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

Nap Lajoie (September 27, 1914)

The third player to join the 3000 hit club, Nap Lajoie was the second player to do so in 1914. Just like Honus Wagner, who did so three months prior, Lajoie reached the milestone with a double.

Using a unique two knobbed bat that allowed him to use his split hand grip, Lajoie was a master at placing the ball where he wanted around the field. This allowed him to lead the league in hits four times, and to win five batting crowns. His 1901 season, where he posted a .426/.463/.643 batting line and led the American League in hits (232), runs (145), doubles (48), homers (14), and RBI (125) may have been the best in the history of the league.

The story of how Lajoie ended up as a Cleveland icon is interesting in its own right. He was a developing star with the Phillies before jumping to the Philadelphia Athletics for 1901. Connie Mack offered the star a four year deal worth $6000 a year, a princely sum back in those days. However, the Phillies, prior to the 1902 campaign, received an injunction that kept Lajoie from playing games in Philadelphia.

Sent to Cleveland to circumvent the ruling and to help maintain the legitimacy of the AL, Lajoie quickly became a star. The Bronchos, as the team was known, changed their name to the Naps in honor of their new star. Lajoie became the league’s premier second baseman, not only with the bat, but defensively as well, a stellar all around player who came to define the position.

Nap Lajoie was such a great player that they named the team after him. He was also the third player with 3000 career hits, and the second player to reach that milestone in 1914.