Last Updated: August 26th, 2024 by Jake Cain
In the high-stakes world of Major League Baseball, a few Herculean records have stood the test of time, resisting the relentless march of progress and the ambitions of new stars. These titanic milestones are more than just numbers; they are the Everest of baseball feats, scaling heights that seem to defy the gravity of the sport itself.
From the Ironman legacy of Cal Ripken Jr.’s 2,632 consecutive games to the wizardry of Nolan Ryan’s 5,714 strikeouts, these records are the Holy Grail of baseball supremacy. They ignite fierce debates among fans and experts alike, pondering whether the likes of DiMaggio’s mesmerizing hit streak or Young’s mountain of wins could ever be toppled.
As the game evolves, these legends cast long shadows, daring the next wave of MLB talent to etch their names alongside the giants of the diamond. Yet, as each season unfolds, the immortal nature of these records becomes ever clearer, challenging players to dream bigger in the face of these daunting benchmarks.
Here’s our list of the most unbreakable MLB records (in no particular order)
Johnny Vander Meer – Back-to-back No Hitters
Johnny Vander Meer, a left-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, etched his name in Major League Baseball history by achieving an extraordinary feat. On June 11 and June 15, 1938, Vander Meer threw two consecutive no-hitters, a record still unbroken to this day. He first dominated the Boston Bees at Crosley Field and, just four days later, secured his legendary status against the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field during the first night game there.
His rare achievement of back-to-back no-hitters stands as a hallmark of baseball lore. This remarkable display not only showcases his skill but also imposes the question of whether such a feat could ever be replicated in the evolving landscape of the sport.
Vander Meer’s accomplishments transcended the era in which he played. His talent catapulted him into the spotlight and confirmed that he was not just a temporary sensation, but rather a pitcher whose name would forever resonate with the magic of baseball.
- First No-Hitter: June 11, 1938, vs. Boston Bees
- Second No-Hitter: June 15, 1938, vs. Brooklyn Dodgers
Nolan Ryan – 5,714 Career Strikeouts
Nolan Ryan, an iconic figure in baseball, is well-known for his extraordinary pitching prowess. His records stand as a testament to his enduring legacy in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Career Achievements:
- 5,714 career strikeouts: This remarkable tally places Ryan comfortably at the summit of the all-time strikeouts list.
- 7 career no-hitters: An exceptional achievement, showcasing his precision and dominance on the mound.
Ryan distinguished himself with remarkable longevity in baseball, which enabled him to amass these unparalleled statistics. His fastball, feared by many, helped him to secure his place in MLB history.
Other Notable Records:
- Most seasons with 200+ strikeouts: 15
- Oldest player to throw a no-hitter: Age 44
Ryan’s peerless records, including the most career strikeouts and an unmatched number of no-hitters, solidify his name among the greats. As a pitcher, he demonstrated a unique combination of resilience, strength, and skill. His records are a benchmark that continues to challenge pitchers generations later.
Cy Young – 511 Career Wins
In the annals of Major League Baseball, few pitchers have set records as imposing as those achieved by Cy Young. His career, spanning from 1890 to 1911, is marked by astounding numbers that have withstood the test of time.
Cy Young notched an unparalleled 511 career wins, a summit no pitcher since has managed to scale, often mentioned in articles discussing MLB records. This awe-inspiring achievement includes an impressive five seasons with at least 30 wins and fifteen seasons with 20 or more.
Additionally, Young’s durability is highlighted by his 749 career complete games. This record mirrors an era when pitchers routinely finished what they started, a stark contrast to the specialized nature of modern baseball pitching.
These records are a testimony to Young’s enduring legacy and are often cited as benchmarks for pitching prowess. Today, they stand as a towering challenge that pitchers may aspire to, but seldom approach.
Jack Chesbro – 41 Wins in a Season
In 1904, Jack Chesbro achieved a record that stands tall in the annals of Major League Baseball: pitching an astounding 48 complete games in a single season. His unparalleled performance that year also included securing 41 wins, a figure that firmly positions him in baseball history. These feats are celebrated as some of the most enduring records in the sport.
Season Highlights:
- Wins: 41
- Complete Games: 48
- Games Started: 51
Chesbro’s exceptional record of complete games comes from a time when the dynamics of baseball, particularly pitching, were drastically different from today’s game. The staggering number of complete games is attributed to the era’s pitching style and usage patterns, which leaned heavily on a team’s ace pitcher.
The legacy of Chesbro’s 1904 season is twofold. His accomplishments are a testament to his skill and endurance as a pitcher, and they also mark a bygone era of baseball where such a feat was possible. In the contemporary game, with its specialized pitching roles and carefully managed rotations, it’s unlikely that Chesbro’s record of complete games will ever be surpassed, rendering it one of Major League Baseball’s most unbreakable records.
Will White – 75 Complete Games In A Season
Born as William Henry White, the baseball pitcher known as Will White made an indelible mark in baseball history. In the 19th century — a time when pitchers commonly finished every game they started — White excelled in endurance and skill.
Notable Achievements:
- In 1879, he pitched an astonishing 75 complete games in a single season, a feat unrivaled to this day.
- His career spans from 1875 to 1889, during which complete games were a standard expectation for pitchers.
Career Highlights:
- Cincinnati Reds and Red Stockings were his primary teams.
- Three 40-win seasons also grace his career achievements.
His records, especially the 75 complete games in one season, underscore a bygone era of baseball. Such a record illustrates not only his formidable pitching ability but also the endurance demanded of pitchers at the time. Players and fans often look back at Will White’s career to understand how the role of the pitcher has evolved within Major League Baseball.
Walter Johnson – 110 Shutouts
Walter Johnson, known as “The Big Train,” remains a legendary figure in Major League Baseball history. Born in 1887, he made an indelible mark on the game with his powerful pitching arm, which helped him secure a record that stands tall to this day.
Career Overview:
- Teams: Washington Senators
- Active Years: 1907 – 1927
- Hall of Fame Induction: 1936
Record Highlights:
- 110 career shutouts, leading all MLB pitchers
- Dominated the pitching mound across two decades
- Famed for his high-speed fastball
Johnson’s career shutouts are not just a testament to his skill but also to his endurance. Pitching 110 shutouts during his 21-year career, Johnson displayed a level of consistency and excellence that has since become the benchmark for pitching greatness. His ability to prevent opposing teams from scoring in a complete game — a shutout — remains unmatched, creating a legacy that continues to be celebrated amongst baseball aficionados.
Charles Radbourn – 59 Wins in a Season
In 1884, Charles “Old Hoss” Radbourn carved his name into Major League Baseball history by claiming the most wins in a single season, a staggering 59 wins. This record, a testament to his dominance and endurance, is considered unbreakable in the modern era.
Radbourn’s feat came at a time when pitchers often threw every game, allowing him to accumulate such an extraordinary number. His unmatchable win-loss record not only stands as an individual triumph but also carried his team, the Providence Grays, to victory—adhering to an ultimatum that had threatened the team’s existence.
- Season: 1884
- Innings Pitched: Over 678
- ERA: 1.38
- Team: Providence Grays
His remarkable season included back-to-back campaigns with over 600 innings pitched, showcasing Radbourn’s remarkable durability. In an age before five-man rotations and pitch counts, his accomplishments reflect a bygone era of baseball. He remains an enduring figure in baseball lore, his records undiminished by time. Radbourn was deservedly inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1939, forever immortalizing his contributions to the game.
Rickey Henderson – 1,406 Steals
Rickey Henderson is renowned for his remarkable base-stealing prowess in Major League Baseball (MLB). With a career total of 1,406 stolen bases, he set a standard that remains unparalleled. Henderson’s astounding record is 50% higher than the previous record-holder, illustrating the sheer magnitude of this achievement.
Career Stolen Bases:
- Total: 1,406
- Single-season record: 130 (1982)
Known as the “Man of Steal,” Henderson’s ability to swipe bases with exceptional skill and timing made him a formidable presence on the field. He led the American League in stolen bases 12 times over his career, marking his dominance in this aspect of the game. Notably, he is the only AL player to have stolen 100 bases in a season, achieving this feat three times.
Beyond his stellar stealing stats, Henderson’s contribution to baseball extends as a ten-time All-Star, a Gold Glove winner, and a World Series champion, among numerous other accolades. His influence on the game and enduring legacy in the stolen base category cements his status as a legendary figure in MLB history.
Pete Rose – 4,256 Hits In A Career
Pete Rose stands as an iconic figure in Major League Baseball (MLB) history, widely recognized as the “Hit King.” Over an extraordinary 24-year career, he amassed an unprecedented 4,256 career hits, a record that firmly cements his legacy within the sport.
- Total Hits: 4,256
- Years Active: 1963–1986
- Nickname: Hit King
Despite controversies that have surrounded his career, the sheer number of hits Rose collected remains unequaled, with no current players within striking range of this high-water mark. Rose’s approach at the plate was relentless; he was the epitome of a batting workhorse. Rose’s record is often mentioned in discussions about the most unbreakable records in MLB history.
Achievements:
- Most career hits in MLB history
- 17-time All-Star
- 3-time World Series champion
His tenure with the Cincinnati Reds is especially notable, as he was a critical part of the lineup known as the “Big Red Machine,” which dominated the National League during the 1970s.
Joe DiMaggio – 56 Game Hit Streak
Joe DiMaggio, known as “Joltin’ Joe,” etched his name in Major League Baseball lore with a record that stands tall to this day. In the summer of 1941, DiMaggio achieved a feat that has since become the stuff of legend: a 56-game hitting streak. This unmatched streak began on May 15, 1941, and the sports world watched with bated breath until it ended on July 17, 1941.
The Streak at a Glance:
- Start Date: May 15, 1941
- End Date: July 17, 1941
- Total Games: 56
During this period, his consistency at the plate was unparalleled as he maintained a batting average above .400, further solidifying his streak’s impressive nature. Analysts and fans have often debated whether this record will ever be broken, with many suggesting it to be one of baseball’s most unbreakable records.
DiMaggio’s hitting streak, transcending mere numbers, has become a symbol of baseball excellence, remaining as hallowed today as it was over 80 years ago. His dedicated focus and exceptional skill during those two months of the 1941 season continue to inspire players and captivate fans.
Ichiro Suzuki – 262 Hits in a Season
Ichiro Suzuki, a name synonymous with hitting prowess in Major League Baseball (MLB), astounded fans with his remarkable consistency at the plate.
- 2001-2010: Ichiro accomplished the extraordinary feat of achieving 200 hits in 10 consecutive seasons, a testament to his relentless work ethic and precision as a hitter.
262 Hits in a Season:
In 2004, Suzuki set a new standard, recording a staggering 262 hits. This broke the previous record that had stood for 84 years. This achievement is not just a number but a hallmark of Suzuki’s exceptional hand-eye coordination and speed.
Ichiro’s period of dominance is viewed with awe, and his hits record may remain untouched for generations. His legacy is not just quantified by the milestones he reached but also by the effortless grace with which he swung the bat and the meticulous approach he had towards the game. Ichiro’s name will forever be etched in the annals of baseball history.
Maury Wills – 165 Games in a Season
In the annals of baseball, 1962 stands out as the year Maury Wills redefined the art of base-stealing, swiping a remarkable 104 bases and shattering Ty Cobb’s previous mark of 96 set nearly half a century earlier. Not content to conquer just the base paths, Wills outpaced entire teams, eclipsing even the Washington Senators’ collective tally of 99. With a modest 13 caught-stealing instances, Wills showcased a blend of speed and smarts, batting .299 and leading the NL with 179 singles and 10 triples.
Despite adversarial tactics like Alvin Dark’s muddy tracks, Wills’ historic year peaked with a record 165 games played in a season, combining a full schedule with a nail-biting playoff series against the Giants—a record that remains unchallenged to this day.
Tris Speaker – 792 Doubles
Tris Speaker, one of baseball’s most storied figures, holds a record that stands impressive even generations later. Known affectionately as “The Gray Eagle,” Speaker’s baseball prowess left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball.
MLB Career Doubles Record:
His remarkable 792 career doubles is a testament to his consistent performance and longevity in the sport. This record, achieved over an illustrious career that spanned from 1907 to 1928, remains unmatched, securing his legacy in the annals of baseball history.
Summary of Career Highlights:
- Birth: April 4, 1888
- Height: 5’11”
- Weight: 193 lbs
- Teams:
- Boston Americans/Red Sox (1907-1915)
- Cleveland Indians (1916-1926)
- Washington Senators (1927)
- Philadelphia Athletics (1928)
Speaker’s ability to hit doubles was unparalleled, and his record for the most doubles in a career is often cited as one of baseball’s most unbreakable records. His hitting prowess was complemented by a stellar defensive play, further cementing his status as a baseball legend. Player statistics indicate his standing as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Clearly, Speaker’s monumental MLB achievements make him a central figure when discussing baseball’s most unbreakable records. His impressive .345 career batting average adds to the reasons why he remains a towering figure in the sport’s history. Tris Speaker’s legacy endures, a testament to his exceptional skill and resilience on the baseball diamond.
Sam Crawford – 309 Triples
Sam Crawford, affectionately nicknamed Wahoo Sam, is a legendary figure in Major League Baseball for his extraordinary feats with 309 career triples. This remarkable record is a testament to his speed and skill on the basepaths, setting a high-water mark that remains untouched in the annals of baseball history.
During his time with the Cincinnati Reds and later with the Detroit Tigers, Crawford’s ability to convert hits into triples was unmatched. His 309 career triples exemplify his prowess and underscore the strategic nature of baseball during the era he played, known as the dead-ball era.
Crawford’s consistent performance earned him a revered place in baseball history. He played beside other greats, such as Ty Cobb, further cementing his legacy as one of the game’s premier talents of the early 20th century. His impressive career triples mark, a feat made even more notable given the playing conditions of his time, has ensured that his name will forever be synonymous with this particular aspect of baseball lore.
Hugh Duffy – .440 Batting Average
Hugh Duffy, a prominent figure in baseball history, holds the record for the highest single-season batting average. In the 1894 season, Duffy achieved a remarkable batting average of .440 with the Boston Beaneaters, making it a historic high that still stands today.
Duffy’s batting average set a record and became a benchmark for hitters throughout the subsequent eras of Major League Baseball. His achievement is particularly noteworthy because changes in the game, including pitching techniques and rule alterations, have made it increasingly challenging for players to approach such a figure.
Considering the evolution of baseball, Duffy’s single-season batting average serves as a storied testament to a different age of the sport. His name remains synonymous with hitting excellence, a testament to the skill he brought to the diamond during his illustrious career.
Hack Wilson – 191 RBI Season
Lewis Robert “Hack” Wilson stands as a towering figure in baseball history, largely due to his astounding achievement in the 1930 season. Known for his stocky build and formidable power at the plate, Wilson’s record of 191 RBIs in a single season remains an unchallenged benchmark in Major League Baseball (MLB).
- Season: 1930
- Team: Chicago Cubs
- RBIs: 191 (Record)
This legendary Chicago Cubs outfielder’s RBI record has withstood the test of time, cementing its place amidst baseball’s most unbreakable records. Moreover, Wilson’s RBI tally is just one facet of his impressive career statistics that include a lifetime .307 batting average and 244 home runs.
Wilson, who played for teams such as the New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers, left a lasting legacy, not only through his record-setting RBI season but also through his overall contributions to the sport. Despite challenges off the field, his prowess between the lines remains a testament to his skill and dedication to the game. His 1930 performance has yet to be equaled, and his place in baseball history as one of the most prolific sluggers is well assured.
Joe Sewell – Fewest Strikeouts in a Season
Joe Sewell, a hallmark of contact hitting in Major League Baseball, holds records for his remarkable ability to avoid strikeouts. Sewell’s career showcased exceptional bat control, contributing to his legacy as one of the hardest players to strike out.
- Fewest Strikeouts in a Season:
With only four strikeouts in the entire 1925 season, Sewell set a record that stands unchallenged. Matching this feat in 1929 exemplifies his consistent contact hitting prowess. - Career Strikeouts:
Over his career, Sewell struck out just 114 times in 7,132 at-bats. This translates to an average of one strikeout every 62.5 at-bats, a rate surpassed only by Willie Keeler.
Sewell’s approach at the plate was characterized by a keen eye and exceptional hand-eye coordination, making him a formidable opponent for pitchers of his era. His records underscore a level of skill in making contact that is rarely seen in today’s game, where striking out is far more common. Sewell’s place in baseball history is solidified by these unbreakable records, marking him as an exceptional figure in the annals of the sport.
Chief Wilson – 36 Triples in a Season
Chief Wilson, a name etched in baseball history, is synonymous with the extraordinary record for triples in a single season. In 1911, Wilson amazed the sports world by hitting an incredible 36 triples. This feat has remained unmatched for over a century, making it one of Major League Baseball’s most unbreakable records.
Triples are a rarity in modern baseball, but Wilson’s remarkable agility and precision turned them into his signature play. Playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates, his record-setting performance spotlighted not only his speed but also the expansive outfields of the era, particularly the spacious grounds of Forbes Field.
Wilson’s 36 triples stand as a testament to an era and style of play distinct from today’s power-driven game. His achievement is a cornerstone of baseball legacy, showing how the sport’s history is woven with performances that today seem almost beyond reach.
Hank Aaron – 6,856 Total Bases Career
Hank Aaron, a legendary figure in Major League Baseball, left an indelible mark with his 6,856 career total bases, a record that remains untouched. His journey through the baseball world demonstrated both consistency and exceptional power at the plate. Aaron’s uncanny ability to amass total bases speaks to his legendary status among baseball’s elite.
Career Highlights:
- Total Bases: 6,856
- Home Runs: 755
- All-Star Appearances: 25
Known affectionately as “Hammerin’ Hank,” Aaron’s pursuit of the home run record held by Babe Ruth was a gripping narrative, and his eclipsing of the record was a historic moment. Beyond home runs, his comprehensive accumulation of total bases exhibits a career of remarkable endurance and skill.
Aaron’s achievements are particularly striking considering the era in which he played, a time of significant social and professional challenges. His record of career total bases is a testament to his ability to hit for both power and average, a skillset that made him one of the game’s most formidable hitters.
Aaron’s remarkable tenure in baseball showcases how he covered all facets of hitting, making the mark of 6,856 total bases seem virtually unassailable. While records are made to be broken, Aaron’s stands as a pinnacle of baseball achievement that is admired and revered by fans and historians alike.
Barry Bonds – 762 Home Runs Career
Barry Bonds holds some of the most staggering records in Major League Baseball, reflecting his unparalleled skills as a slugger. He stands alone at the top with 762 career home runs, a monumental achievement that cements his legacy in the baseball annals. Bonds’ sheer power and his eye at the plate made him an imposing figure for opposing pitchers.
In 2004, he exhibited unprecedented discipline and skill, garnering an astonishing 232 walks in a single season, pointing to his intimidating presence in the batter’s box. These walks didn’t merely result from careful pitching; Bonds was frequently given a free pass, as evidenced by his staggering 688 intentional walks in a career—far surpassing anyone else in the sport’s history.
Barry Bonds’ Records:
- Home runs:
- Career: 762
- Single-season: 73 (2001)
- Walks:
- Single-season: 232
- Career intentional: 688
Bonds’ pitch recognition and the strategic response of teams—who often found it wiser to avoid his bat altogether—led to these awe-inspiring numbers. His legacy in the record books is as much a tribute to his raw power as it is to his strategic impact on the game.
Cal Ripken Jr. – 2,632 Consecutive Games
Cal Ripken Jr., the Iron Man of Major League Baseball (MLB), holds the astounding record of playing in 2,632 consecutive games. Known for his resilience and endurance, Ripken’s streak is one of the game’s most cherished achievements.
Ripken’s Career Highlights:
- 2,632 consecutive games played
- Entire 21-year career with the Baltimore Orioles
- Positions: Shortstop and Third Base
- MLB history: Broke Lou Gehrig’s 2,130-game streak in 1995
During his illustrious career, Ripken was an epitome of consistency and excellence. The streak spanned over 16 seasons, beginning on May 30, 1982, and ending on September 19, 1998. His dedication to the game became a symbol of hard work and reliability.
Beyond the streak, Ripken’s career was marked by impressive accolades such as two American League (AL) MVP awards and a World Series championship in 1983. He was an All-Star 19 times, and he also achieved other honors like two Gold Glove Awards and the All-Star Game MVP Award in 1991.
Ripken’s ironclad record strikes a chord with fans and serves as an inspiration to players, embodying the spirit of America’s pastime.
Fernando Tatis – 2 Grand Slams In One Inning
On April 23, 1999, a rare feat was accomplished by Fernando Tatis when he hit two grand slams in a single inning. Playing for the St. Louis Cardinals against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Tatis made history in the third inning. Facing pitcher Chan Ho Park, he hammered two homers with the bases loaded, setting an MLB record.
Tatis’ achievement is noteworthy not just for the sheer rarity but also because of the unique circumstances. He recorded both grand slams in the same inning and off the same pitcher, a distinction unmatched in the annals of baseball. This exploit is widely considered one of Major League Baseball’s unbreakable records.
Highlights:
- Player: Fernando Tatis
- Date: April 23, 1999
- Opponent: Los Angeles Dodgers
- Pitcher: Chan Ho Park
- Inning: 3rd
- Outcome: Two grand slams in one inning
Mickey Mantle – 18 World Series Homeruns
Mickey Mantle’s illustrious career with the New York Yankees is highlighted by a remarkable feat in the postseason: hitting 18 home runs in World Series play. This record, standing since his last appearance in the Fall Classic, showcases Mantle’s exceptional performance on baseball’s biggest stage.
His postseason prowess was a key factor in the Yankees’ dominance during his tenure, contributing to seven World Series titles.
Mantle’s World Series Milestones:
- First Homerun: Against the Brooklyn Dodgers (1952)
- Final Homerun: Off St. Louis Cardinals’ Bob Gibson (1964)
The switch-hitting center fielder displayed remarkable power from both sides of the plate, further cementing his legacy as one of the game’s all-time greats.
This record is likely unbreakable due to the amount of team success you’d have to have in order to play enough World Series games to hit this many long balls.
His World Series record remains a testament to his exceptional ability to perform under pressure.
Yogi Berra – Catching Both Games Of Doubleheader 145 Times
During his illustrious career with the New York Yankees, Yogi Berra established a record that has stood the test of time, catching both games of a doubleheader an astonishing 145 times.
This achievement underscores not just his durability but also his vital role as the backbone of the Yankees’ defense during their dominant years.
Doubleheaders are a taxing challenge for catchers due to the physical and mental demands of the position. Berra’s ability to repeatedly perform at a high level in such grueling circumstances speaks to his exceptional stamina and determination. This record is even more remarkable considering Berra’s contributions on offense, maintaining a robust hitting performance despite the exhaustive nature of doubleheaders.
His tenacity behind the plate was a key factor in the Yankees’ success, helping lead the team to multiple World Series Championships.
Berra’s achievement is a testament to his legendary status and serves as a benchmark of endurance for catchers, showing that his record is not only about the number of games played but also about the unwavering consistency he brought to the game.
Lenny Harris – 212 Pinch Hits
Lenny Harris, a name synonymous with consistency and skill off the bench, holds a remarkable Major League Baseball record.
His 212 career pinch hits set a standard that speaks to his resilience and strategic importance in late-game situations. Harris’s left-handed batting and ability to deliver under pressure made him the go-to pinch hitter for various MLB teams throughout his career.
Harris’s hitting prowess is best highlighted by the numbers:
Statistic | Value |
---|---|
Pinch Hits | 212 |
MLB Teams Played | 9 |
MLB Debut | May 28, 1988 |
Final MLB Game | October 5, 2005 |
Teams across MLB benefitted from Harris’s versatility and his role as a pinch hitter. His record is a compelling testament to his durability and his knack for seizing the moment during pivotal game scenarios. Notably, his achievement with pinch hits is a feat unlikely to be paralleled soon, given the specialized nature of modern baseball roles and the DH being used in the National League.
Harris’s career spanned 18 seasons, a testament to both his skill as a hitter and his strategic utility in MLB.
Ted Williams – 84 Game On Base Streak
Ted Williams, known as “The Splendid Splinter,” achieved a remarkable feat in 1949, setting a record with an 84-game on-base streak.
Unlike the more celebrated hitting streaks, Williams’ consistent ability to reach base via hits, walks, or being hit by a pitch demonstrated a multifaceted skill set that emphasized patience alongside batting proficiency.
(Errors and fielders choice didn’t count toward this streak)
This achievement emphasizes his keen eye at the plate and provides a glimpse into his broader hitting philosophy, which prioritized reaching base over merely making contact.
Ted Williams On-Base Streak | Detail |
---|---|
Duration | July 1 – September 28, 1949 |
Games Played | 84 |
Method of Reaching Base | Hits, Walks, Hit by Pitch |
His record remains a benchmark for consistency and an elusive target for modern players, underlining an aspect of the sport that aligns with Williams’ own assertion that the hardest thing to do in baseball is to hit a round ball with a round bat squarely.
Theodore Samuel Williams‘ streak was not merely about persistence; it demonstrated an elite understanding of the strike zone, reinforcing his legacy as one of the greatest hitters of all time. The 84-game on-base streak solidified by Williams is a testament to his exceptional talent and an embodiment of the strategic patience that permeates baseball’s most successful offensive methodologies.
Robin Roberts was 28-7 winning 10 games more than any pitcher.he also led the league with fewest walks per 9 nine innings while pitching more than 300 innings check the record books.
Ty Cobb batting over .300 for 23 consecutive seasons.
Another Nolan Ryan record: 383 strikeouts in a season.
Cy Young loses
What about Bob Gibson’s 1.12 ERA in a single season?
Not the record- Dutch Leonard 1.00
How about Herb Score – rookie season first five starts had 50 K’s
Hank Aaron 20+ home runs 20 years in a row
Barry bonds does not belong there.
Interesting article-I would note that more emphasis should have been given to “modern” era (ie-post 1900) versus “dead ball” era ( pre 190). Rules where different, equipment was different, ect. to the point it almost was a different game
In 1949, Ted Williams reached base in 84 consecutive games.
Pittsburgh Pirates’ RHP Steve Blass pitched two complete game victories in the 1971 World Series. The second game won the Series for the Pirates.
Just about all of the above may eventually be broken. The one not listed was Yogi Berra’s catching both ends of 118 double headers! Today a team is lucky if they play 2 a year. And then the catcher only plays 1 of the games!
These are remarkable records. I think I was 11 or 12 and got to see Hank Aaron play in Atlanta in 69 or 70, I always admire him as great player and a great man.
Cy Young’s 511 wins has to be the least likely to be surpassed, right? ❤️⚾️❤️🇺🇸
It is pointless to predict records that will never be broken. You can only be proven wrong, never right. I grew up reading that Ty Cobb’s 4,191 hits and Lou Gehrig’s 2,130 consecutive games played would stand forever.
Nolan Ryan should be o. The list twice, the 7 no-hitters will never be surpassed as well!
I believe the doubles record is attainable. Mainly because triples are way down as hitters don’t go for the extra base. Freddie Freeman has legit shot to break the record if he stays healthy and plays for another 6-7 years.
What about Ty Cobb’s lifetime batting average of .366. Most players don’t get that over one season. Cobb played in 24.
Ty Cobb’s .367 lifetime batting average should certainly be on the list.
108 years between championships by the Chicago Cubs 1908-2016
The doubles record may be attainable for Freeman, but it would more likely that he join the 7 members club of 500 HR and 3,000 Hits.
Leaving out Ty Cobb’s .367 (or .366) lifetime batting average is nonsense. And the fact that he had about 80 lifetime records when he retired, several still held, is probably something no one else ever had.