Current Players Who Could Challenge DiMaggio’s Incredible Hitting Streak Which Turns 75

In recognition of the 75th anniversary of an important record in Major League Baseball, The Wall Street Journal printed a feature about Joe DiMaggio’s incredible 56 game hitting streak. Since the feat in 1941, no player has come close to duplicating it.

The man who established the second longest streak is Pete Rose, who hit safely in 44 games in 1978. Rose, who went on to acquire more hits than any player in history, is featured in the May 14 article by Jo Craven McGinty.

Disagreeing with renowned baseball statistician Bill James, Rose believes that DiMaggio’s streak can be beaten. He provided four qualities a batter must possess in order to match that feat, starting with hitting for contact. Also required, he believes, is enough speed to beat out an infield hit or a bunt. The two other ingredients, according to the all-time hit king, are the ability to hit to all fields and a lot of luck.

Several names were brought up by Rose as possible contenders to challenge the hitting streak. The first was Houston second baseman Jose Altuve, who has a batting title as well as a stolen base crown in his young career.

Rose also named Cleveland outfielder Michael Brantley, who recently had a hitting streak of 22 games. Here are four other players who, based on the three abilities in Rose’s analysis, could pursue Joltin’ Joe’s run.

Andrew McCutcheon, Pittsburgh Pirates

The 2012 Most Valuable Player is the epitome of consistency with a career average just under .300 with impressive power and speed to go along with it. The fact that he hits in the middle of the order rather than at the top, meaning fewer plate appearances, weakens the likelihood that he could threaten DiMaggio’s mark.

Adam Eaton, Chicago White Sox

He is a lead off hitter with great speed and a .300 career mark. Also working in his favor are the productive guys hitting behind him, Jose Abreu, Todd Frazier and Melky Cabrerra, guaranteeing that opponents will not pitch around Eaton.

Manny Machado, Baltimore Orioles

Like Eaton, the All-Star third baseman has sluggers protecting him in the lineup. Machado does, however, hit in the middle of the order and is therefore likely to get fewer plate appearances than a leadoff hitter such as Eaton or Altuve.

Dee Gordon, Miami Marlins

He leads off, has lightning speed, won a batting title in 2015, and has slugger Giancarlo Stanton hitting behind him. His biggest problem might be staying on the field, as he is currently serving a suspension for violating MLB’s illegal substance policy.

https://youtu.be/C0qBiUlsIh4