It’s time again for Baseball Roundtable’s Trivia(l) Tidbit Tuesday. I hope you are enjoying this weekly presentation of baseball occurrences that for some reason caught The Roundtable’s eye.  (I’m particularly fond of unexpected performances and statistical coincidences.) These won’t necessarily be momentous occurrences, just events, statistics or coincidences that grabbed my attention. I’m also drawn to baseball “unicorns,” one-of-a-kind MLB accomplishments or statistics.  This Tuesday, with the World Series approaching, we’ll look at a whole lot of World Series records.  I’ve worked to incorporate Negro League World Series records (1924-27, 1942-48) whenever possible (relying heavily on retrosheet.org and stathead.com).  You should keep in mind, the Negro Leagues records are still incomplete or, in some cases, not thoroughly documented.

Did you know, righthander Lance McCullers, Jr., who pitched in three World Series games (2017 & 2022), holds the World Series’ single-game records for the most batters hit (four)  and the most home runs allowed (five); that Willie Mays is the only player to ground into three double plays in a single WS game; that Christy Mathewson is the only pitcher to toss three shutouts in one World Series and did it in the span of six days; or that, in one game, Albert Pujols set or tied the World Series single-game records for total bases, hits, runs scored, RBI and home runs?

Let’s take a dive into the World Series Record Book – some records to Shoot for, some to avoid. A couple of examples, first:

 

To Shoot For

Albert Pujols – Possibly the Best World Series Game at the Plate … Ever

On October 22, 2011 – in Game Three of the Cardinals/Rangers World Series matchup – Redbirds’ 1B Albert Pujols went five-for-six with four runs scored and six RBI.  In the process, he established a new (and still-standing) record for total bases in a World Series game (14) and also earned, and still holds, a share of the World Series’ single-game records for hits (5), runs scored (4), RBI (6) and home runs (3). Ironically, in the other six games, he went one-for-nineteen, with six walks, four runs scored and no RBI.

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To Avoid

Lance McCullers, Jr. – Channeling Ricky Vaughn

In Game Seven of the 2017 World Series (November 1), Lance McCullers of the Astros plunked four Dodgers in 2 1/3 innings. Surprisingly, despite giving up three hits and hitting four batters in 2 1/3 innings, McCullers did not surrender a run.

His appearance went like this:

Bottom of the first – Astros up 2-0. Dodgers’ CF Chris Taylor opens with a double; McCullers fans SS Corey Seager on a 3-2 pitch; 3B Justin Turner is hit by a 1-2 pitch; 1B Cody Bellinger fans on a 1-2 pitch; RF Yasiel Puig is hit by a 3-1 pitch, loading the bases. LF Joc Pederson grounds out on an 0-2 pitch to end the inning.

Second Inning – 2B Logan Forsythe leads off with a single to left (on a 1-0 pitch); C Austin Barnes grounds out, Forsythe moving to second; PH Enrique Hernandez is it by a 3-1 pitch; Taylor lines into a double play.

Third Inning – Seager singles to center on a 1-2 pitch; Turner is hit by an 0-0 pitch; Bellinger strikes out on a 2-2 pitch. Brad Peacock relieves McCullers and retires Puig and Pederson with no damage., The Astros go on to win the Game 5-1 and the Series four games-to-three.

 

Now,  let’s break these tidbits  down in a more organized way.

 

Most Home Runs in a World Series Game – Three

Babe Ruth, Reggie Jackson, Albert Pujols, Pablo Sandoval

 

Babe Ruth … While four players have hit three home runs in a World Series game, the Yankees’ Babe Ruth is the only one of those players to accomplish the feat twice – October 6, 1926 and October 9, 1928. In Game Four of the 1926 Series, as the Yankees topped the Cardinals 10-5, Ruth went three-for-four, with three home runs, two walks, four runs scored and four RBIs. The long-ball victims were Redbirds’ starter Flint Rhem (twice) and reliever Herman Bell. In Game Four of the 1928 World Series (a Yankees’ sweep over the Cardinals), Ruth went three-for-five with three solo home runs – two off Bill Sherdel and one off Grover “Pete” Alexander.

Reggie Jackson … The Yankees’ Reggie Jackson’s feat was unique in that he hit his three long balls (October 18, 1977) off three consecutive pitches offered up by three different pitchers. After drawing a walk to lead off the bottom of the second inning of Game Six (versus Dodgers’ starter Burt Hooton), Jackson hit the first pitch he saw from Hooton in the fourth inning for a two-run home run. He came up again in the fifth, facing Elias Sosa, and hit the first pitch in that at bat for another two-run homer. In his next at bat, leading off the eighth frame, Jackson hit the first pitch from Charlie Hough for a solo home run. A three-for-three day with four runs scored and five RBI.

Albert Pujols … Albert Pujols hit his three home runs in Game Three of the 2011 World Series (versus the Rangers) in Texas – as part of a five-for-six day. He hit a three-run homer on a 1-1 pitch from Alexi Ogando in the top of the sixth; a two-run shot on the first pitch he saw from Mike Gonzalez in the seventh; and a solo shot homer on a 2-2 pitch from Darren Oliver in the ninth. Those six RBI were the only runs driven in by Pujols in the seven-game Series – won by the Redbirds four games-to-three.

Pablo Sandoval … In Game One of the 2012 World Series (October 24), the Giants’ Pablo Sandoval went four-for-four, with three home runs, three runs scored and four RBI. He homered in the first and third innings off the Tigers’ Justin Verlander and in the fifth off Al Alburquerque before adding a single off Jose Valverde in the seventh – as the Giants triumphed 8-3.

Pablo Sandoval hit just 12 home runs in 108 games during the 2012 season and only 153 in 14 MLB seasons. In the 2012 post-season, however, he hit six home runs in 18 games.

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Home Runs in a Single World Series – Five

Reggie Jackson, Chase Utley, George Springer

Reggie Jackson … As noted above, Yankee RF Reggie Jackson had a three-home run game in the sixth and final matchup of the 1977 World Series.  The Yankees won the game 8-4 and the Series four games-to-two. Jackson also went deep in the Yankees’ Game Four 4-2 win over the Dodgers (a solo shot off Rick Rhoden) and in the Yankees’ 10-4 loss in Game Five (a solo homer off Don Sutton).   Over the final three games of the Series, Jackson went   seven-for-eleven, with a double, five home runs, eight runs scored and eight RBI.

Chase Utley … Utley’s Phillies lost the 2009 World Series (four games-to-two), but it wasn’t Utley’s fault, The Philly 2B led all players with five homers and tied the Yankees’ Hideki Matsui for the Series RBI lead with eight. He hit two solo homers in the Phillies’ Game One 6-1 win, had a home run and a double in a 7-4 Game Four loss; and had a second two-homer game as the Phillies took Game Five 8-6. (Utley drove in four of the eight runs).

George Springer … Astros’ CF and leadoff hitter George Springer hit .379, with five home runs and seven RBI as the Astros topped the Dodgers four games-to-three in the 2017 World Series. This was after a Game One in which he came to the plate four times and fanned four times (on a total of 19 pitches). He went on to homer in Games Two, Four, Five, Six and Seven.

Bases – Just Add ‘Em Up

George Springer holds the record for total bases in a single World Series at 29.  In the 2017 World Series – as his Astros topped the Dodgers four games-to-three, Springer collected 11 hits in 29 at bats, including three doubles and five home runs.

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Base Hits in a World Series Game – Five

Paul Molitor, Albert Pujols

Paul Molitor … Brewers’ third baseman and leadoff hitter Paul Molitor – who hit .302 with 201 hits in the 1982 regular season – grounded out to second base leading off the 1982 World Series (Inning One, Game One, in St. Louis on October 12). It would be the only time he was retired in the game, as the Brewers triumphed 10-0. Molitor followed with a single in the second inning; an RBI-single in the fourth; a single in the sixth; a single in the eighth; and an RBI single in the ninth.

Taking It One Base at a Time

When the Brewers’ Paul Molitor hit .355 (11-for-31) in the 1982 World Series, every one his safeties was a single. The Brew Crew lost the Series to the Cardinals four games-to-three.

Albert Pujols … Cardinals’ first baseman Albert Pujols had his five-hit World-Series contest in Game Three (October 22) of the 2011 Series (in Texas). Like Molitor (above), Pujols grounded out in his first at bat – and then went on to record five straight hits. Unlike Molitor, his safeties were not all singles. He led off the fourth inning with a single (off Matt Harrison); led off the fifth with a single off Scott Feldman; popped a three-run home run off Alexi Ogando in the sixth; hit a two-run dinger off Mike Gonzalez in the seventh; and homered off Darren Oliver (solo) in the ninth.  The Cardinals won the contest 16-7 and won the Series four game-to-three

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Base Hits in a Single World Series – Fifteen

Judy Johnson … The Hilldale Club’s 3B Judy Johnson rapped 15 hits in 44 at bats in the best-of-nine 1924 Negro Leagues World Series. (The Hilldale Club topped the Kansas City Monarchs five games-to-four (with one tie).  Johnson hit .341 for the Series with five doubles, one triple, one home run and seven runs scored.

Side Note:  The record for base hits in a best-of-seven World Series is 13, shared by Bobby Richardson, Yankees (1964); Lou Brock, Cardinals (1968); and Marty Barrett, Red Sox, 1986). Each of those Series went the full seven games.

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Runs Batted in a World Series Game – Six

Bobby Richardson, Hideki Matsui, Albert Pujols, Addison Russell

Bobby Richardson … In Game Three of the 1960 World Series (October 8), the Yankees trounced the Pirates 10-0. Despite a lineup that included the big bats of Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Yogi Berra, Bill Skowron and Elston Howard, little 5’9” second baseman Bobby Richardson (a .252 hitter with just one home run and 26 RBI in 150 1960 regular-season games) did the most damage to the Pirates’ pitching staff.  His day included a Grand Slam home run in the first frame and a two-run single in the fourth (part of a two-for-five day). Richardson’s six RBI set a new MLB single-game World Series RBI record (since tied). How unlikely was the Richardson Grand Slam? In 12 MLB seasons (1,412 regular-season games), he had just 34 home runs and one regular-season Grand Slam. Despite the Yankees losing the Series four games-to-three, Richardson, who drove in a World Series’ record 12 RBI in the seven games, was named the Series MVP – the only player from the losing team ever granted that honor.

Hideki Matsui … In the final game of the 2009 World Series (Game Six on November 4), Yankee DH Hideki Matsui filled the DH role well – driving in six runs in the Yankees’ 7-3 win over the Phillies. His three-for-four day included a two-run home run (off Pedro Martinez) in the second inning; a two-run single off Martinez in the third; and a two-run double off J.A. Happ in the fifth. Matsui had quite a series, leading the Bronx Bombers in average (.615); home runs (3); and RBI (8) – and winning World Series MVP Honors. Matsui was coming off a .274-28-90 regular season.

Put Me In, Coach

In Hideki Matsui’s first three seasons with the Yankees (2003-05), he played in every Yankee Game – going .297-70-330. Matsui joined the Yankees (and MLB) after playing ten seasons in Japan, where he hit .304-332-889.

Albert Pujols … Yep, Albert Pujols is here again – thanks to his three-home run, six-RBI game in the 2011 World Series (Game Three, October 22). As noted earlier, in that 16-7 win, Pujols set the World Series single-game record for total bases and tied the World Series single-game records for hits (5), home runs (3), RBI (6) and runs scored (4).

Addison Russell … The Cubs faced elimination for the second game in a row as they came into Game Six of the 2016 World Series. (The opposing Indians had won three of the first four games.) Cubs’ SS Addison Russell lashed a two-run double in the top of the first to put the Cubbies ahead 3-0 and, two innings later, smacked a Grand Slam to push the edge to 7-0. The Cubs eventually won 9-3 and ended up taking the Series four games-to-three, with a ten-inning, 8-7 win in Game Seven. Russell hit just .222 for the Series, but drove in a Series-leading nine runs. Over a five-season MLB career, Russell hit .242-60-253 in 615 games. 2016 was his only All Star year and he reached career highs in runs (67), home runs (21) and RBI (95).

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RBI in a Single World Series – 12

Bobby Richardson, Freddie Freeman

Bobby Richardson … Yankees’ 2B Bobby Richardson drove in a record 12 runs (.367-1-12 for the Series), as the Yankees lost to the underdog Pittsburgh Pirates four games -to-three.  The Yankees lost the Series despite outscoring the Pirates 55-27 over the seven games. Again, (this deserves repeating), during the 1960 regular season, Richardson had driven in 26 runs in 150 games.

Freddie Freeman … Freeman drove in 12 tallies for the Dodgers in the 2024 World Series – which lasted only five games (The Dodgers beat the Yankees four games-to-one). Freeman’s line for the Series was .300-4-12, with six hits and five runs scored. The World Series MVP drove in four runs in the Dodger 6-3 Game One victory; one run in the Dodgers 4-2 Game Two win; two runs in LA’s 4-2 Game Three win; three runs in the Game four 11-4 loss to the Yankees; and two runs in the Series ending Game Five 7-6 Dodgers triumph. Freeman had gone .282-22-89 on the season.

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Runs Scored in a World Series Game – Four

Babe Ruth, Earle Combs, Frankie Crosetti, Enos Slaughter, Reggie Jackson, Kirby Puckett, Carney Lansford, Lenny Dykstra, Jeff Kent, Albert Pujols, Lance Berkman

This is a mark I ‘d like to see broken, if only to end an 11-player tie.

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Runs Scored in a Single World Series – Ten

Monte Irvin, Reggie Jackson, Paul Molitor

Monte Irvin … Newark Eagles’ SS Monte Irvin scored ten runs as his Newark Eagles topped the Kansas City Monarchs four games-to-three in the 1946 Negro League World Series. Irvin was pretty much unstoppable in the Series, going 12-for-26 (.462), with two doubles, three homers, the ten runs scored and eight RBI.  Oh, and he also stole two bases.

Reggie Jackson … Yankees’ RF Reggie Jackson went .450-5-8 with ten runs scored as the Yankees bested the Dodgers four games-to-three in the 1977 World Series. Six of Jackson’s nine hits went for extra bases (five homers, one double).

Paul Molitor … Blue Jays’ DH/1B Paul Molitor went 11-for-24 (.458) in the 1993 Worlds Series, won by the Blue Jays over the Phillies four games-to-two.    Molitor had one double, two triples, two homers, ten runs  scored  and seven RBI in the six games.

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Stolen Bases in a World Series Game – Three

Honus Wagner, Willie Davis, Lou Brock, B.J. Upton, Rajai Davis

Lou Brock … Lets’ just note here, that Lou Brock remains the only player to steal three bases in a World Series game twice in his career. The fleet Cardinals’ outfielder first accomplished the feat against the Red Sox in Game Seven of the 1967 World Series (October 12) – stealing second base after a single in the fifth, then adding insult to injury in the ninth, stealing second and third after walking (with the Cardinals up 7-2 on the Red Sox).  He also stole three bases in in Game Three of the 1968 World Series (October 5) against the Tigers – stealing second after a first-inning walk (then being caught attempting to swipe third base), and second again in the third and fifth innings.  Brock led the league in steals in both 1967 and 1968, with 52 and 62 respectively.

Honus Wagner … Off and Running

Honus Wagner helped his Pirates defeat the Tigers 8-6 in Game Three of the 1909 World Series.  In the first frame: he reached on an error: stole second; took third on the catcher’s errant throw); and scored on a wild pitch. He also stole second in the fifth, was caught attempting to steal second after a seventh-inning single and stole second in the ninth.  Wagner had stolen 35 bases in the 1909 regular season.

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Stolen Bases in a Single World Series – Seven

Lou Brock … Brock, who stole 938 bases in his career (regular-season), is not just the only player to steal seven bases in a single World Series, he did it twice. In 1967, as his Cardinals lost to the Red Sox 4-3, and in 1968, as St. Louis topped the Tigers 4-3. Brock was seven-for-seven in steal attempts in 1967 and seven-for-nine in 1968. Notably, in those two World Series, Brock hit .414 (1967) and .464 (1968).

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Intentional Walks in World Series Game – Three

Rudy York, Barry Bonds, Albert Pujols, David Ortiz

Rudy York, Red Sox … October 11, 1946 – Game Five of the Cardinals/Red Sox World Series

Barry Bonds, Giants …   On October 23, 2002 – Game Four of the Angels/Giants World Series.

Albert Pujols, Cardinals … On October 24, 2011 – in Game Five of the Cardinals/Rangers World Series.

David Ortiz, Red Sox … On October 30, in Game Six of the Cardinals/Red Sox World Series.

13 – Lucky or Unlucky?

In the 2002 World Series, the Giants’ Barry Bonds drew a WS record 13 walks (in 30 plate appearances).  He made the best of it when the Angels, who won the Series four games-to three, pitched to him – going 8-for-17 (.471), with four home runs and six RBI.

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Grounded into Double Plays in a World Series Game – Three

Willie Mays …. On October 8, 1951 – in Game Four of the Yankees/Giants World Series – Giants’ rookie CF Willie Mays came to bat four times and not only was held hitless, but grounded into a Series single-game record three double plays.

 

Baseball Roundtable Extra – Whiff and Poof

While 19 players have fanned four times in a World Series Game – including position players Josh Devore, Mickey Mantle, Joe Collins, Wayne Garrett, Devon White, Brad Hawpe, Ryan Howard, Pat Burrell, Mike Napoli, George Springer and Cody Bellinger:

Only pitcher George Pipgras has fanned five times in a World Series Game. The Yankee righthander did it in Game Three of the 1932 Cubs/Yankees World Series – whiffing in all five of his plate appearances. Pipgras, a career .163 hitter, did get the win in a 7-5 Yankee triumph.

Only Cody Bellinger has fanned four times in a World Series Game twice – and he did it in a span of five days. The Dodgers’ rookie 1B did it in Game Three of the 2017 Dodger/Astros World Series (October 27) – fanning four times in four at bats on fourteen pitches. He repeated the “feat” in Game Six (October 31) fanning four times in four plate appearances – this time on 24 pitches. The 21-year-old Bellinger was coming off an All Star and Rookie of the Year season in which he hit .267-39-97. In the Series he fanned World Series record 17 times in 29 plate appearances.

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Doubles in a World Series Game – Four

Frank Isbell … In Game Five of the 1906 World Series (Cubs/White Sox), White Sox’ 2B Frank Isbell went four-for-five, rapping four doubles, as the White Sox topped the Cubs 8-6. Isbell scored three times and drove in two.  Isbell was not exactly a doubles machine.  In the 1906 regular season he hit just 18 doubles in 617 plate appearances.

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Doubles in a Single World Series – Seven

Newt Allen … Kansas City Monarchs’ 2B Newt Allen rapped seven doubles in the best-of-nine 1924 Negro League World Series, as his Monarchs topped the Hilldale Club five games-to four (one tie). Allen collected 11 hits (39 at bats) in the Series) and seven of them were doubles.  During the 1924 regular season, Allen hit just eight doubles in 73 games (298 at bats).

Side Note:  The most doubles in a best-of-seven World Series is six, by Tigers’ RF Pete Fox in the 1934 World Series. For the Series (Cardinals over Tigers four games-to-three), Fox went 8-for-28 (.286).

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Triples in a World Series Game – Two

Tommy Leach, Patsy Dougherty, Dutch Reuther, Bobby Richardson, Tommy Davis, Mark Lemke

Tommy Leach, Pirates … Game One 1903 World Series (Pirates/Boston Americans). Notably, both three-baggers were hit off Cy Young.  Part of a four-for-five day.

Patsy Dougherty, Boston Americans … Game Five 1903 World Series, part of a three-for-six, three-RBI day.

Dutch Reuther, Reds … Game One, 1919 World Series (Reds/White Sox). Reuther gets special mention as the only pitcher on the list. He collected two triples, a single and a walk in four plate appearances – and also pitched a one-run, six-hit, complete game, as his Reds triumphed 9-1. Reuther was a solid-hitting pitcher, putting up a .258 average, with seven home runs and 111 RBI over 11 MLB seasons.

Bobby Richardson, Yankees … Game Six 1960 World Series (Pirates/Yankees). The Yankee second-sacker went two-for-three with one run and three RBI in the game.

Tommy Davis, Dodgers – Game Two, 1963 World Series (Dodgers/Yankees). The Dodgers’ CF went two-for-four, with one run and two RBI.

Mark Lemke, Braves … Game Six, 1991 World Series (Braves/Twins). A two-for-three day with two runs and three RBI for the Braves’ 2B.

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Triples in a Single World Series – Four

Tommy Leach … Pirates’ 3B Tommy Leach had four triples among his nine hits (in 33 at bats) in the 1903 best-of-nine World Series, won by the Boston Americans five games-to-three.

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Now Let switch to the moundsmen.

 

Perfect Games in the World Series 

Don Larsen, Yankees …. Game 6 1960 World Series (October 8). Don Larsen, coming off a 11-5, 2.36 season, pitched the World Series’ only Perfect Game – retiring all 27 Dodger batters on a total of 97 pitchers as the Yankees won 2-0. Larsen, who fanned seven, reached ball three on only one Dodger hitter (Dodgers’ shortstop Pee Wee Reese in the first inning). Dodgers’ pitcher Sal Maglie had the longest at bat versus Larsen – a seven-pitch at bat before fanning on a 2-2 pitch to end the sixth inning.

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No-Hitter (not a Perfect Game) in a World Series

Red Grier, Red Farrell

Red Grier … Claude “Red” Grier of the Atlantic City Bacharach Giants (Eastern Colored League) tossed a no-hitter versus the Chicago American Giants (Negro National League) in a 10-0 win in Game Three of the 1926 Negro League World Series. Grier walked six and fanned eight in the outing – and also collected three hits (a double and two singles) and a walk.

Red Farrell …. Luther “Red’ Farrell of the Atlantic City Bacharach Giants tossed a seven-inning (game called on account of darkness) no-hitter in Game Four of the 1927 Negro League World Series – as Atlantic City topped the Chicago American Giants 3-2.  Luther gave up two unearned runs, walked five and fanned three.  (Atlantic City made four errors.)

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There have been more than 90 single-pitcher shutouts in World Series play, so let’s just look at the two narrower categories: Extra-Inning, Single-Pitcher Shutouts & Multiple Shutouts in a Single World Series.

Extra-Inning World Series Shutouts

Johnny Markham, Christy Mathewson, Clem Labine, Jack Morris

Johnny Markham, Homestead Grays … In Game Seven of the 1943 Negro League World Series (the Series went eight games – one tie), Markham threw an eight-hit, 11-inning shutout (one walk and zero – yes, zero – strikeouts), as his Homestead Grays topped the Birmingham Black Barons 1-0. His mound opponent, Roy Partlow gave up ten hits (two walks/two whiffs) and one run in 10 2/3 innings.  Markham’s is the longest single-pitcher shutout in World Series history.

Christy Mathewson, Giants … In Game Two of the 1913 World Series (Giants/Athletics), Christy Mathewson pitched a ten-inning, eight-hit, one-walk, five-strikeout shutout as his Giants won 3-0.  Mathewson himself drove in the game’s first run with a single off Athletics’ starter Eddie Plank. (The Giants scored three times in the top of the tenth.)

Clem Labine, Dodgers … In Game Five of the 1956 World Series (Dodgers/Yankees), Clem Labine went ten innings and shutout the Yankees on four hits, two walks and five strikeouts. Bob Turley went the distance for the Yankees, giving up just one run on four hits, with eight walks and 11 whiffs.  Jackie Robinson drove in the only run of the game plating Jim Gilliam with a single with two outs in the bottom of the tenth.

Jack Morris, Twins …  Jack Morris tossed a ten-inning, complete-game shutout as the Twins won Game Seven of the 1991 Series 1-0. Ironman Morris tossed 126 pitches in shutting out the Braves on seven hits, with two walks and eight whiffs.

 

 

Rest?  I’ve Got All Winter to Rest.

When Christy Mathewson threw his still-record three-shutouts in the five-game 1905 World Series, he did it in a span of six days.  On October 9 (Game One), the New Y0rk Giants’ mound giant shutout the Athletics 3-0 on four-hits. On October 12, still in Philadelphia, he whitewashed the A’s 9-0 on another four-hitter; Then, on October 14, he tossed a six-hit shutout in a 2-0 win that gave the Giants the Series four games to one. Notably, every game in the Series saw the winning pitcher go the distance in a shutout.

A few tidbits for trivia buffs:

• Lew Burdette, at one point in the 1957 World Series, threw 24 straight scoreless innings versus a powerful (and favored) Yankee squad;
• Sandy Koufax threw his second 1965 World Series shutouts on just two days rest;
• In the 1960 World Series, the Pirates scored zero runs in Whitey Ford‘s two starts and 27 runs in the other five games. The Yankees scored 22 runs in Ford’s two starts and 33 runs in the other five games;
• Bill Dineen started four games in the best-of-nine 1903 World Series (which went eight games), completed them all and went and went 3-1, 2.06;
• The Pirates’ Deacon Phillippe pitched a World Series record five complete games in the Series, going 3-2, 3.07.

Starting To Become Rare Air

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Lowest Earned Run Average – Single World Series (minimum 18 innings pitched) – 0.00

Christy Mathewson, Waite H0yte, Carl Hubbell, Whitey For

Christy Mathewson … Okay, this is a little repetitive, but it bears repeating. In the 1905 World Series, Giants’ righty Christy Mathewson put up a 0.00 earned run average over 27 innings. In fact, he threw three shutouts in six days.   So, three starts, 27 innings pitched, no runs, 13 hits, one walk and 18 whiffs.  (Keep in mind, in 1905, MLB pitchers average just 3.9 strikeouts per nine frames.)  That season, by the way, Mathewson went 31-9, 1.28 with 32 complete games and eight shutouts in 43 appearances (37 starts).

Waite Hoyte … In 1921, 21-year-old Waite Hoyt (after a 19-13, 3.09 season for the Yankees) was pegged to start Game Two of the World Series (on October 6 versus the rival Giants). Hoyte responded with a two-hit shutout (five walks and five strikeouts) in a 3-0 Yankee win.  Four days later (October 10), with the Series tied at two games apiece), he started again and threw a gutsy ten-hitter giving up just one unearned run as the Yankees won 3-1. In that game, the Giants had runners on base in seven of the nine innings. Hoyte next pitched on October 13 – in the winner-take-all Game Seven and, despite giving up just one unearned run, took the loss in a 1-0 Giants win. In that one, Hoyte gave up six hits and four walks, while fanning seven. The only run scored in the top of the first inning, on an error by shortstop Roger Peckinpaugh.

Carl Hubbell … Hubbell started two games for the Giants, as they topped the Nationals in the 1933 World Series.  He put up a 0.00 ERA over 20 innings.  his efforts included a complete game in a Giants’ 5-2 win in Game One (two unearned runs, five hits, two walks, ten strikeouts) and an 11-inning complete game in Game Four – one unearned run, eight hits, four walks, five strikeouts.

Whitey Ford …  In the 1960 World Series (won by the Pirates over the Yankees in seven games), Whitey Ford pitched in two of the most lopsided shutouts in Series’ history, In Game Three, Ford pitched a four-hit (one walk/three strikeouts) shutout as New York prevailed 10-0. In Game Six, he again blanked the Pirates (seven hits, one walk, five whiffs), as the Yankees won 12-0.

In the 1960 World Series, the Yankees outhit the Pirates .338 to .256, outhomered them 10-4 4, and outscored them 55-27. The Pirates, however, won the Series four games to three.

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Most Innings pitched in a World Series Game -14

Babe Ruth … Babe Ruth pitched 14 innings for the Red Sox in a World Series complete-game, six-hit, 2-1 win (over the Brooklyn Robins) on October 9, 1916. Ruth gave up just six hits (three walks/four strikeouts) over the 14 frames. He also picked up an RBI on a third-inning ground out.

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The Deacon Phillippe Standard Setter

In the 1903 World Series (best-of-nine between the Boston Americans and Pittsburgh Pirates), the Pirates Deacon Phillippe set a host of World Series records – most games started (5), most complete games (5), most innings pitched (44). (The Series went eight games.) He also tied the record for wins in a single World Series (three).

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Most Strikeouts in a World Series Game – 17

Bob Gibson … In the Opening Game of the 1968 World Series (October 8), the Cardinals’ Bob Gibson (facing the Tigers) struck out a World Series’ single-game record 17 hitters – getting each of the nine players in the Tigers’ starting lineup at least once. Gibson threw a five-hit shutout, as St. Louis won 4-0.

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Most Strikeouts in a Single World Series

Bob Gibson … As you might expect, Gibson holds the record for strikeouts in a single World Series (35 in 27 innings pitched in 1968). Gibson also holds the second spot on this list with 31 strikeouts in the 1964 Series (27 innings pitched) and is tied for the number-five spot with 26 strikeouts in the 1967 World Series. At number-three is the Dodgers’ Sandy Koufax, with 29 strikeouts in 24 innings in 1965. Number four is the Boston Americans’ Bill Dineen, with 28 strikeouts in 35 innings in 1903.  Tied with Gibson for the five spot are the Atlantic City Bacharach Giants’ Claude “Red” Grier (26 strikeouts in 27 2/3 innings in the 1926 Negro league World Series) and the Diamondbacks’ Curt Schilling (26 strikeouts in 21 1/3 innings in 200).

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Batters Hit-by-Pitch in a World Series Game   – Four

Lance McCullers, Jr. … McCullers, Jr. started Game Seven of the 2017 World Series for the Astros (versus the Dodgers in LA) and lasted just 2 1/3 innings.  In the bottom of the first, he gave up a leadoff double and, in the course of the inning, hit Dodger 3B Justin Turner and RF Yasiel Puig. (He also fanned a pair of batters – SS Corey Seager and 1B Cody Bellinger.)  He pitched around a single and hit-b -pitch (PH Enrique Hernandez), leaving the inning with a 5-0 lead.

McCullers was lifted with one out in the in the third frame after giving up a single by Seager, hitting Turner with a pitch and fanning Bellinger.  The Astros went on to a 5-1 win, with McCullers getting a no-decision.

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Strikeouts by A Reliever in a World Series Game – 11

Moe Drabowsky … In the Opening Game of the 1966 World Series (October 5) between the Orioles and Dodgers, Drabowsky came on in the bottom of the third inning with the Orioles up 4-1.  The Dodgers, however, had the bases loaded with one out (starter Dave McNally had walked RF Lou Johnson, LF Tommy Davis and 2B Jim Lefebvre in succession). Drabowsky got 1B Wes Parker on a strikeout; walked 2B Jim Gilliam to force in a run; and retired got C Johnny Roseboro on a foul pop up.

Drabowsky went on to fan the side in order in the fourth and fifth innings. Ultimately, he finished the game, pitching 6 2/3 frames – giving up one hit and two walks and fanning 11, as the Orioles won 5-2. Those two runs would be the Dodgers only tallies in the four-game Series.  They lost the final three games by scores of 6-0, 1-0 and 1-0.

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Most Mound Appearances in a Single World Series

The record for pitching appearances in a single World Series in seven, shared by Darold Knowles (1973 A’s) – seven appearances, 6 1/3 innings, two saves and a 0.00 ERA – and Brandon Morrow (2017 Dodgers) – seven appearances, 5 1/3 innings pitched, and an 8.44 ERA.

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Most Hits Allowed in a World Series Game – 16

Ray Brown – The Homestead Grays’ Ray Brown threw a complete-game in the 1942 Negro League World Series Game Three matchup with the Kansas City Monarchs.  The Monarch won the contest 9-6, with Brown giving up a Series-record 16 hits.

Side Note:  If you are looking at just the AL and NL, the most hits allowed belongs to the great Walter Johnson of the Nationals, who gave up 15 hits and nine runs in a complete game 9-7 Game Seven Loss to the Pirates on October 15, 1925.  Johnson had pitched a one-run, five-hitter in wining Game One of the Series and a six-hit shutout in winning Game Four.

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Most Home Runs Allowed in a World Series Game – 5

Lance McCullers, Jr. … In Game Three of the 2022 World Series, Astros’ starter Lance McCullers, Jr. gave up six hits in 4 1/3 innings pitched – and five of those hits ended up in the stands.  (He also fanned five batters.)  McCullers gave up a two-run shot to the Phillie’s DH Bryce Harper in the first; solo homers to both 3B Alec Bohm and CF Brandon Marsh in the second; and a two -run homer to LF Kyle Schwarber, as well as a solo shot to 1B Rhys Hoskins in the fifth. McCullers’ Astros lost the game 7-5.

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Most Walks Allowed in a Word Series Game – Ten

Bill Bevens … On October 3, 1947, the Yankees’ Bill Bevens gave up just one hit (8 2/3 innings) in a 3-2 World Series loss to the Dodgers. Bevens, unfortunately, walked a World Series single-game record ten batters (one intentional), and free passes contributed to all the scoring.

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Most Runs Given Up in a World Series Game – Ten

Brickyard Kennedy … Bill “Brickyard” Kennedy gave up a World Series single-game record ten runs on October 7, 1903, as his Pirates lost to the Boston Americans 11-2. Kennedy was matched up in a scoreless duel with Cy Young through five innings, before giving up six runs – all unearned – on three hits and three errors in the sixth and another four runs (all earned) in the seventh.

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Earned Runs Given Up in a World Series Game – Eight

Grover Cleveland (Pete) Alexander, Ray Brown, Cotton Williams, Jay Witasick

Grover Cleveland Alexander … On October 5, 1928, Grover Cleveland (Pete) Alexander (16-9, 3.36 in the regular season) lasted only 2 1/3 innings against the Yankees – giving up eight runs on six hits (one home run) and four walks, in a game the Yankees won 9-3. The 41-year-old Alexander, with 364 regular-season wins under his belt, pitched just five innings in the Series (a Yankee sweep), giving up 11 runs.

Ray Brown … A little repetition here. The Homestead Grays’ Ray Brown threw a complete-game in the 1942 Negro League World Series Game Three matchup with the Kansas City Monarchs.  The Monarch won the contest 9-6, with Brown giving up a Series-record 16 hits, a total of nine runs of which eight were earned tying another Series record.

Cotton Williams … In Game Three of the 1946 Negro League World Series (Newark Eagles versus Kansas City Monarchs), the Eagles’ Cotton Williams came on in relief to open the fifth inning (with the Eagles trailing 6-2).  Over the next 3 2/3 innings, he gave up 11 hits and nine runs – including a Series record-tying eight earned runs.

Jay Witasick … On November 3, 2001 – in Game Six of the World Series – Yankees’ reliever Jay Witasick came on in the third inning against the Diamondbacks, who already had roughed up starter Andy Pettitte for six runs (on seven hits and two walks) in just two innings. Witasick gave up a record-tying eight earned runs (plus one unearned) in 1 1/3 innings. While he gave up ten hits, Witasick walked none and recorded all four of his outs on strikeouts. Eight of the first nine batters Witasick faced collected base hits (six single and two doubles).

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Most Saves in a Single World Series

John Wetteland … The Yankees’ John Wetteland appeared in five Game in the 1996 World Series – won by the Yankees (over the Braves) four games-to-two. Wetteland picked up four saves in 4 1/3 innings of work (four hits, one run, one walk, six strikeouts).

 

Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; Retrosheet.org; Baseball-Almanac.com; The World Series (Dial Press/Sports Products, Inc.)

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

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

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT. Follow me there for post notifications and links.

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  

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

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

This Tidbit looks at what is now popularly termed a “Maddux” – designated as a single-pitcher shutout of at least nine innings in which the pitcher threw less than 100 pitches.

There were three in 2025, tossed by the Rangers’ Nathan Eovaldi (99 pitches in a 1-0 win over the Reds April 1); the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal (94 pitches in a 5-0 win over the Guardians May 25); and the Cardinals’ Sonny Gray (89 pitches in a 5-0 win over the Guardians on June 27).  Overall, I was able to find 395 documented regular-season “Madduxes” – 329 since MLB officially began tracking pitch counts in 1988 and 66 pre-1988 listed by stathead.com.

Now, of course, the Baseball Roundtable goal is to find a “unicorn” or two among those 395 outings.  Well, it wasn’t no-hitters, 17 of the recorded Madduxes were no-nos. It also wasn’t perfect games. Available pitch counts (Baseball-Almanac.com) show that at least ten of MLB’s 24 regular-season perfect games were completed in less than 100 pitches (and you can add in Don Larsen’s perfecto in the 1956 World Series, which came in at 97 pitches).  A bit of #InBaseballRoundtableOneThingAlwaysSeemsToLeadToAnother, the most pitches thrown in a Perfect Game is 125, by Matt Cain of the Giants in his perfect outing versus the Astros (a 10-0 win) on June 13, 2012. In that one, Cain fanned 14 Astros, giving him a tie (with Sandy Koufax) for the most strikeouts in a Perfect Game.  But I digress. Let’s get back to our regularly scheduled programming.

It became clear, I was looking in the wrong forest for my Maddux unicorn. So, I changed direction – and I found my first unicorn: Only one pitcher has ever thrown a Maddux while giving up ten or more hits.

 

 

 

 

On August 3, 2004, Twins’ righthander Carlos Silva shutout the Angels on 99 pitches – while giving up 11 hits and two walks (he struck out three) and having one batter reach safely on an error. The Twins, ironically, equaled the Angels’ 11 hits, but tallied ten runs. They did draw three walks to the Angels’ two and had two hit batsmen, with no one reaching on an an error. However, there were two big differences.  First, The Angels’ hits were all singles, while the Twins’ hit parade included four home runs and a double.  Second, the Twins turned six double plays behind Silva to zero twin killings turned by the Angels. In Silva’s Maddux, 19 of the thirty batters he faced saw two or fewer pitches (seven of those putting the first pitch of the at bat in play).

Silva went 14-8, 4.21 in 2004 and that Maddux was his only complete game.  For his career (2002-2010 … Phillies, Twins, Mariners, Cubs), Silva went 70-70, 4.68 in 316 games/180 starts, with six complete games and two shutouts.

I also found another interesting unicorn. Only one player has pitched what I’d call an Uber-Maddux. On September 6, 2003, the Blue Jays’ Roy Halladay pitched the only extra-inning Maddux. In a tough 1-0 win over the Tigers, Halladay pitched ten shutout innings (three hits, one walk, five strikeouts) on just 99 pitches.

Now, a few more Maddux’ tidbits.

• Strikeouts, of course, run up the pitch count and diminish the opportunity for a Maddux. The most strikeouts in a Maddux is 13, achieved by the Tigers’ Tarik Skubal May 25 of this season (in a 5-0, 94-pitch win over the Guardians). Seventy-two of Skubal’s 94 pitches were strikes (includes balls put in play) and his 13 strikeouts used 59 pitches, while the 16 batters he faced that didn’t fan required a total of 35 pitches.
• Walks also run up the pitch count and the most walks issued in a Maddux is five, by the Dodger’s Vic Lombardi in a 5-0, 92-pitch win over the Cubs on July 11, 1947. Lombardi’s Maddux got off to a slow start. In the first two innings, he gave up three walks and a single and used 35 pitches. He struck out two in the game and was aided by four double plays.
• The fewest pitches thrown in a Maddux is 58 by the Braves’ Red Barrett in a 2-0 win over the Reds on August 10, 1944. Barrett’s game was a two-hitter, with no strikeouts or walks. Although the pitch count for this game is not listed in stathead.com (so, if you’ve read this far, you can add one to my 395 Maddux count), it is generally recognized and can be found in his Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) bio by Sidney Davis; The SABR Article “August 10, 1944: Braves’ Red Barrett shuts out the Reds with record-low 58 pitches” (by Jack Zerby); the Baseball-Reference.com Bullpen section; the “Michelson Book of World Baseball Records”; and Baseball-Almanac.com. This outing is also recognized as the fewest pitches ever in any nine-inning complete game.
• As you might expect, Greg Maddux holds the record for the most career Madduxes thrown (13). Next on the list is Zane Smith with seven. Maddux shares the record for the most Madduxes tossed in a season (three in 1998), with Smith (1991) and Sandy Koufax (1964).

I would add that Madduxes are becoming more of a rarity (which is an obvious trend given today’s pitching usage.  Going back to the first year of MLB officially tracking pitch counts as a statistic: The five seasons from 1988-92 saw 92 Madduxes, while the most recent five MLB seasons (2021-25) saw 17. The last season in which we saw ten or more Madduxes was 2014 when there were 12.

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

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

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

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT. Follow me there for post notifications and links.

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  

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

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There were plenty of memorable moments/accomplishments in the 2025 MLB season.  In this post, Baseball Roundtable will look at eleven that stood out for me (Everyone does a top ten, why not a top eleven?) – some were one game, some were one series, some were all season and some covered multiple seasons.  Keep in mind, that this list and its rankings are totally subjective. They are Baseball Roundtable’s takeaways from the 2025 season and I hope they encourage you to consider how you might rank the MLB events of 2025.

Number-One – Cal Raleigh’s Smashing Season … Sixty is Nifty

Mariners’ catcher Cal Raleigh was a proven source of power coming into the 2025 season, having hit 27 home runs in 2022, 30 in 2023 and 34 in 2024.  In 2025, Raleigh raised the bar, going .247-60-125 – becoming just the seventh player to reach the 60-home run mark in a season (joining Babe Ruth, Barry Bonds, Roger Maris, Mark McGwire, Sammy Sosa and Aaron Judge).  In the process, Raleigh literally smashed a lot of records:

• Most home runs in a season by a player suiting up primarily at catcher (topping Salvador Perez’ 48 in 2021);
• Most home runs in a season while in games as catcher with 49 (topping Javy Lopez’ 42 in 2003);
• Most home runs in a season by a switch hitter, (topping Mickey Mantle’s 54 in 1961);
• Most home runs in a season by a Seattle Mariner, topping Ken Griffey, Jr.’s 56 in 1997 & 1998).

And, of course, Raleigh led the Mariners into the post-season.

A Family Affair

In 2025, Cal Raleigh became the first catcher to win the MLB All Star Game Home Run Derby – and he made it a family affair.  His father Todd Raleigh, Sr. pitched to Cal, while his 15-year-old brother, Todd Raleigh, Jr., served as his catcher.

And, Raleigh does not just swing a powerful bat. He was a Gold Glove winner in 2024.

Number Two – Four-ging a Legacy … Nick Kurtz’ Big Day and MLB’s Three-for-Four Season

2025 marked the first time in MLB history that we saw three MLB-record, four-homer games in one season – Eugenio Suarez, Kyle Schwarber and Nick Kurtz.  The one that will stand out in my memory belonged to Kurtz.

The Athletics’ 22-year-old rookie 1B (at DH, batting second) earned unicorn status as the first MLB rookie to bash four dingers in a single game, as well as the youngest major leaguer to accomplish the feat.

Kurtz’ offensive explosion came in a July 25 15-3 Athletics’ win in Houston. In addition to the four dingers, Kurtz had a double and a single for 19 total bases – tying the Dodgers’ Shawn Green (May 23, 2002) for the most total bases ever in a single MLB game.  Notably, Kurtz came into the ninth inning with three long balls – and scheduled to bat sixth. Luckily, the A’s extended the inning (fly ball out, single, double, groundout, single) to bring Kurtz to the plate in the top of the final inning with two on and two out – and he delivered his fourth home run of the game, as well as his sixth, seventh and eighth RBI.

His day went like this:

• First Inning – Single (off Ryan Gusto) with one out and no one on;
• Second Inning – Two-out, two-run home run (Gusto);
• Fourth Inning – One-out, RBI-double (Gusto);
• Sixth Inning – One-out, solo homer (off Nick Hernandez);
• Eighth Inning – One-out, solo home run (off Kaleb Ort);
• Ninth Inning – Two-out, three-run homer run (off Cooper Hummel).

They Call Him The Streak

From July 10 through July 25, Nick Kurtz enjoyed a 12-game hitting streak, during which he hit .553 (25-for-47), with nine home runs, one triple, ten doubles, 20 RBI and 18 runs scored.

The 6’5”, 240-lb Kurtz finished the season at .290-36-86 in 117 games, with his 36 long balls being the eighth-most ever by an MLB rookie. Keep in mind, that Kurtz put up these numbers after just 33 minor-league games (.344-12-20). He was a 2024 first -round (fourth overall) draft choice out of Wake Forest University, where he hit .333-61-182 over three seasons (164 games).

Number Three – Tyler O’Neill … Opening Day Hero

On March 27, new Orioles’ RF Tyler O’Neill went deep for a record (breaking his own mark) sixth consecutive Opening Day.  To add to his unicorn status, over the past three seasons, O’Neill has homered on Opening Day for three different teams: Cardinals in 2023; Red Sox in 2024; and Orioles in 2025. (Side note: O’Neill has been in the starting lineup for exactly six Opening Days. He also had one pinch hit appearance on an Opening Day before the start of his HR streak.) His overall, Opening Day stat line: nine-for-nineteen (.473), six home runs and 14 RBI. Oh yeah, the Orioles won their 2025 Opener 12-2 over the Blue Jays – getting two homers apiece from C Adley Rutschman and CF Cedric Mullins, as well as solo shots by 2B Jordan Westburg and O’Neill.

O’Neill finished the 2025 season at .199-9-26. It was his eighth MLB season (2018-25 … Cardinals, Red Sox, Orioles), during which he has gone .242-118-304.  His best season was 2021, when he went .286-34-80, with 15 steals for the Cardinals.

Number Four – Trea Turner’s Batting Title … and the Disappearing .300 hitter

In 2025, Trea Turner won the National League batting title with a.304 average, the lowest average ever to capture an NL title and the second lowest to earn an MLB title (Carl Yastrzemski won the AL title in 1968 – The Year of the Pitcher – with a .301 average.  Turner was also the only qualifying National Leaguer to hit at least .300 – just as Yaz was the only qualifying American Leaguer to hit .300 in 1968. (There have been only four batting crowns award to qualifying hitters with an average under .310: Turner; Yastrzemski; George “Snuffy” Stirnweiss, 1945 Yankees at .309; and Elmer Flick, 1905 Naps, at .308.) The Roundtable did a full post on this particularly highlight – and the Case of the Disappearing .300+ Hitter – which you can access by clicking here.

Number-Five – 3,000 for Clayton … A Stay-At-Home Champion

On July 2, the Dodgers topped the White Sox 5-4 in LA – a much-expected win. The 53,536 fans in attendance, however, were anticipating more than a Dodger victory.  Dodger Clayton Kershaw – a three-time Cy Young Award winner in his 18th MLB season – came into the game with 2,997 career strikeouts and the crowd was amped to see number 3,000.

It came as Kershaw recorded the final out in the sixth inning and the victim was White Sox’ 3B Vinny Capra (the final batter Kershaw faced in the game).  Kershaw, by the way, gave up nine hits and four runs over his six frames and got a no-decision.

A few things caught my eye: Kershaw became just the 20th MLB pitcher to reach the 3,000+ strikeout mark; the fifth MLB pitcher to record 3,000 strikeouts for one team during his career; and (given his announced retirement) just the third pitcher to record 3,000 or more strikeouts for one team and have those be the only strikeouts of his MLB career.

Coming off shoulder surgery, Kershaw made his first 2025 appearance on May 17 and picked up his first 2025 win on June 8. He finished the season 11-2, 3.36, with 84 strikeouts in 112 2/3 innings (23 appearances/22 starts). For his 18-season Dodger career (2008-25), he is 223-96, 2.53 with 3,052 strikeouts in 2,855 1/3 innings. He was an eleven-time All Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner and 2014 NL MOst Valuable Player.

Number Six – Good Timing, Lord Byron (Buxton) … One of the Season’s Two Cycles

On July 12, fans lined up early at Target Field for a chance at that game’s give-away – a Byron Buxton Bobblehead. Their timing – and Buxton’s – was spot on. In the contest, a 12-4 Twins’ win over the Pirates, Buxton delivered a five-for-five performance – and one of two cycles (single, double, triple, home run in the same game) of the 2025 season. The Cubs’ Carson Kelly hit for the cycle in a March 31 18-3 win over the Athletics.

Buxton’s day went like this:

• First Inning – Leadoff infield single off Mike Burrows;
• Second Inning -Triple (with one out and no one on) to deep center off Burrows;
• Third Inning- Ground-rule RBI double (with two on and no outs) off Genesis Cabrera;
• Fifth Inning – Single (one out, none on) off Yohan Ramirez;
• Seventh Inning – Home run (two outs, none on) to center on an 0-2 pitch from Andrew Heaney.

Buxton’s line: Five-for-five, three runs, two RBI and a cycle plus an extra single.

For those who like to know such things: It was the first cycle ever at Target field (opened in 2010).

Postscript or #WithBaseballRoundtableOneTningAlwaysSeemsToLeadToAnother

The most cycles ever in an MLB season is nine – accomplished in 1933 and 2009; Here are the names. 1933: Pepper Martin, Cardinals; Chuck Klein, Phillies; Arky Vaughn, Pirates; Mickey Cochrane, Athletics; Pinky Higgins, Athletics; Jimmie Foxx, Athletics; Earl Averill, Indians; Bob Herman, Cubs.  2009; Orlando Hudson, Dodgers; Ian Kinsler, Rangers; Jason Kubel, Twins; Michael Cuddyer, Twins; Melky Cabrera, Yankees; Troy Tulowitzki, Rockies; Felix Pie, Orioles;  B.J. Upton, Rays. 

The most cycles by a player in an MLB season is two: John Reilly, 1883 Cincinnati Red Stockings (American Association); Tip O’Neill,  1887 St, Louis Browns (American Association); Babe Herman, 1931 Dodgers); Aaron Hill, 2012 Diamondbacks; Christian Yelich, 2018, Brewers. 

Disclaimer: While the Negro Leagues from 1920-48 have been declared major leagues, game-by-game statistics have not been fully incorporated into MLB records. 

Number-Seven – Out-Madduxing the Professor … One of a Lucky Thirteen

There were a lucky thirteen single-pitcher shutouts in 2025, but a different lucky 13 stood out among that Bakers’ Dozen.  On May 25, Tigers’ lefty Tarik Skubal threw something rarer than a CG shutout – a “Maddux” – a nine-inning shutout using less than 100 pitches (named such in honor of Hall of Famer Greg Maddux). In running his season record to 5-2, 2.49, Skubal shutout the Guardians in a 5-0 Tigers’ win.  Skubal fanned 13 batters in his 94-pitch outing (the most strikeouts ever in a “Maddux”).  Maddux himself never fanned more than nine batters in a “Maddux.”  The Tigers’ ace gave up just two hits (no walks) and threw 72 strikes among his 94 pitches. Skubal finished the season 13-6, with an AL-best (among qualifiers) 2.21 earned run average and 241 strikeouts in 195 1/3 innings. His “Maddux” was his only 2025 complete game.

This past season, by the way, saw three Madduxes: Skubal’s and outings by the Rangers’ Nathan Eovaldi (who used 99 pitches to top the Reds 1-0 on April 1) and the Cardinals’ Sonny Gray (who used 89 pitches in a 5-0, one-hit, 11-strikeout) win over the Guardians on June 27.

Maddux, by the way, holds the record for throwing the most Madduxes at, of course, 13.

Unicorn of Efficiency

Of the 395 documented Madduxes (one-pitcher shutouts of at least nine innings and less than 100 pitches), the Cubs’ Jon Lieber was the most efficient, using just 78 pitches (56 strikes) to top the Reds 3-0 on May 24, 2001. He gave up one hit and one walk, while fanning two, in the game. In that game, he used 13 pitches on the final two hitters (walk/double play). Both went to 3-2 counts (The only time he reached three balls on a batter in a game).

Side Note: Since MLB officially began tracking pitch counts as a stat, there have been 329 “Madduxes.” Stathead.com also lists 66 “Madduxes” before 1988.

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Your Hit Parade Extra – Mason Miller’s Immaculate Inning

Now, if you get the reference in the title of this “extra,” you can join me as official “geezers.” It is drawn from the radio and then TV Show “Your Hit Parade,” which featured a cast of non-star singers performing the top ten hits from the charts – with an occasional Hit Parade Extra song tossed in.  Why a ticket to “geezerdom?”  The last episode of the show aired in 1959.  Anyway, here’s your extra.

In 2025, the Marlins’ Cal Quantrill; Orioles’ Brandon Young; Cubs’ Andrew Kittredge; and Padres’ Mason Miller all tossed Immaculate Innings (three batters up, three batters struck out, nine total pitches). Miller’s Immaculate Frame (eighth inning, September 3, versus the Orioles) stuck out as a highlight for me for a handful of reasons: 

• Miller struck out the side on nine consecutive sliders;
• The slider is not Miller’s most-used pitch. That would be his four-seam fastball which averaged 101.2 MPH in 2025 – highest average speed in in MLB;
• None of his nine pitches in the inning were “touched” – no foul tips or foul balls;
• After a called strike on his first pitch of the inning, he followed with eight swings and misses.

How devastating was his slider? If you look at the video, it appears that as many as eight of his sliders (including the called strike) were outside of the strike zone.

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Number Eight – Quinn Priester… Hard to Beat This Trade

On April 7, the Milwaukee Brewers traded OF prospect Yophery Rodriguez, a Competitive Balance 2025 Draft pick and a Player to Be Named Later (RHP John Holobetz) to the Red Sox for RHP Quinn Priester (a prospect with a 6-9, 6.23 MLB record in 21 games/14 starts and a 26-17, 3.61 minor-league record, with 428 strikeouts over 408 2/3 minor-league innings). It worked out pretty well.  Priester went 13-3, 3.32 in 29 games (24 starts) for the Brew Crew.  What caught my eye was his last appearance of 2025.  On September 26, in a 13-3 Brewers’ loss to the Reds, Priester gave up nine hits and three runs over five innings (and took the loss). It caught my eye, because it broke a pretty nice streak for Priester.  From May 30 until that September 26 game, Priester appeared in 19 games for the Brewers (16 starts) and Milwaukee won all 19. Priester went 12-0, 2.84 over that span. Perhaps he should be on a box of Lucky Charms ©.  Priester went 13-3, 3.32 in 29 appearances/24 starts on the season.

Number Nine – The Blue Jays/Rockies … Was There No Goalie?

On August 4, the Blue Jays opened a three-game series against the Rockies (in Colorado) with a 15-1 victory.  In the game, they punched out 25 hits and three home runs. Ah, but that was just the beginning of a record-setting offensive onslaught. The Blue Jays swept the series by scores of 15-1, 10-4 and 20-1. In the process, they banged out 63 hits – a Modern Era record for base hits in a three-game set. The record was previously held by the Red Sox, who recorded 62 hits against the Browns (in Fenway) in a three-game series June 7-9, 1950. In that one, the Red Sox won Games One and Two by scores of 29-4 and 20-4, but lost the final game 12-7.

In the Blue Jays/Rox series, the Blue Jays hit .457 (63-for-38), with 13 home runs.

Number Ten … Is 30-30 The New 20-20?

I’ll remember 2025 for the fact that a record seven players reached the 30-30 mark (30 home runs and 30 stolen bases). Never before had there been more than four 30-30 players in one season.  Since 2020, there have been 15 20-20 seasons in MLB, which means nearly half of those came in 2025. To date, there have been 79 MLB 30-30 seasons, accomplished by 51 players.

The highlight, for The Roundtable, among those 30-30’s? On September 20, as the Guardians whitewashed the Twins 6-0 in Minnesota (first game of a day/night doubleheader), Guardians’ star Jose Ramirez smacked a solo home run in the first inning off Twins’ starter Joe Ryan. It was his 30th home run of the season and – with his 40 stolen bases (in 47 attempts) – made Ramirez:

• the first player in the Cleveland franchise with three 30-30 seasons;
• the second switch-hitter in MLB history with three 30-30 seasons; and
• the second third baseman in MLB history with three 30-30 seasons.

Ramirez was .270-39-105 with 34 steals in 2018; .335-39-118, with 41 steals in 2024; .283-30-85, with 44 steals in 2025.  He is a seven-time All Star with a career (2013-25) .279-285-949, 287-steal stat line.

For those who like to know such things, the first switch-hitter and first third baseman with three 30-30 seasons was Howard Johnson (Mets … 1987, 1989, 1991).

Number Eleven – Shea Langeliers … A First Time for Everything

On August 5, Athletics’ C Shea Langeliers found himself batting in the leadoff position for this first time in his MLB career – and he delivered – notching his second career three-homer game.

As the A’s blasted past the Nationals 16-7, Langeliers went five-for-six with four runs, three RBI, three homers, a double and a single.  In the process, he became just the second catcher with a three-homer game while batting leadoff (Travis d’Arnaud in 2019) – and yes, this is another example of #InBaseballWeCountEverything,  Langeliers also tied the Modern Era record for the most total bases in a game by a catcher (15), joining Walker Cooper (1949) and Wes Westrom (195O). Langeliers finished the season at .277-31-72 on 123 games.

 

Primary Resources: stathead.com; baseball-almanac.com;  baseballsavant.mlb.com

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

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

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT. Follow me there for post notifications and links.

Follow Baseball Roundtable’s Facebook Page here.  

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

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

In this Tidbit post, we’re taking a look at Trea Turner’s 2025 National League Batting Championship – and some trends that point toward the “disappearing .300 hitter. “

In 2025, Turner won the National League batting title with a.304 average, the lowest average ever to capture an NL title (unicorn status) and the second-lowest to earn an MLB title (Carl Yastrzemski won the AL title in 1968 – which became known as The Year of the Pitcher – with a .301 average.) Turner was also the only qualifying National Leaguer to hit at least .300 – just as Yaz was the only qualifying American Leaguer to hit .300 in 1968. (There have been only four batting crowns awarded to qualifying hitters with an average under .310: Turner; Yastrzemski; Snuffy Stirnweiss, 1945 Yankees at .309; and Elmer Flick, 1905 Naps, at .308.)

All this makes Turner’s .304 memorable … and that .304 average sent me deeper into to the record books (as always, with Baseball Roundtable, one thing led to another). I first went back to 1953 – the first year I attended an MLB game and the year that launched my obsession with all things baseball. Turns out, that season, MLB (with just 16 teams) had 27 qualifying hitters with averages of .300 or better (as compared to just seven qualifying hitters with .300+ averages among 2025’s 30 teams).

Next, I took a look at 1968 – again The Year of the Pitcher – and found there were just six qualifying .300+ hitters that season (there were 20 teams versus 30 in 2025). A little math shows with an additional ten teams, we could have expected nine 300+ qualifying hitters in 1968 – pretty close to the 7,7,9 of 2025, 2024, 2023. So, I wondered if 1968 was a sign of the times (as 2025 appears to be) or was it an outlier. Turns out, it was more of an outlier.  The .300+ qualifying hitter total for the years around 1968 were: 1966 – 12; 1967 – 16; 1968 – 6; 1969 – 18.

Well, loving statistics, I keep digging to see if the numbers would back up the theory that .300+ qualified hitters are truly on a decline. First, I wanted to see if the numbers qualifying hitters were on a downward slope. A it turns out (and the chart below shows), that is not the case.  Of the 11 seasons I called up, 2025 had the third-most qualifying hitters. Further, in those seasons, the number of qualifying hitters per team fell into a fairly small range (4.3 to 5.5) and 2025 fell in the middle of that group (tied for the sixth most).

Then came the most telling statistic, at least for The Roundtable, the percent of qualifying hitters in each season that hit .300+. Of the 11 seasons in the chart, 2023, 2024 and 2025 occupied the three bottom positions at 5.7%, 5.4% and 4.8%, respectively (declining, as you might notice, each year). Further, no other season on the chart saw less than 12.2 percent of qualifying hitters hit .300+.

So, it does appear that qualifying .300+ hitters are fading from the scene.  The question becomes why?  Better (or at least higher-velocity) pitching? Changing pitcher-use strategies? More emphasis on the long ball (versus making contact)?  As usual with Baseball Roundtable, one thing has led to another, and I have more research to do.

Primary Resource: Stathead.com

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P 1137

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

This week, we’re looking at MLB’s 30-30 Club. When it comes to the 30-30 Club (30 home runs and thirty steals in the same season), 2025 was a bit of a unicorn – a record seven players (see chart) reached at least 30 steals and 30 home runs. The previous record was four – in 1987, 1996, 1997, 2011 and 2023.

 

We’ll look at each of this year’s 30-30 group, but (as usual with The Roundtable, looking at one thing led to another), so I’ll start this post with a little history and stats related to 30-30 campaigns.

Now, 30-30 seasons did not use to be a “thing.” In fact, the first MLB 30-30 campaign did not take place until 1922 and it remained an exclusive, one-man club for 34 years.

The first 30-30 season was crafted by in 1922 by St, Louis Browns’ LF Ken Williams, who put together a .332-39-155, 37-steal season. In that campaign, he led the American League in home runs and RBI.  In a 14-season MLB career (1915-16, 1918-29 … Reds, Browns, Red Sox), Williams went .319-196-916, with 154 steals. Outside of that 1922 season, his highest season home run total was 29 and his highest stolen base total was 20.  As noted, Williams was all alone in the 30-30 Club until 1956, when Willie Mays put together a .296-36-84, 40-steal season for the New York Giants.

To date, there have been 79 30-30 seasons, accomplished by 51 players.

30-30 SEASONS (Since 1900)

1900-1955    1

1956-69        4

1970-79        5

1980-89        7

1990-99        20

2000-09        17

2010-19        10

2020-25         15

 

A few other Tidbits:

 

• The record for the most career 30-30 seasons is five – and it is shared by a father-son combination. Bobby Bonds went 30-30 in 1969, 1973, 1975, 1977 and 1978; while Barry Bonds accomplished the feat in 1990, 1992, 1995,1996 and 1997. Barry Bonds is also the only player with three consecutive 30-30 seasons.
• Only two players have reached the 30-30 level while playing with two teams in a season: Bobby Bonds and Carlos Beltran. In 1978, Bonds went .267-31-90, with 43 steals. He had 29 home runs and 37 steals in 130 games with the Rangers and two long balls and six steals with the White Sox. In 2004, Beltran went .267-38-104, with 42 steals. He had 23 homers and 28 steals in 90 games with the Astros and 15 homers and 14 steals in 69 games with the Royals.
• The Mets have had more 30-30 seasons than any other team (eight); Howard Johnson (1987, 89, 91); Francisco Lindor (2023, 25); Juan Soto (2025); David Wright (2007); Darryl Strawberry (1987).
• The franchises which have never add a 30-30 season are the: Padres; Rays; Tigers; White Sox; Twins; and Cardinals. (Bobby Bonds did play 26 games for the White Sox in his 1978 30-30 season; along with 130 for the Rangers).
• Only three teams have had two 30-30 players in their lineup in the same season: 2025 Mets (Francisco Lindor/Juan Soto); 1996 Rockies (Ellis Burks/Dante Bichette); 1987 Mets (Howard Johnson/Darryl Strawberry).
• The most home runs in a 30-30 season (54) belong to the Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani, who went .310-54-130, with 59 steals in 2024. His is the only 50-50 season in MLB history.
• The most stolen bases in a 30-30 season (73) belong to the Braves’ Ronald Acuna, Jr., who went .337-41-106, with 73 steals in 2023.
• The first 30-30 player, Ken Williams of the 1922 Browns struck out the fewest times in his 30-30 season – just 31 strikeouts in 678 plate appearances. (The most Ks in a 30-30 season belong to the Braves’ Ronald Acuna, Jr., who fanned 188 times in 715 plate appearances in 2019.
• The highest batting average in a 30-30 season (.366) is credited to the Rockies’ Larry Walker, who went .366-49-130, with 33 steals in 1997.
• The lowest batting average in a 30-30 season (.242) is on the resume of Jazz Chisholm, Jr., who went .242-31-80, with 31 steals for the 2025 Yankees.
• Players logging 30-30 seasons have led their league in home runs eight times and in stolen bases seven times. No 30-30 player has led in both categories in their 30-30 season.
• The Braves’ Christian Yelich (.329-44-97, with 30 steals in 2019); Red Sox Mookie Betts (.346-32-80, with 30 steals in 2018); and Royals’ Bobby Witt, Jr. (.332-32-109, with 31 steals in 2024) are the only three players to win a batting title in a 30-30 season.

Now a look at the seven 2025 30-30 Club Members:

Juan Soto

Soto has never lacked for power. In fact, in his first seven seasons in the majors (2018-2024 … Nationals, Padres) Yankees), he topped 20 homers six times (exceeding thirty twice and 40 once). Speed, however, did not seem to be his game – he stole in double-digits just twice (a high of 12).  Things changed in 2025 after he signed with the Mets, when he came under the wing of first base coach Antoan Richardson.  This season, Soto logged his first-ever 30-30 season.

Jazz Chisholm, Jr.

Chisholm is just the third player in Yankee pinstripes to record a 30-30 season, joining Bobby Bonds and Alfonso Soriano. The accomplishment seems even more highlight-worthy, when you consider Chisholm lost 28 games to a severe oblique strain early in the season and also was hampered by a nagging groin injury. (He did not steal a single base – only two attempts – from June 11 through July 20th – a stretch of 39 games played. He did hit.271, with nine homers in that span.)

Jose Ramirez

Guardians’ seven-time All Star (in 13 seasons) Ramirez is:

• The first player in the Cleveland franchise with three 30-30 seasons;
• The second switch-hitter in MLB history with three 30-30 seasons; and
• The second third baseman in MLB history with three 30-30 seasons.

Ramirez was .270-39-105 with 34 steals in 2018; .335-39-118, with 41 steals in 2024.

For those who like to know such things, the first switch-hitter and first third baseman with three 30-30 seasons was Howard Johnson (Mets … 1987, 1989, 1991).

Corbin Carroll

The 24-year-old Carroll recorded his first 30-30 campaign in his third full MLB season.  Over the past three seasons, Carroll averaged 26 home runs and 40.3 steals per campaign.

Francisco Lindor

Lindor is just the second player primarily taking the field at shortstop to record two 30-30 seasons (Lindor also had a 30-30 season for the Mets in 2023), joining Bobby Witt, Jr. (2023 & 2024). In 11 MLB seasons, Lindor has gone .273-279-856, with 216 steals. He is a five-time All Star.

Pete Crow-Armstrong

Crow-Armstrong is just the second player to join the 30-30 Club in a Cubs’ uniform. (Sammy Sosa produced 30-30 seasons for the Cubs in 1993 and 1995.)  Just 23-years-old, PCA has plenty of time to add more 30-30 campaigns.

Julio Rodriguez

2025 was the 24-year-old Rodriguez’ second 30-30 season in four major-league campaigns. The two-time All Star has recorded at least 20 home runs and 24 steals in each of his four seasons.

Primary Resource: Stathead.com

 

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

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

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

P 1136

 

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

This week started with some reflection on one of my boyhood heroes – southpaw Warren Spahn, who notably led the National League in wins in an MLB-record five consecutive seasons. And, perhaps even more notably, did it in his age-36 to age-40 seasons.  Spahn, by the way, holds the distinction of being of being the oldest pitcher to record a 20-win season.

But I digress, this blog post looks at MLB pitchers with the most consecutive seasons leading their league in wins, as well as those with the most consecutive seasons leading the league in losses.  It touches on the likes of Spahn, Walter Johnson, Grover Alexander and Robin Roberts, as well as Pedro Ramos, Phil Niekro, Murry Dickson and Patrick Corbin.

So, let’s get to it, with a couple of charts, each followed by brief bio material on each pitcher included.

 

Warren Spahn – Five

Spahn is the only MLB pitcher to lead the league in wins for five consecutive seasons (unicorn status) – and he did it in his age-36 to age-40 seasons, compiling a 106-60, 3.04 record over those five campaigns (with 101 complete games in 195 starts). Spahn led the league in wins an MLB record eight times and his 363 MLB career wins are the most by a southpaw all time.

By The Numbers

Warren Spahn had 363 career victories and 363 career base hits.

He had 356 pitching wins and 356 base hits with the Braves.

He had four pitching wins and four base hits with the Mets.

He had three pitching wins and three base hits with the Giants. 

Spahn racked up 13 seasons of 20 or more wins, second only to Cy Young’s 15. He notched his first 20-win season in 1947 (21 wins) and his final 20-win season (23 wins) in 1963. I’ll do the math; that’s 13 seasons of at least twenty wins in a 17-season span.

Spahn pitched in 21 MLB seasons (1942, 1946-65 … Braves, Mets, Giants – Braves all but 1965). He went 363-245, 3.09, in 750 games (665 starts, 382 complete games).  Had he not lost the 1943-45 seasons to military service, he would most likely have surpassed 400 career wins. He led the league in wins eight times; earned run average three times; strikeouts four times; was an All-star in 14 seasons; and won the NL Cy Young Award in 1957. He probably would have been great at Blackjack; he won 21 games in eight different seasons.

Walter Johnson – Four

Johnson pitched in 21 MLB seasons (1907-27 … Nationals), putting up a 412-279, 2.17 stat line in 802 appearances (666 starts, 531 complete games).

I’ll Have a Triple, Please

Walter Johnson won the pitching Triple Crown (Wins-Earned Run Average-Strikeouts) a record three times (tied with Grover Alexander and Sandy Koufax) in 1913, 1918 and 1924. He also holds the MLB career record for shutouts (110).

Johnson led the league in wins six times; Earned Run Average five times; strikeouts a record 12 times; and shutouts seven times (tied for the MLB record). The two-time MVP won 20 or more games in 12 seasons.

Grover (Pete) Alexander – Four

Alexander pitched in 20 MLB seasons (1911-30 … Phillies, Cubs, Cardinals), putting up a 373-208, 2.56 record. Like Walter Johnson (above), he won the pitching Triple Crown a record three times.

Zeroes Are The Roundest of Round Numbers

In 1916, Grover Alexander tossed 16 shutouts in 45 starts. That season gives him a share of the record for shutouts in a season (tied with George Bradley of the 1876 St. Louis Brown Stockings – 64 starts).

Alexander led the league in wins six times; ERA five times; and strikeouts six times. He won twenty or more games in nine seasons, with three of those 30 or more wins.

How Low Can You go?

In the six seasons from 1915 through 1920, Grover Alexander pitched to an earned run average of 1.64 over 1,777 2/3 innings.

Robin Roberts – Four

Roberts pitched in 19 MLB seasons (1948-66 … Phillies, Orioles, Astros, Cubs), going 286-245, 3.41 in 676 games (609 starts, 305 complete games).  The seven-time All-star led the league in wins four times; strikeouts twice: and shutouts once. He had six seasons of 20 or more wins – consecutively, from 1950 through 1955.

Is Workhorse One Word Or Two?

In the decade of the ‘50s (1950-59), Robin Roberts averaged 19.9 wins, 23.7 complete games and 301 1/3 innings pitched per season.

Ironically, immediately after leading the league in wins in four consecutive seasons (1952-56), Roberts led the league in losses in two consecutive campaigns (19-18, 4.45 in 1956 and 10-22, 4.07 in 1957).

Pedro Ramos – Four

Ramos pitched in 15 MLB seasons (1955-67, 1969-70 … Senators/Twins, Indians, Yankees, Phillies, Pirates, Reds, Senators). He went 117-160, 4.08 in 582 games (268 starts, 73 complete games).

A couple of Ramos tidbits:

• On April 11, 1961, Ramos started the first-ever game in Minnesota Twins’ history and tossed a three-hit (one walk/five strikeouts) shutout in a Twins’ 6-0 win over a Yankees lineup that included the likes of Bobby Richardson, Yogi Berra, Mickey Mantle, Bill Skowron and Roger Maris,
• On July 23, 1960, Ramos was on the mound in the top of the third inning, with the Senators up 3-1 over the Athletics and runners on first (2B Jerry Lumpe) and second (CF Bill Tuttle) with no outs. Kansas City batter RF Whitey Herzog lined a ball to Ramos (for an out), who tossed to Julio Becquer at first to double up Lumpe; with Becquer relaying the ball to SS Jose Valdivieso covering second to retire a retreating Tuttle. It was MLB’s first-ever all-Cuban triple play (#InBaseballWeTrackEveything).

Phil Niekro – Four

Niekro, a knuckleballer, pitched in 24 MLB seasons (1964-87 … Braves, Yankees, Indians, Blue Jays), going 318-274, 3.35 (864 games, 716 starts, 245 complete games). He led the league in wins twice and earned run average and strikeouts once each.  The Hall of Famer was a five-time All Star.

He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother

In 1979, when Phil Niekro went 21-20, 3.39, he tied his brother Joe for the NL lead in wins (Joe Niekro was 21-11, 3.00 for the Astros) – the only time in MLB history two brothers have tied for the league lead in wins (unicorn status)  Side note: That season Phil Niekro led the NL in wins and losses.  The Niekro brothers also hold the MLB record for combined pitching wins by brothers  at 539 –  318 by Phil and  221 by Joe.

Murry Dickson – Three

Dickson pitched in 18 MLB seasons (1939-40, 1942-43, 1946-59 … Cardinals, Pirates, Phillies, Athletics, Yankees). He went 172-181, 3.66 in 625 appearances (338 starts, 149 complete games).

Ups And Downs

Murry Dickson won twenty games in a season once (20-16, 4.02 for the 1951 Pirates) and lost twenty or more twice (1952 and 1954, see chart for totals).

Patrick Corbin – Three

Corbin, still active in 2025, has pitched in 13 MLB seasons (2012-13, 2015-25 … Diamondbacks, Nationals, Rangers). As I write this, his career record is 110-141, 4.50 in 371 appearances (352 starts, seven complete games).  In 2018, Corbin was an All Star, putting up an 11-7, 3.15 record for the Diamondbacks (he was 6-4, 3.24 at the break).

On The Big Stage

In 2019, Patrick Corbin got the win in the seventh game of the World Series, as his Nationals topped the Astros 6-2. Corbin came on in relief o Max Scherzer to open the bottom of the sixth with the Nationals down 2-0. He pitched three scoreless innings, giving up two hits and fanning three. The Astros took the lead in the eighth, giving Corbin the win.

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

 

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

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

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P 1135

 

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

It just so happens that on this date (September 16) in 1940, St. Louis Browns’ 2B Johnny Lucadello, playing in his 24th MLB game, hit his first two MLB home runs and, in the process, became just the fourth MLB player to homer from both sides of the plate in a game. Notably, the two long balls would be his only home runs of the season (he played in just 17 games) and would be two of just five home runs he would hit over his six MLB seasons (239 games).   Well, that got me to thinking about players to homer from both sides of the plate in a game, which is not exactly a rare feat.  After all, as Baseball-Almanac.com reports, there have been 385 instances in which a player has homered from both sides of the plate in a game.  (This season alone, the feat has been accomplished by the Mariners’ Cal Raleigh; Yankees’ Jasson Dominguez; Angels’ Luis Rengifo; Twins’ Brooks Lee; Diamondbacks’ Ketel Marte; Mets’ Francisco Lindor; Braves’ Ozzie Albies; and Nationals’ Josh Bell.   Disclaimer:  Negro League game-by-game records for the 1920-48 seasons have not been fully incorporated into MLB records.  

So, how do you achieve unicorn status within this group?  The Red Sox’ Bill Mueller is the only MLB player to hit a Grand Slam home run from both sides of the plate in a game.  It happened on July 29, 2003, as the Red Sox topped the Rangers 14-7 in Texas. It was quite a day for Mueller, who was also on his way to his best MLB season. Mueller came into the game with a .326-10-45 line on the season – having reached double-digits in home runs for just the second time in his eight MLB campaigns.

Mueller, batting eighth, got his first at bat leading off the top of the third inning, with the Red Sox down 2-0.  Batting left-handed, he laced the first pitch he saw from righty R.A. Dickey for a solo home run to right.  It was a sign of things to come.

Mueller grounded out to second (off Dickey) in the fourth inning and lined out to third in the sixth (off Erasmo Ramirez).

Then in the seventh inning, Mueller came to the plate (batting right-handed) with the bases loaded and Boston now up 5-4 (they had already scored three times in the inning).  He took a 2-2 pitch from southpaw Aaron Fultz to deep left for a Grand Slam.   Then fate stepped in, the Red Sox kept hitting and Mueller came to the plate the very next inning with Boston now up 10-4, two out and the bases again loaded.  This time against righthander Jay Powell – switching Mueller to the left-hander’s batter’s box.  On the second pitch from Powell, BOOM, Mueller’s second Grand Slam of the game.

The 2003 season, Mueller’s first with the Red Sox (he signed as a free agent in January 2003), was Mueller’s best in MLB. His .326 average earned him the AL batting title and he set personal career highs for average, home runs (19); RBI (85); doubles (45); triples (5); and hits (171). Over 11 MLB seasons (1996-2006 … Giants, Cubs, Red Sox, Dodgers), Mueller hit .291-85-493 in 1,216 games.

Mueller, by the way, is a bit of a surprise in terms of a power-focused unicorn status. A fifteenth-round draft pick (Giants, 1993) out of the Missouri State University, Mueller was known more for his plate discipline and ability to make solid contact than for pure power. (When he graduated, he held the school’s single-season record for hits, runs, singles and the career marks for runs, hits, walks, total bases and stolen bases.   Over his four years at Missouri State, he averaged .376.  All of this earned him spots in the Missouri State Athletics and Missouri Valley Conference Halls of Fame.

In four minor-league seasons before an injury to Giants’ power-hitting third baseman Matt Williams earned Mueller an opportunity for extended MLB playing time over the last half of 1996, Mueller hit.308 over 413 games (but with just 13 home runs). In 55 games for the Giants that season, Mueller hit .330-0-19. (In the off-season, Williams was traded (to the Indians), with Trent Hubbard, for Jose Vizcaino, Julian Tavarez, Joe Roa and Jeff Kent.

ANOTHER SWITCH-HITTING UNICORN

Image: Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons  https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Garland_Buckeye_newspaper.png

On September 10, 1925 – in Game Two of an Indians/Tigers doubleheader in Detroit – southpaw Garland Buckeye started for the Indians and pitched a nifty four-hit, two-run (one earned) complete game in a 7-2 win, picking up his twelfth victory of the season (seven losses). More important for this Tidbit, he went two-for-four at the plate, with five RBI. A switch hitter, Buckey homered from the right side off lefty Ed Wells in the seventh inning and from the left-handed batter’s box off righty Jess Doyle in the ninth.  He remains the only pitcher to homer from both sides of the plate in a game – making him a true unicorn.  

Buckey went 30-39, 3.91 as a pitcher over five MLB seasons (1918, 1925-28 … Nationals, Indians, Giants). As a hitter, he went .230-5-23.

 

A few other tidbits about batters with home runs from both sides of the plate in one game:

• No players accomplished the feat more often than Mark Teixeira and Nick Swisher (14 times each);
• Nick Swisher also shares the record for homering from both sides of the plate in a game for the most franchises at five (Athletics, Yankees, White Sox, Indians, Braves) – Carlos Beltran also accomplished the feat with five different teams (Mets, Cardinals, Royals, Astros, Yankees);
• The most games with homers from both sides of the plate in a season is four, achieved by Ken Caminiti (1996) and Anthony Santander (2022);
• Three players have homered from both sides of the plate in the same inning: Carlos Baerga (April 8, 1993); Mark Bellhorn (April 29, 2002); Kendrys Morales (July 30, 2012);
• The season with the most player-games with home runs from both sides of the plate was 1996, with 15: four by Ken Caminiti; two each by Melvin Nieves, Roberto Alomar and Todd Hundley; one each by Raul Casanova,  J.T. Snow; Ruben Sierra; Chris Davis; and Bernie Williams;
• Three players have homered from both sides of the plate in a post-season game: Bernie Williams (1995 AL Division Series & 1996 AL Division Series); Chipper Jones (2003 NL Divisions Series); and Milton Bradley (2006 AL Championship Series).

Primary Resources:  Baseball-Almanac.com; Stathead.com; Bill Mueller, Society for American Baseball Research Bio, by Kevin Bley

 

Baseball Roundtable – Blogging Baseball Since 2012.

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

I tweet (on X) baseball @DavidBaseballRT

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

P 1134

 

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

It happened sixty years ago today – on September 9, 1965 – in Los Angeles.  Dodgers’ icon Sandy Koufax (21-7, 2.20 in 35 starts at the time) was on the mound for the Dodgers, while Bob Hendley (2-2, 8.22) was starting for Chicago.  (Hendley was making his eighth start – and 22^nd appearance of the season).

At the end of four frames, nary a batter had reached base against either Koufax or Hendley. In bottom of the fifth, the Dodgers broke the stalemate. Dodgers’ Left fielder and cleanup hitter Lou Johnson led off the inning with a walk; moved to second on a sacrifice by RF Ron Fairly; stole third; and scored as Cubs’ C Chris Krug made a wild throw past third baseman Ron Santo on Johnson’s steal.

By the bottom of the seventh, pretty much everyone in the crowd was on the edge of their seat. Koufax was yet to allow a base runner and Hendley had yet to give up a base hit. In fact, Johnson was the only Dodger to have reached base.  Double no-hitters were in progress.  The Dodgers, however, broke the base-hit ice in the bottom of the seventh – a two out double to short right field by the pesky Johnson.

Long story short, Koufax went on to complete his perfecto. Hendley gave up just the one unearned run, allowing just two base runners (Johnson’s double and walk).  The two teams combined to go 1-for-51 (the Dodgers did not bat in the bottom of the ninth). Koufax went on to finish the season 26-8, 2.04, leading the league in: wins; winning percentage (.765; complete games (27); innings pitched (335 2/3); strikeouts (382); and earning his second Cy Young Award. Hendley finished the year at 4-4, 5.96 in 26 appearances, with two complete games in 12 starts.

A bit of irony, the Roundtable does love irony.  Just five days later (September 14), Hendley got a rematch – starting against the Dodgers and Koufax in Chicago. This time, Hendley got the win in a 2-1 game. Hendley gave up just one run on four hits (three walks, seven strikeouts), while Koufax gave up two runs (one earned) over six innings (five hits, no walks, three strikeouts).   The consecutive complete games with Koufax as his mound opponent were Hendley’s only complete games of the season.

For those who like to know such things, Hendley’s career record (1961-67 … Braves, Giants, Cubs, Mets) was 48-52, 3.97, with 216 appearances, 44 starts, 25 complete games, six shutouts. Sandy Koufax? Oh, you already know.

Close, But No Cigar

On May 2, 1917 the Reds faced the Cubs in Chicago, with righty Fred Toney starting for the Reds and southpaw Jim “Hippo” Vaughn on the bump for the Cubs. Toney, who would win 24 games that season, came in with a 4-1, 1.88 record and five complete games in five starts.  Vaughn, on his way to a 23-13, 2.01 season, stood at 4-2. 2.25, with three complete games in four starts. The expected pitching duel materialized.

After nine innings, the game was knotted at 0-0 and neither Toney nor Vaughn had surrendered a hit (the only MLB game ever in which both pitchers held the opposition hitless for nine frames). Vaughn seemed to be getting the better of it. Each pitcher had walked just two batters, but Vaughn had fanned ten to Toney’s one.  In the top of the tenth, Vaughn faltered and a pair of singles and an outfield error led to an unearned run.  The two hits kept this from tieing as the MLB game with the fewest combined safeties). Toney pitched a 1-2-3 bottom of the inning (strikeout-fly out-strikeout) to leave the mound with a 1-0 no-hitter win.

Toney pitched 12 MLB seasons (1911-13, 1915-23), going 139-102, 2.69 and twice won 20 or more games. Vaughn pitched in 13 MLB seasons (1908, 1910-21), going 178-137, 2.49 – and won twenty or more games in five seasons. In 1918. Vaughn won the pitching Triple Crown, leading the NL in wins (22), ERA (1.74) and strikeouts (148).

Bonus Tidbits

Sandy Koufax is the only MLB pitcher to throw a no-hitter in four consecutive seasons (1962-65). Pitchers to throw two no-hitters in a season include: Nolan Ryan (1973); Max Scherzer (2015); Roy Halladay (2010 – one in the post season); Virgil Trucks (1952); Allie Reynolds (1951); Johnny Vander Meer (1938).  

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

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P 1133

 

September is upon us, and that means it’s time for Baseball Roundtable’s August Wrap up – a look at the stats and stories that caught The Roundtable’s attention over the past month, as well as The Roundtable’s Players and Pitchers of the Month, Trot Index and more.  Note:  This Wrap Up is a day later than usual due some ongoing family medical issue that had to be dealt with.  Just a few of August’s highlights that you will find in this post:

• The 250th career homers of Pete Alonso and Jose Altuve;
• The Angels‘ triple-play;
• A catcher (Shea Langeliers) hitting three home runs and recording 15 total bases in a game – batting leadoff;
• Andrew Kittredge’s Immaculate Inning;
• Another Yankee nine-homer game;
• The Brewers‘ 14-game winning streak;
• Kyle Schwarber‘s four-homer game;
• Jacob deGrom‘s speedy path to his 1,800th strikeout;
• Cal Raleigh‘s assault on the home run records for catchers;
• and much more.

For all of the “stories,” see the “Highlights” section.

–—Players and Pitchers of the Month – August 2025—-

AMERICAN LEAGUE

Player of the Month – Shea Langeliers, C, Athletics

There were plenty of solid candidates and I ended up giving Shea Langeliers a slight edge because of the demands of his position behind the plate and the fact that he was one of just two American Leaguers to reach both 20 RBI (22) and 20 runs scored in August. (The other was Junior Caminero). Langelier’s stat line was .284-11-22. His 11 home runs were second only to Caminero in the AL; his 22 RBI tied for fourth; his 20 runs scored tied for ninth, his eight doubles tied for third; and his 31 base hits tied for fifth. Langeliers led MLB in extra-base hits in August with 19. He  had seven multi-hit games during the month – including a five-for-six contest (August 5) in which he had he had three homers, a double and a single out of the leadoff spot.

Honorable Mentions: Rays’ 22-year-old 3B Junior Caminero tied for the MLB lead in August homers with 12 and his 23 RBI tied for second in the AL. His .262 average put him just a bit behind Langeliers.  Yankees’ DH Giancarlo Stanton had a solid .339-9-23 month (with 20 runs scored). A little position bias may have played a role here. Blue Jays’ SS Bo Bichette had a league-leading 40 August hits, producing a .367-3-19 line (with 20 runs scored). I also took a long look at Royals’ SS Bobby Witt, Jr., who went .330-5-16, with 22 runs scored and six steals for the month.

Pitcher of the Month – Trevor Rogers, LHP, Orioles

Trevor Rogers went 4-1, 1.29 in six August starts – and his 1.29 ERA was the lowest among AL pitchers with at least 25 August innings. He also fanned 42 batters (second in the AL), put a 0.86 WHIP and .199 average against. He was a workhorse, his 42 innings pitched led MLB (averaging seven innings per start).  He never gave up more than one run in any of his August starts – and his lone loss came on August 1, when he threw a complete-game, four-hitter in a 1-0 loss to the Cubs. Rogers, who came into 2025 with an MLB career (five-seasons) record of 15-34, 4.36, closed August at 8-2, 1.39 on the season.

Honorable Mentions: The Red Sox’ 37-year-old Aroldis Chapman came in from the pen 12 times in August.  He went 8-for-8 in save opportunities and, in 11 innings of work, did not give up a single hit – allowing just one walk versus 14 strikeouts. As I write this, Chapman has a streak of 16 games and 13 2/3 innings without allowing a base hit (stretching back to July 26). The Tigers’ Tarik Skubal only went 2-1, but deserved better. He put up a 2.52 ERA in six starts and led MLB with 45 strikeouts (in 39 1/3 innings), while walking just eight. Further, his innings pitched for August trailed only Rogers. Skubal came on strong at the end of the month. Over his first three starts, he gave up ten earned runs over 18 2/3 innings.  In his final three starts of the month, he gave up just one earned run over 20 2/3 innings. Finally, you have to mention the Rangers’ Nathan Eovaldi. While he only won two games (2-0, 2.67), he fanned 24 batters in 27 innings and walked just one – and recorded a stingy 0.70 WHIP.

NATIONAL LEAGUE

Player of the Month – Brice Turang, 2B, Brewers

Brice Turang put up a .343-10-24 line in August. The .343 average was third among NLers with at least 75 August at bats; his ten homers tied for second; and his 24 RBI tied for sixth. He also scored 23 runs (tied for seventh in the NL) and swiped three bases in three attempts. Turang had at least one hit in 24 of his 28 August games – and he had ten multi-hit games.

Honorable Mentions: Mets’ RF Juan Soto delivered power and speed, going .277, with ten home runs and 11 stolen bases (in 11 attempts). He tied for the MLB lead in steals and tied for second in the NL in home runs. His 27 runs scored also tied for second in the NL. In addition, Soto accumulated more walks than strikeouts (27-to-26) and his on-base percentage (.435) was third in the NL among hitters with at least 75 at bats.  Kyle Schwarber has to get a nod for his four-homer game.  And, while his .223 average worked against him, he did tie for the MLB August lead with 12 homers and led the majors with 33 August RBI. Marlins’ CF Jakob Marsee deserves a shoutout for his .352-4-25 month (more on Marsee in the Surprise Player of the Month Section).

Pitcher of the Month – Freddy Peralta, RHP, Brewers

Wow!  Freddy Peralta went 4-0 in five August starts. Even more impressive, he gave up just one run in 28 August innings – a 0.32 ERA, lowest among pitchers with at least 25 August frames.  Peralta also had a nifty 0.82 WHIP and held batters to a .117 average. In his 29 August innings, he gave up just 11 hits (although 12 walks) and fanned 34. In his single no-decision, he went five, two-hit, scoreless innings.

Honorable Mentions: Rookie Cade Horton started six games for the Cubs in August. Went 5-1, 1.20, had a 0.90 WHIP and a .168 batting average against. He fanned 31 and walked just nine in 30 innings.  At just 23-years-old, his future looks bright. (He ended August at 9-4, 2.92 on the season.) Hurston Waldrep, another 23-year-old, went 4-0, 1.01 for the Braves in six appearances (five starts). He tossed 35 2/3 innings and gave up just four runs, while fanning 33 and walking 11. He did not give up more than one run in any of his August outings.  Veteran Clayton Kershaw showed the value of knowing how to pitch. He went 5-0, 1.88 for the Dodgers in five starts. In 28 2/3 innings, he only struck out 19 batters (just three walks), but also gave up only six runs. .

Surprise Player of the Month – Jakob Marsee, CF, Marlins

Marlins’ 24-year-old rookie Jakob Marsee made his MLB debut August 1 and put up some strong first-month rookie numbers: .352-4-25, with 11 doubles, three triples, four home runs, nine steals and 18 runs scored in 30 games.  Marsee collected 37 hits in 30 August games (tied for fourth-most in MLB this August). Marsee was a sixth-round draft choice (2022) out of Central Michigan University – where he it .310-12-101, with 26 steals in three seasons (134 games). The surprise comes from the fact that he was hitting just .246-14-37 at Triple-A when he was called up and hit just .239-42-141 over four minor-league seasons.  The stolen bases are no surprise, Marsee swiped 159 bags in 395 minor-league games.

Honorable Mentions: As noted earlier, Braves’ 23-year-old rookie righty Hurston Waldrep went 4-0, 1.01 in six August appearances, fanning 33 batters in 35 2/3 innings. Waldrep was a first-round draft choice in 2023, after going 17-5, 3.68 in three college seasons. This season, he was 7-8, 4.42 in 19 Triple-A starts before his call up. His overall minor-league record is 12-16, 3.61 in 46 starts (three seasons). He did get a look-see from the Braves in 2024, going 0-1, 16.71 in two starts (13 earned runs in seven MLB innings).

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THE TROT INDEX … A REGULAR BASEBALL ROUNDTABLE FEATURE

Through August 31,  34.6% of the MLB season’s 154,920  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 (22.0%); walks (8.4%); home runs (3.1%); HBP (1.1%); catcher’s interference (less than 1%).  These numbers, notably, have been relatively stable over the past few seasons.

I also looked into full-year Trot Index figures for the years I have been a fan: 34.9% in 2024; 30.3% in 2010; 29.9% in 2000; 31.7% in 1990; 23.1% in 1980; 27.0% in 1970; 25.1% in 1960; and 22.8% in 1950.

_________________________________________

The Brewers were the only team to play .700 ball in August and they really leaned on the offense.  The Brewers led MLB in August runs scored (186); base hits (306); batting average (.286); doubles (64); and total bases (513). They were third in MLB in home runs (45), second in NL.

Milwaukee’s offense was led by 2B Brice Turang (.343-10-24, with 23 runs scored); LF Christian Yelich (.324-7-23, with 26 runs scored); and C William Contreras (.279-9-24, with 22 runs scored). Overall, they had five players with 19 or more August RBI and six with 15 or more runs scored.

Power and Speed

In August , the Yankees led MLB in home runs (59) and SB (35).  

 

——-Team Statistical Leaders for August 2025 ———-

RUNS SCORED

National League – Brewers (186); Mets (177); Diamondbacks (152)

American League – Yankees (155); Blue Jays (155); Rangers (144)

The fewest runs in August were scored by the Guardians (95). In the National League, it was the Reds at 100.  The Astros were also under 100 runs (99).

AVERAGE

National League – Brewers (.286); Mets (.285); Phillies (.265)

American League – Blue Jays (.281); Rangers (.262); A’s (.262)

The lowest team average for August belonged to the Guardians at .201 – the Cubs were at the bottom of the NL at .227.

HOME RUNS

National League – Mets (53); Brewers (45); Phillies (43)

American League – Yankees (59); Blue Jays (44); Mariners (41)

The fewest home runs in August were hit by the Reds and Nationals (22). In the American League, it was the Guardians at 23. 

TOTAL BASES

National League – Brewers (513); Mets (496); Phillies (457)

American League – Blue Jays (448); Yankees (446); Rangers (427)

The Mets led MLB in August Slugging Percentage at .505.  The Blue Jays led the AL (.480)

DOUBLES

National League – Brewers (64); Pirates (56); Padres (56)

American League – A’s (63); Rangers (55); Royals (50); Blue Jays (50)

TRIPLES

National League – Marlins (8); Diamondbacks (7); Rockies (7)

American League – Tigers (10); Orioles (5); Twins (4); Rays (4)

The White Sox and Rangers had zero triples in August.

STOLEN BASES

National League – Marlins (31); Mets (31); Diamondbacks (29)

American League – Yankees (35); Rays (29); Mariners (29)

The A’s stole the fewest sacks in August at five – in 12 attempts.  The Reds stole the fewest August bags in the NL – 12 in 15 attempts.  The A’s were the only team with fewer than ten August steals.

 

WALKS DRAWN

National League – Pirates (111); Brewers (110); Dodgers (109)

American League – Yankees (125); Red Sox (96); Angels (95)

The Mets led MLB in August on-base percentage at .361. The Blue Jays led the AL at .342. The Guardians had MLB’s lowest August OBP at (.265).  The Cardinals anchored the NL at .297.

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

National League – Diamondbacks (259); Cardinals (259); Giants (252); Nationals (252)

American League – Angels (284); Orioles (258); Yankees (253)

Royals’ batters fanned the fewest times in August (186). The Padres fanned the fewest times in the NL at 195.

__________________________________________________

EARNED RUN AVERAGE

National League –Dodgers (3.45); Cubs (3.48); Brewers (3.52)

American League – Red Sox (3.37); Yankees (3.71); Rays (3.90)

The Rockies had the highest August ERA at a whopping 7.13.  The Angels had the highest ERA in the AL at 5.22. Joining the Rockies above 6.00 were the Nationals (6.31).  North of 5.00 were the: Marlins (5.83); Angels (5.22); and Twins (5.09).  The five teams with August ERAs over 5.00 were a combined 55-87.

STRIKEOUTS

National League – Brewers (267); Dodgers (264); Phillies (263)

American League – Yankees (264); Rays (262); White Sox (253)

The Rays averaged an MLB-best 10.31 strikeouts per nine innings in August. The Dodgers averaged an NL-best 9.68.  Eleven teams averaged nine whiffs per nine or better.

FEWEST WALKS SURRENDERED

National League –   Phillies (60); Cubs (70); Dodgers (76)

American League – Mariners (71); Royals (72); Rays (73)

The Phillies walked an MLB-lowest 2.12 batters per nine innings in August.  The Nationals walked an MLB-worst 3.87 batters per nine frames.

SAVES

National League – Cubs (11); Braves (11); Phillies (10)

American League – Royals (10); Mariners (10); Guardians (9); Red Sox (9)

The Yankees and Diamondbacks blew the most saves in August– seven (in 12 opportunities for New York and 16 opportunities for Arizona). The A’s were the only team to not blow a save in August – five saves in five opportunities.

Walks + Hits/Innings Pitched (WHIP)

National League – Cubs (1.10); Padres (1.14); Dodgers (1.16)

American League:  Tigers (1.19); Rays (1.19); Rangers (1.20)

_________________________________________

Bonus Stats:

• The Rockies gave up an MLB-high 54 home runs in August. Diamondbacks gave up an MLB-low 26 home runs.
• Padres’ pitchers held opponents to an MLB-low .211 average in August. The Rockies’ staff was touched for an MLB-high .308 average.
• The Phillies’ strikeouts-to-walks ratio for August topped MLB at 4.38. The Rockies had MLB’s worst ratio at 1.96.——-

—-August 2025 Highlights — 

Two Dozen – Plus One

The Brewers started August off with a bang – 25 0f them to be more exact.  On August 1, the Brew Crew banged out 25 hits in a 16-9 road win over the Nationals. Every player in the starting lineup had at least one safety and eight had multiple hits, led by and DH William Contreras with a five-for-seven day.  (It was, notably, the eighth game this season in which every Brewer in the starting lineup recorded a hit.)

Now, That’s A Comeback

On August 1, Pittsburgh rocked the Rockies in the first inning – scoring nine runs on 10 hits (including two home runs).  The Rox were down 9-0 before a single Rockie had come to the plate. But baseball is played down to the very last out and the Rockies clawed their way back into this one.  They began putting runs on the board, but so did the Pirates.  After 4 ½ innings, it was Pittsburgh 15, Colorado 6.  And, by the bottom of the ninth, it was Pirates 16, Rockies 12. But, remember, we play until the last out.  In the bottom of the ninth, the Rox scored five runs on a single, a walk, a triple and two home runs – culminating with a one-out, two-run, walk-off homer by CF Benton Doyle.  Final: Rockies 17 – Pirates 16.

More Good Timing

August 2 was Jose Ramirez Jersey Give-away Day in Cleveland and the Guardians third baseman did not disappoint.  He hit a two-run homer to tie the game in the fifth inning (his 22^nd HR of the season) and then scored the go-ahead run after leading off the eighth frame with a single.

250 – and then some – for Pete’s Sake

On Augusts 2, as the Mets pounded the Giants 12-6 in New York, Mets’ 1B Pete Alonso went two-for-four, with a walk, two runs scored and three RBI. Among his hits was a first-inning three-run home run that set the tone for the day.  It was Alonso’s 24^th roundtripper of the season and the 250^th home run of his seven-season MLB career. Just ten days later, on August 12, Alonso enjoyed a two-homer day in a 12-5 win over the Braves.  The two long balls were numbers 253 and 254 of his Mets’ career, moving him pas past Darryl Strawberry (252) as the franchise’s all-time home run leader.

Do 20-20, Rinse, Repeat

On August 3, as the Mariners edged the Rangers 5-4 in Seattle, Seattle CF Julio Rodriguez rapped his 20^th home run of the season. Coupled with the 21 steals he had already banked this season, it made him the first MLB player to record a 20-20 season in each of his first four MLB campaigns. He was 28 HR / 25 SB in 2022; 32 / 37  in 2023; and 20 / 24 in 2024.

1,800 for deGrom

 

Okay, it wasn’t a great night for the Mets’ Jacob deGrom. He picked up his fourth loss of the seasons (versus ten wins) and gave up five runs on four hits and three walks over five innings (The Mets lost to the Mariners 5-4). Still, he did fan five batters and the fourth of those strikeouts – J.P. Crawford in the bottom of the second inning, was strikeout number 1,800 of deGrom’s MLB career.  It made him the quickest pitcher to reach 1800 career strikeouts in both games (240) and innings 1,492 1/3. (Yes, #InBaseballWeCountEverything.) He edged Randy Johnson by three games and Chris Sale by 5 1/3 innings.

We’ve Only Just Begun

On August 4, the Blue Jays opened a three-game series against the Rockies (in Colorado) with a 15-1 victory.  In the game, they punched out 25 hits and three home runs. Ah, but that was just the beginning of a record-setting offensive onslaught. The Blue Jays swept the series by scores of 15-1, 10-4 and 20-1. In the process, they banged out 63 hits – a Modern Era record for base hits in a three-game set. The record was previously held by the Red Sox, who recorded 62 hits against the Browns (in Fenway) in a three-game set June 7-9, 1950. In that one the Red Sox won Games One and Two by scores of 29-4 and 20-4, but lost the final game 12-7.

In the Blue Jays/Rox series, the Blue Jays hit .457 (63-for-38), with 13 home runs.

A First Time For Everything

On August 5, Athletics’ C Shea Langeliers found himself batting in the leadoff position for this first time in his MLB career – and he delivered – notching his second career three-homer game. As the A’s blasted past the Nationals 16-7, Langeliers went five-for-six with four runs, three RBI, three homers, a double and a single.  In the process, he became just the second catcher with a three-homer game while batting leadoff (Travis d’Arnaud in 2019) – and yes, this is another example of #InBaseballWeCountEverything.  Langeliers also tied the Modern Era record for the most total bases in a game by a catcher (15), joining Walker Cooper (1949) and Wes Westrom (195O). The three long balls gave Langeliers 20 on the season.

Reaching 1,000 in Grand Style

On August 6, Dodgers’ DH, P and leadoff hitter Shohei Ohtani collected his 1,000^th base hit and he did in style, knocking a two-run homer to left center (his 39^th HR of the season) off the Cardinals’ Matthew Liberatore in the bottom of the third.  Oh, and Ohtani also pitched four strong innings (two hits, one run, no walks, eight strikeouts).

Immaculate Inning

On August 6, the Cubs called in righty Andrew Kittredge to face the Reds in the top of the seventh (and protect a 2-0 lead). Kittredge got the job done, tossing an Immaculate Inning – fanning DH Austin Hays, 2B Gavin Lux and C Tyler Stephenson (the 4-5-6 hitters) on nine pitches. (The Cubs went on to win the game 6-1.)  It was the third Immaculate Inning of the 2025 season (Brandon Young, Orioles and Cal Quantrill, Marlins have also tossed Immaculate frames this season.)

Can I get a Do-over

The Cleveland MLB franchise “boasts” the longest time since their last no-hitter (44 seasons) of any MLB franchise. Cleveland righty Gavin Williams came oh, so close to ending that drought on August 6. Williams had a no-hitter and a 4-0 lead over the Mets with one out in the bottom of the ninth, when Mets’ RF Juan Soto smacked a 1-0 pitch for a home run to center.  Goodbye no-no, goodbye shutout. Williams then retired 1B Pete Alonso on a flyout to short right field, before walking LF Brandon Nimmo. After the walk, manager Steve Vogt sent Hunter Gaddis to the mound to replace Williams (goodbye first MLB complete game). Williams did get the win and, to be fair, he was pulled after 126 pitches, the most by any MLB pitcher this season.

Not My Cup of Tea

Okay, I may be an old stick-in-the-mud, but I’m not a fan of MLB games held in what I consider “stunt” locations. (I do make an exception for the Little League Classic.  That event warms my hardball heart.)  Still, these games are a highlight for many. So here goes.  On Saturday August 2, a record crowd for an MLB game of 91,032 fans showed up for the first regular-season MLB game in Tennessee – The MLB Speedway Classic at the Bristol Motor Speedway.  Long story short, after a rain delay of about 2 ½ hours, the game got underway, but was rained out in the bottom of the first. Play resumed the following day and resulted in a 4-2 Braves win. If you need some trivia fodder. The first MLB regular-season hit recorded in Tennessee was a single by Reds’ 2B Matt McLain. The first regular-season home run in Tennessee was hit by Braves’ RF Eli White (a second-inning, three-run shot). The first regular-season win in Tennessee was recorded by the Braves’ Hurston Waldrep; the first save by Raisel Iglesias.

Barrier Breaker

On August 9, Jan Powal – a professional umpire for ten seasons – became the first woman to umpire in a regular-season MLB game (Marlins – Braves at Truist Park).  The very next day she became the first female umpire to work behind the plate in an MLB game,

Nine-to-Five … Or Nine-in-Five

The Arizona Diamondbacks came to bat in the bottom of the fifth inning of their August 10 game against the Rockies with a slim 4-3 lead.  That was about to change. The inning started quietly enough with a flyout by 2B Ketel Marte and a pop out to short by SS Geraldo Perdomo. But then the Diamondbacks scored eight runs on nine consecutive two-out hits.  It went like this.

• LF Lourdes Gurriel, Jr., single to center off Tanner Gordon;
• DH Adrian Del Castillo, single to RF, Gurriel to second:
• 1B Tyler Locklear, single to RF loading the bases;
• CF Alek Thomas, RBI groundball-single, scoring one and leaving the sacks full;
• C James McCann, two-run single to RF, leaving runners on first and third;
• 3B Blaze Alexander, RBI-single to CF, runners again on first and third;

Ryan Rolston replaces Gordon on the mound.

• RF Corbin Carroll, RBI single (deep 2B), runners again on first and third;
• Marte, two- run double to LF;
• Perdomo, RBI-single to RF;
• Gurriel, groundout to SS.

The Diamondbacks won 13-6.

Surprisingly, the Diamondback scored all 13 runs in the game with two outs.  Wait, there’s more. Just two days later, the Mets trounced the Braves 13-5 – and they scored all thirteen runs with two outs.

250 for Altuve

On August 10, as the Astros beat the Yankees 7-1, Jose Altuve went two-for-three, with two walks, and a home run.  The long ball was his 21^st of the 2025 season and 250^th of his 15-season MLB career.  The future Hall of Famer has hit 20 or more home runs in seven seasons (a high of 31 in 2019 & 2021), stole 30 or more bases in seven seasons (a high of 56 in 2014) and had 200 or more hits in four campaigns. He’s also a three-time batting champion, and a one-time league MVP.

Ramirez Sets Guardians’ Mark

On August 12 – as the Guardians topped Miam 4-3 in Cleveland – Guardians’ 3B Jose Ramirez had a big day at the plate.  He went three-for-four with two homers, a double, two runs scored and two RBI. The two dingers were Ramirez 24^th and 25^th homers of the season and the numbers 279 and 280 in his 13-season (2013-25) MLB career (all with Cleveland). In addition, the pair of long balls marked his 27^th multi-homer game, giving him sole possession of the Cleveland franchise record for multi-homer contests (he had been tied with Jim Thome and Albert Belle – some pretty powerful company).  At just 32-years-old, I have hunch Ramirez will be expanding his lead in the category.

A Triple Play – An Unlikely Batter

The Dodgers’ Shohei Ohtani is known for his power and speed (He can, after all, claim MLB’s only 50-50 season). But on August 12, as the Dodger faced the Angels in Anaheim, neither could help him,

It was the top of the sixth, the game was tied 5-5 and the Dodgers were looking to take the lead.  Dodger pinch-hitter Miguel Rojas opened the frame with a single, followed by a single from C (number-nine hitter) Dalton Rushing – putting runners on first and second, with no outs for Dodgers’ star DH Ohtani. Ohtani smacked a hard line drive over the mound – which found its way quickly into SS Zach Neto’s glove (Neto was positioned perfectly for the catch). Neto stepped on second to double off Rojas and then threw first baseman Nolan Schanuel, who tagged the returning Rushing – completing the third triple play of the 2025 season.   It proved a critical play, as the Angels won 7-6 in ten innings.

Lucky 13 For Jakob Marsee

On August 13, playing in his 13th MLB game, Marlins’ rookie outfielder Jakob Marsee tied the Marlins’ franchise record for RBI in a game, driving home seven runs in a Marlins’ 13-4 win over the Guardians in Cleveland. Marsee went four-for-five with two home runs and a double – and he threw in a stolen base for good measure. In his first 12 MLB games, Marsee had gone 13-for-43 (.382), with one homer and six RBI. He closed the month of August with a career line of .352-4-25 (he made his MLB debut August 1).

So Close …. And Yet, So Far

On August 15, Orioles’ rookie righthander Brandon Young, in just his 11^th MLB appearance (all starts), retired the first 23 Houston batters he faced – staring at a Perfect Game with two out in the eighth.  He lost the Perfecto on a slow dribbler (Astros’ 2B Ramon Urias) that Young himself fielded just to the third base side of the mound. Young fanned the next hitter (CF Taylor Trammel) and was relieved to open the ninth. Still, he earned his first MLB win (Orioles 7 – Astros 0) and lowered his ERA from 6.70 to 5.68. Young’s next start (August 21) was also against the Astros, who (this time) touched him up for seven runs in 5 1/3 innings. Strange game, this baseball.

Some Sad Sunday

On Sunday, August 17, the Brewers lost a tough one – 3-2, in ten innings – to the Reds in Cincinnati.  And, it was a real nailbiter. The game was tied at zero through six innings, the Reds scored one in the bottom of the seventh to take the lead.  That 1-0 lead held until the top of the ninth, when the Brewers scored a pair to take a 2-1 edge. The Reds bounced back in the bottom of the ninth to tie it at two- – and then scored in the bottom of the tenth for the one-run, walk-off win.

Now, that might not have been highlight, except for the fact that it was the Brewers’ first loss in August – ending a 14-game winning streak that began on August 1.

During the streak, the Brewers outscored their opponents 119 to 52 They scored ten or more runs in five games and seven or more in ten.  The streak included eight road wins and six at home and four one-run victories. The 14-game win streak also put the Brew Crew in some elite company. It followed a ten-game winning streak in July (July 6-21) and made the Brewers the tenth team in the Expansion Era (which began in 1969) to deliver two double-digit winning steaks in the same season – 1960 Astros; 1969 Mets; 1977 Royals; 1978 Pirates; 2001 Cardinals; 2013 Braves; 2015 Blue Jays; 2017 Dodgers; 2019 Astros; 2025 Brewers. The Brewers total of 24 wins in the two streaks is tied for the second-most wins in two same-season streaks.  The 1977 Royals had streaks of 10 and 16 wins and the 2013 Braves matched the Brewers’ streaks of 10 and 14 victories.

Well, There’s a First For Everything

On August 19, Cubs’ 23-year-old rookie RF Owen Caissie – in just his fourth MLB game – led Chicago to a 6-4 win over the first-place Brewers. It was a day of firsts for Caissie. He collected his first MLB RBI, driving in two runs with a bases-loaded single in the bottom of the first inning. He also hit his first MLB home run, scored his first MLB run and had his first MB multi-hit game – all courtesy of his sixth-inning solo home run.  It also marked the first time that Caissie played in two MLB games in a single day (Yes, it was a doubleheader. Remember those?).  Cassie was two-for-four, with one run, three RBI (and that homer) in the Cubs 6-4 win in Game One and one-for-two with one run and one RBI in the Cubs’ 4-1 Game Two victory

For those who like to know such things: Cassie was a second-round pick (Padres) in the 2020 MLB Draft (out of Notre Dame Secondary School in Burlington, Ontario). When he was called up, he was hitting .289-22-52 (in 93 games) for the Triple-A Iowa Cubs.

We Do Like Round Numbers

On August 19, Royals’ SS Bobby Witt, Jr.  – as Kansas City topped Texas 5-2 in KC – hit a two-run eighth-inning homer.  It was Witt’s 18^th of the season and 100^th of his four-season MLB career.  Coupled with his 142 stolen bases, it also made him one of just four players to record at least 100 long balls and 100 stolen bases in their first four MLB seasons. The others were Bobby Bonds (1968-71 … 100 HR/135 SB); Darryl Strawberry (1983-86… 108 HR/100 SB); and Julio Rodriguez (2022-25 … 104 HR/109 SB as of August 19).

Ka-Boom

On August 19, as the Yankees blasted the Rays 13-3 in Tampa, the Bronx Bombers launched nine bombs (home runs) – two each by Cody Bellinger, Giancarlo Stanton and Jose Caballero and one each by Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm, Jr. and Ben Rice. The outburst made the Yankees the first MLB team ever to have two games with at least nine home runs – and they did it twice this season (also on May 29 in a 20-5 win over the Brewers in New York).  Side note: Judge, Bellinger and Stanton went yard back-to-back-to-back in the first inning of the August 19 game, while Paul Goldschmidt, Bellinger and Judge went back-to back-to back in the opening frame of the March 29 game.

For those who like to know such things: The record for home runs by a team in a game is ten, by the Blue Jays in a September 14, 1987 18-3 win over the Orioles.

Nifty At Fifty

On August 24, Pirate’s 23-year-old righty Paul Skenes made his fiftieth MLB start – and it was a good one. Skenes went seven innings and gave up no runs on just three hits (no walks), while fanning seven. He got the victory as the Pirates topped the Rockies 4-0 – running his 2025 record to 8-9 (despite a 2.07 ERA).  The outing also dropped his ERA over his first 50 career starts to 2.02, which (in the tradition of #InBaseballWeCountEverything, gave him the second-lowest career ERA over a pitcher’s first 50 MLB starts (in the Live Ball ERA) – trailing only Vida Blue at 2.01.

Catch Me If Catch Me If You Can

On August 24, as the Mariners bounced the A’s 11-4 in Seattle, Mariners’ catcher Cal Raleigh went three-for-four, with two runs scored and five RBI. From a Highlights perspective, two of his three hits were home runs – his 48^th and 49^th of the season, enabling him to pass Salvador Perez for the most home runs n a season by a player who primarily served as catcher. Raleigh, by the way, smacked his fiftieth dinger of the season the very next day.  Of those fifty long balls, 40 came when Raleigh in the lineup as a catcher (10 while in the lineup as DH).  The record for home runs while in the lineup as a catcher is 42 (Braves’ Javy Lopez in 2003). That is sure to fall soon. While Raleigh’s production comes as a bit of surprise, keep in mind, he did hit 30 or more homers in each of the past two seasons.

A Perfect Ten

On August 25, Tigers’ southpaw Tarik Skubal went 6 2/3 innings versus the Athletics (in Sacramento), giving up just six hits and six runs (one earned).  For the purposes of the Highlights Section, he fanned 12 batters and walked none. In the outing, Skubal threw 99 pitches (72 strikes). Despite the 8-3 Detroit loss, Skubal’s performance tied him with Gerrit Cole for the most outings in a season (Modern Era) with at least ten strikeouts and zero walks.

Climbing The Ladder

On August 26, as the Giants beat the Cubs 5-2, veteran Justin Verlander went seven innings, giving up just two runs on seven hits and two walks.  He also fanned five batters. The first of those strikeouts (RF Kyle Tucker in the first inning) gave Verlander 3,516 over this over his 20-season MLB career (2005-20, 2022-25 … Tigers, Astros, Mets, Giants) and moved him past Walter Johnson for ninth all-time.  It seems likely he will also over take Gaylord Perry (3,534) and Don Sutton (3,574) this season.

Bombers Gotta Bomb

In the third inning of an 11-2 win over the Nationals on August 27, the Yankees plated nine runs on eight hits and three walks. Four of those hits were home runs:  DH Aaron Judge (two-run); RF Cody Bellinger (solo); 3B Ryan McMahon (three-run); 1B Ben Rice (solo).  The outburst marked the third time they Yankees have hit four home runs in an inning this season – an MLB record.

It’s About Time

August 22-25, the Women’s Professional Baseball League held tryouts at the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy and (Washington) Nationals Park to fill six professional women’s baseball teams for the 2026 season. About 600 initial hopefuls were pared down to 100 who will be eligible for the league’s first player draft (October 25).  The first season will consist of four weeks of regular season play, an All Star game, and two weeks of post-season playoffs.

He’s Ba-a-a-ck

Dodgers’ two-way star Shohei Ohtani, who did not pitch in 2024 (Tommy John surgery in 2023) had a sterling mound outing on August 27, earning the win as the Dodgers topped the Reds 5-1 In the game, Ohtani (still working nis way back into full mound shape) went five innings (his longest outing of the season) giving up just two hits and one run, while walking two and fanning nine. Keep in mind, this is from a player who has topped forty home runs in four of the past five season.

Four for Schwarber

On August 28, Phillies’ Designated Hitter Kyle Schwarber took the role of “hitter’ pretty darn seriously. As the Phillies topped the Braves 19-4, Schwarber went four-for-six, with nine RBI – each of his four hits was a home run, tying the MLB record for home runs in a single game. Schwarber hit:

• A solo home run with one out in the first (off Cal Quantrill);
• A two-run shot in the fourth off Austin Cox;
• A three-run blast in the fifth (Cox);
• A second three-run homer in the seventh (off Wander Suero)

He also flied out to deep center in the second and flied out to left in the eighth.

The four homers gave Schwarber 49 on the season.

Schwarber, by the way, was the 21^st MLB player with a four-homer game, as well as the fourth Phillie in the 4-HR Club:  Ed Delahanty (1896); Chuck Klein (1936); and Mike Schmidt (1976).  The Phillis have more four-homer games than any other MLB franchise.

Schwarber was also the third player with a four-homer game this season, joining the Diamondbacks’ Eugenio Suarez and the A’s Nick Kurtz. The only other seasons with more than one four homer game were 2002 (two) and 2017 (two).

Finishing August with a Bang … and in Good Company

On August 31, as his Yankees lost to the White Sox 3-2, DH Aaron Judge rapped his 43rd homer of the 2025 season – a first-inning solo shot to left center off an 0-2 pitch from Martin Perez. It was the 358th homer of Judge’s 10-season MLB career and moved in him into a tie (with Yogi Berra) for the fifth-most home runs as a Yankee.  Ahead of Judge are Babe Ruth (659); Mickey Mantle (536); Lou Gehrig (493); and Joe DiMaggio (361).

—INDIVIDUAL STAT LEADERS FOR AUGUST—

BATTING AVERAGE (at least 75 at bats)

American League: Bo Bichette, Blue Jays (.367); Bobby Witt, Jr., Royals (.330); Tyler Soderstrom, A’s (.329)

National League: Jakob Marsee, Marlins (.352); Francisco Lindor, Mets (.350); Brenton Doyle, Rockies (.351)

The lowest August average among players with at least 75 at bats belonged to Orioles’ 1B Coby Mayo at .136 (12-for-88).

HITS

American League: Bo Bichette, Blue Jays (40); Julio Rodriguez, Mariners (35); Bobby Witt, Jr., Royals (35)

National League: Trea Turner, Phillies (42); Francisco Lindor, Mets (41); three with 37

The Athletics’ Shea Langeliers led MLB in extra-base hits in August with 19 – eight  doubles and 11 home runs. The Diamondbacks’ Corbin Carroll and Marlins’ Jakob Marsee led National Leaguers in August extra-base hits with 18. Carroll had eight doubles, two triples and eight home runs. Marsee had eleven doubles, three triples and four home runs.   

HOME RUNS

American League: Junior Caminero, Rays (12); Shea Langeliers, A’s (11); three with ten

National League:  Kyle Schwarber, Phillies (12); Juan Soto, Mets (10); Brice Turang, Brewers (10)

The Brewers’ Brice Turang led all hitters with at least 75 at bats in August slugging percentage at .694. The Athletics’ Shea Langeliers led the AL at .661.

RUNS SCORED

American League: Nick Kurtz, A’s (23); Bobby Witt, Jr., Royals (22); six with  21

National League: Geraldo Perdomo, Diamondbacks (28); Jurickson Profar, Braves (27); Juan Soto, Mets (27)

RUNS BATTED IN

American League:  Vinnie Pasquantino, Royals (29); Junior Caminero, Rays (23); Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees (23)

National League: Kyle Schwarber, Phillies (33); Lourdes Gurriel, Jr., Diamondbacks (32); Pete Alonso, Mets (29)

DOUBLES

American League: Brent Rooker, Athletics (10); Tyler Soderstrom, Athletics (9); eight with eight

National League: Bryan Reynolds, Pirates (12); Jakob Marsee, Marlins (11); Matt Olson, Braves (10); James Wood, Nationals (10)

TRIPLES

American League:  Jeremiah Jackson, Orioles (2); Zach McKinstry, Tigers (2); Luis Rengifo. Angels (2); Chandler Simpson, Rays (2)

National League:  Elly De La Cruz, Reds (3); Jakob Marsee, Marlins (3); Trea Turner, Phillies (3)

STOLEN BASES

American League:  Jazz Chisholm, Jr., Yankees (11); Josh Lowe, Rays (8); three with seven

National League: Juan Soto, Mets (11); Trea Turner, Phillies (10); three with nine

Two New Yorkers, Jazz Chisholm, Jr. of the Yankees and Juan Soto of the Mets, tied for the MLB lead in August stolen bases and August stolen bases without getting caught (11).

BATTER’S STRIKEOUTS

American League:  Cal Raleigh, Mariners (39); Ramon Anthony, Red Sox (38); Mike Trout, Angels (38)

National League: James Wood, Nationals (43); Matt Olson, Braves (40); Ely De La Cruz, Reds (38)

Of the 16 players with at least 35 August strikeouts, the highest batting average belonged to the Reds’ Ramon Anthony (.304) and Braves’ Matt Olson (.302.) All the others hit .255 or under for the month, with seven below .200.

WALKS

American League: Aaron Judge, Yankees (24); Nick Kurtz, Athletics (22); Taylor Ward, Angels (22)

National League: Juan Soto, Mets (27); Jurickson Profar, Braves (24); Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers (23)

The highest on-base percentage among players with at least 75 August at bats belonged to the Athletics’ Nick Kurtz at .471. The NL leader was the Padres’ Jake Cronenworth at .460.

PITCHING VICTORIES

American League:  Carlos Rodon, Yankees (4-0); Jacob Lopez, Athletics (4-1); Ryan Pepiot, Rays (4-1); Trevor Rogers, Orioles (4-1); Max Scherzer, Blue Jays (4-1); Cade Smith, Guardians (4-1); Bryan Woo, Mariners (4-1); Michael Wacha, Royals (4-2)

National League:  Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers (5-0); Cade Horton, Cubs (5-1); four with four

The Cardinals’ Andre Pallante (0-6, 6.87 in six starts) led MLB in August losses.

EARNED RUN AVERAGE (minimum 25 August innings)

American League: Trevor Rogers, Orioles (1.29); Drew Rasmussen, Rays (1.53); Cam Schlitter, Yankees (1.60)

National League: Freddy Peralta, Brewers (0.32); Hurston Waldrep, Braves (1.01); Cade Horton, Cubs (1.20)

The highest ERA among pitchers with at least 25 August innings or four August starts was 12.15 by the Braves’ Cal Quantrill (0-4, 12.15 in five starts, 27 earned runs in 20 innings).

STRIKEOUTS

American League: Tarik Skubal, Tigers (45 K / 39 1/3 IP); Trevor Rogers, Orioles (41 K / 42 IP); three with 39

National League: Edward Cabrera, Marlins (44 K / 34 2/3 IP); Jesus Lazardo, Phillies (42 K / 34 2/3 IP); Christopher Sanchez, Phillies (42 K / 38 2/3 IP)

Among pitchers who faced at least 75 batters in August, the Rays’ Ian Seymour had the highest strikeouts-per nine innings ratio for the month at 13.10.

WALKS + HITS/INNINGS PITCHED (at least 25 August innings)

American League: Nathan Eovaldi, Rangers (0.70); Drew Rasmussen, Rays (0.78); Trevor Rogers, Orioles (0.86)

National League: Shota Imanaga, Cubs (0.68); Nick Pivetta, Padres (0.79); Freddy Peralta, Brewers (0.82)

Among pitchers with at least 25 August innings, the Cubs’ Nick Pivetta held batters to the lowest average at 1.50.

SAVES

American League:  Aroldis Chapman, Red Sox (8); Carlos Estevez, Royals (8); Andres Munoz, Mariners (8)

National League:  Raisel Iglesias, Braves (10); Jhoan Duran, Phillies (8); Daniel Palencia, Cubs (7)

Raisel Iglesias of the Braves saved the most games without a blown save in August (ten). 

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