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MLB history: Taking a look back at the 3000 hit club

By David Hill

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 23: Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers hits a single, the 3000th hit of his career, during the first inning in Game One of a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies at Comerica Park on April 23, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - APRIL 23: Miguel Cabrera #24 of the Detroit Tigers hits a single, the 3000th hit of his career, during the first inning in Game One of a doubleheader against the Colorado Rockies at Comerica Park on April 23, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /
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(Original Caption) Head and shoulders outdoors portrait of Hans Wagner, a baseball great from the beginning of the 20th century. Undated photograph.
(Original Caption) Head and shoulders outdoors portrait of Hans Wagner, a baseball great from the beginning of the 20th century. Undated photograph. /

Honus Wagner (June 9, 1914)

There is no question that Honus Wagner recorded 3000 career hits. The question is when his 3000th career hit actually happened.

This question comes due to discrepancies in box scores that were discovered later on. June 9 is generally celebrated as the day that Wagner reached the milestone. However, depending on the box scores, the actual date could have been either June 30 or July 4, depending on the information that one uses. For the most part, Wagner’s double on June 9 is accepted as that 3000th base knock.

Although Wagner is considered the greatest shortstop in baseball history, he certainly did not look the part. A barrel chested, bow legged individual, Wagner was deceptively graceful and quick. He was considered a brilliant defensive player at short, and appeared all around the diamond during his career.

Wagner’s prowess was notable throughout much of his 21 year career. A lifetime .328/.391/.467 hitter, he had 3420 hits, 643 doubles, and 723 steals. He won eight batting titles, with seven of those coming from 1903 through 1911. Wagner also led the league in doubles seven times, and in steals five times.

A legend with the Pittsburgh Pirates, Honus Wagner was one of the greatest players the game had ever seen. And, depending on the source, he may actually be the first player with 3000 hits, given the discrepancies surrounding Cap Anson’s total.

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