In the century-long history of Major League Baseball, the list of third basemen who have surpassed 2,000 hits is not as long as one might think for a position that has always been characterized by offensive solidity. In fact, only 22 hot corner defenders have reached that mythical figure, including 11 members of the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.
We can find, for example, Adrian Beltre (3166), George Brett (3154) and Wade Boggs (3010), the only third basemen with more than 3000 hits, while other immortals such as Brooks Robinson (2848), Chipper Jones (2726), Pie Traynor (2416), Eddie Matthews (2315), Ron Santo (2254), Mike Schmidt (2234), Scott Rolen (2077) and George Kell (2054) also stand out.
To this illustrious list was added in the last few hours “The Minister of Defense”, as the stellar Manny Machado is known, a third baseman of Dominican roots who has already 14 seasons giving something to talk about in Major League Baseball. The San Diego Padres star hit three rockets against Arizona on Monday, with which he reached 2001 hits in his career in the best baseball in the world.
“There are a lot of hits. A lot of ups and downs, a lot of difficulties. It took me a long time to get here. So I’m very grateful for it,” the third baseman said in San Diego’s dugout
“It’s a lot of hits. A lot of ups and downs, a lot of difficulties. It took me a lot to get here”
Machado began the game in question with 1,998 hits to his credit and immediately closed in with a line drive to left field in his first plate appearance. In his next at-bat, he completed the 2,000-hit milestone with a hard grounder that Arizona’s shortstop could not catch. To close out the day on a high note on the individual side, he hit a 371-foot home run
In this way, Manny became the sixth player to reach 2,000 hits wearing the Padres uniform and the first to do so in the last 19 years. Before him, Mike Piazza (2006), Tony Gwynn (1993), Garry Templeton (1990), Graig Nettles (1985) and Steve Garvey (1983) had that privilege
A dream race
Although we have been hearing about Manny Machado for a long time, the reality is that the third baseman is only 33 years old and still has a few seasons left at the highest level
In 14 seasons, he has 357 home runs, 1,102 RBIs, 1,045 runs scored, 759 extra-base hits and an offensive line (Average/On-base percentage/Slugging/OPS) of .280/.339/.488/.826. He has won two Silver Sluggers and been a six-time All-Star, and has also made his mark with his defense by winning two Gold Gloves and one Platinum Glove.
His performance has been elite, to the point that he is part of an exclusive club of 11 players with 350+ home runs and 2000+ hits at age 33 or younger. The ranking also includes eight members of the Cooperstown Hall of Fame: Hank Aaron, Jimmie Foxx, Lou Gehrig, Ken Griffey Jr, Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Mel Ott and Frank Robinson.
After achieving his feat, Machado did not miss the opportunity to put into perspective what it means to get 2,000 hits in MLB. “It’s very difficult. Trying to get two hits over the weekend, or even during a week, makes you realize how difficult this game is.
“Getting a single hit in the big leagues is extremely difficult. And not to mention that you look up and you have 2000”
“Getting a single hit in the big leagues is extremely hard. And not to mention that you look up and you have 2000. Right there, you realize how special it is and how special this game is. It’s great,” said the Padres star
With Machado, there are only five active players who have surpassed 2,000 hits. The others in the ranking are Freddie Freeman, Jose Altuve, Andrew McCutchen and Paul Goldschmidt
In the face of the Dodgers
Manny Machado’s success does not sit too well north of San Diego, in Los Angeles, where the third baseman left a bad memory due to a series of unfortunate events during his stay of just over three months with the Dodgers
We are not exaggerating when we say that Machado is one of the most hated players in Chavez Ravine, where they do not forget, for example, that he was the last out of the 2018 World Series against the Boston Red Sox
Beyond that, he was always criticized in Los Angeles for not trying his hardest in games and not running hard on every play. To put the icing on the cake, he once admitted: “I’m not Johnny Hustle. I’ve never been and never will be.” That was a response to those who demanded more intensity from him and, obviously, did not sit well with Dodgers fans
On the other hand, Machado was singled out for his “dirty play” after he stepped on Milwaukee first baseman Jesus Aguilar in a home-to-first run. That play cost him a $10,000 fine and the reproach of fans and other Major League Baseball players
The rivalry with the Dodgers grew even more when he signed a spectacular $300 million contract with the San Diego Padres, one of Los Angeles’ most hated rivals. That’s why every Machado victory is like a slap in the face for Dodgers fans, who, in response, are on the lookout for the slightest misstep by the third baseman to celebrate.
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