Houston Astros: Zack Greinke eyeing mark not reached in over 100 years

There is a reason why there is such a clamor for the designated hitter to become universal. Even in the early days of the majors, pitchers were not strong hitters – if they were, they typically played other positions. That makes the likes of Houston Astros pitcher Zack Greinke even more of an anomaly these days.

Greinke had an interesting answer when he was asked about which milestones he is looking forward to reaching. He said that he wants to get ten homers and ten steals, numbers that he is just shy of as he has nine of each.

Houston Astros pitcher Zack Greinke eyeing history

Just having nine homers and nine steals is a feat in itself. Of every player who has spent at least 90% of their games as a pitcher, only 13 have reached those marks. Greinke is the first to do so since Cy Young himself, who retired in 1911.

If the threshold is changed to double figures in both, then that group is even more exclusive. Only eight pitchers have hit ten homers and stolen ten bases, with Young again the most recent player. If Greinke can get that last homer and one more steal, he will accomplish something not done in over 100 years.

This may also be his last chance to do so. The universal DH is coming whether we like it or not. The days of pitchers hitting a baseball, or trying to, are coming to an end. Unless we have more two way players coming down the pipeline, seeing a pitcher with a bat in their hand will be a rarity.

Greinke is surely aware of this as well. Although he is a part of the Astros, and has the DH in the lineup, he will still be looking to send a ball into the stratosphere in his few plate appearances this year. And should he be used as a pinch runner, one has to imagine he will be taking off at the first chance he gets.

If Houston Astros pitcher Zack Greinke can get one more homer and one more steal, he will do something that has not been done in over 100 years. Those are milestones worth chasing.