

Kinsler is a four-time All Star and two-time Gold Glover.  To date, he has 1,999 MLB hits (.269 average), 257 home runs, 909 RBI, 1,243 runs scored and 243 stolen bases. He has scored 100 or more runs in six seasons and drove in a career high 92 runs in 2014.  Kinsler has played for the Rangers (2006-2013); Tigers (2014-2017); Angels (2018); Red Sox (2018); and Padres (2019).

On April 15, 2009, Ian Kinsler went six-for-six as his Rangers topped the Orioles 19-6 in Texas. Kinsler scored six times and drove in four runs.  More important, he hit for the cycle, collecting two singles, two doubles, one triple and one home run.  That game – and his season totals – made Kinsler the first player to have a 30-30 campaign and hit for the cycle in the same season.  (He was joined in that achievement by the Red Sox Mookie Betts in 2018.)

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Matt Kemp, OF , Dodgers (RH) … 39 home run/49 stolen bases in 2011

Oh so, close.  When Matt Kemp joined the 30-30 Club in 2011, he was so-o-o close to becoming part of the even more elite 40-40 fraternity.  With 39 home runs and 40 steals on the season, he was just one long ball shy of the mark.  In that 2011 season, Kemp led the NL home runs, runs scored (115) and RBI (126). In addition, he led the NL in total bases (353) and picked up his second Gold Glove for his play in center field. Kemp has stolen 30 or more bases three times and topped 30 home runs twice. He finished second in the MVP balloting to the Brewers’ Ryan Braun – despite outdistancing Braun in games played, at bats, runs, hits, home runs, RBI and stolen bases. Braun did top Kemp in batting average .332 to .324.

Kemp, still active, began his 14th MLB season in 2019. (Kemp started the season with the Reds; was released May 4 and signed by the Mets later that month; and released by New York in July).) Thus far in his career, Kemp has collected 1,780 hits (.285 average), hit 281 home runs, drove in 1,010, scored 932 runs and stolen 183 bases. He has been all All Star three times, including 2018. Kemp has played for the Dodgers (2006-2014, 2018); Padres (2015-16);Braves (2016-17); and Reds (2019).

On October 23, 2018 – in the top of second inning of Game One – Matt Kemp became the 35th player in MLB history to hit a home run in his first World Series at bat.  It was a solo shot off Red Sox’ ace Chris Sale.   In the bottom of the seventh, Kemp was joined on that list by the Red Sox’ Eduardo Nunez, who hit a three-run homer in his first WS at bat (as a pinch hitter).

It was just the third time two players have hit a home run in their first World Series at bat in the same game.  The other two instances were in Game One of the 1988 Series (Mickey Hatcher, Dodgers and Jose Canseco, A’s) and Game One in 2002 (Barry Bonds, Giants and Troy Glaus, Angels).

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Ryan Braun, OF, Brewers, (RH) …

33 home runs/33 stolen bases in 2011

41 home runs/30 stolen bases in 2012

Ryan Braun put together back-to-back 30-30 campaigns in 2011-12 – winning the NL MVP Award in 2011. Those two years represent Braun’s only two seasons with 30 or more steals, mixed in with six seasons of 30 or more home runs. The still active Braun, however, has reached double-digits in steals in 12 of his 13 MLB seasons (including this season, in which he already has ten steals) – and in every season in which he played at least 100 games. In his 2012 30-30 season, he led the NL in runs scored and home runs.

As this is written, Braun has recorded 1,913 base hits (.298 average), 340 home runs, 1,109 RBI, 1.052 runs and 214 steals. He has topped 100 RBI in five seasons and 100 runs scored in four seasons.  He has hit over .300 six times and led the NL in hits once (203 hits in 2009).  He is a six-time All Star.

Ryan Braun was offered a baseball scholarship by Stanford University (among other schools), but chose to attend the University of Miami on a full academic scholarship. Among the recognitions he received for his play at Miami were National Freshman of the Year (2003) and Atlantic Coast Conference Player for the Year (2005). In 2005, he played in 58 games for Miami, hitting .388, with 18 home runs, 76 RBI and 20 stolen bases.

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Jacob Ellsbury, OF, Red Sox (LH) … 32 home runs/39 stolen bases in 2011.

Jacoby Ellsbury surprised a lot of people with his power in 2011 – notching his only season of 30+ home runs.   2011 is one of only two seasons in which Ellsbury reached double-digits in round trippers (he had 16 in 2014). The 39 steals that completed his 30-30 campaign were no surprise, however. He had already recorded campaigns of 50 and 70 stolen bases. (He would later add season of 52 and 39 steals.) In 2011, Ellsbury reached his full-season career highs in runs, hits, average, doubles, home runs, RBI and total bases.  He also picked up his only Gold Glove.

The still active Ellsbury (although he has not played since 2017 due to a combination of injuries – hip/shoulder) has played 11 MLB seasons.  He currently has 1,376 hits (.284 average), 104 home runs, 512 RBI, 749 runs scored and 343 steals. He has led his league in stolen bases three times, triples once and total bases once. His only All Star appearance was in his 2011 season (his 30-30 campaign).  Ellsbury has played for the Red Sox (2007-13) and Yankees (2014-17).

On May 20, 2009, Jacoby Ellsbury tied the MLB record for most putouts for an outfielder in a nine inning game – with 12, as the Red Sox topped the Blue Jays 8-3 in Boston.  Ellsbury, playing center field had two putouts in each of the first four innings, one in the fifth and all three in the sixth – and none in the final three frames.

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Mike Trout, OF, Angels (RH) … 30 home runs/49 stolen bases in 2012

Mike Trout – still active – got his 30-30 season out of the way early, joining the club at age 20 and in his first full MLB season. That season, the AL Rookie of the Year led the league in runs scored (129) and steals (49), while hitting .326 with 30 home runs.  In his first eight MLB seasons (seven full seasons), Trout has hit 30 or more home runs five times and stolen 30 or more bases three times. Another 30-30 campaign may well be on the Horizon.

Trout, now in his “age-27” season, already has earned Rookie of the Year recognition, two Most Valuable Player Awards (2014 and 2016), led the AL in runs scored four times, RBI once, stolen bases once, walks twice and total bases once.  The eight-time All Star has five seasons of 100+ runs scored and two seasons of 100 or more RBI.  His line this year stands at .294-42-98, with ten steals.

As this is written, Trout has 1,315 hits (.305 average), 282 home runs, 746 RBI, 896 runs scored and 199 stolen bases.

In his seven full MLB seasons, Mike Trout has finished first or second  in the AL MVP voting six times. (In 2017, he finished fourth.)

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Jose Ramirez, 3B/2B, Indians, (SH) … 39 home runs/34 stolen bases in 2018

Jose Ramirez – still active – notched his 30-30 campaign in his sixth MLB season (at age 25). In 2018, he reached new career highs in home runs, stolen bases, RBI and runs scored.  2018 was the first season he reached with 30+ HR or 30+ SB.

A two-time All Star, Ramirez led the league in doubles (56) in 2017.  He has hit .300+ in two full seasons, scored 100+ runs twice and driven in 100+ once.  To date, he has collected 773 career hits (.280 average), hit 107 home runs, driven in 383, scored 448 times and stolen 117 bases.

Since making the big leagues, Jose Ramirez has started 421 games at 3B, 119 at second base, 100 at SS, 49 in LF and 7 at DH.

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Mookie Betts, OF, Red Sox (RH) … 32 home runs/30 stolen bases in 2018

Mookie Betts put up a 30-30 season in 2018 – the frosting on the cake was a batting title, a Gold Glove and the AL MVP Award. (Betts also led the AL in run scored with 129.)  In just his fifth MLB season, the still active Betts set new career highs in runs, doubles, home runs, average and stolen bases.  It was Betts’ first season of at least thirty steals and his second with 30 or more home runs.

Betts is a four-time All Star and three-time Gold Glover. He has topped 100 runs scored in four of his five full MLB seasons (including 118 runs scored already this season), has driven in 100+ twice, topped 30 home runs twice and stolen 30 bases once (three times 25 or more).  Thus far in his career he has 993 hits (.300 average), 131 home runs, 456 RBI, 596 runs scored and 123 stolen bases.

On July 2, 2017 Mookie Betts drove in eight runs while manning the lead off spot in the Red Sox lineup – tying the MLB record for RBI in a game by a lead off hitter.  

Ronald Acuna, Jr. , OF, Braves (RH) … Season Still in Progress

As of end of play, August 23, 2019, Ronald Acuna, Jr. has 36 home runs and 30 steals (to go with a .295 average, 106 runs scored and 88 RBI).  He could be on his way to MLB’s fifth 40-40 campaign.  Just in his second MLB season, Acuna has 282 hits (240 games), a .294 career average, 62 home runs, 46 steals, 184 runs scored and 152 RBI. He was a 2019 All Star.

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

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