Question 3: If not a slugger, was he known as a great hitter, perhaps someone with at least 2,500 career base hits?
Answer: As of the current moment, 101 major leaguers have accumulated at least 2,500 career base hits. That includes the MLB all-time leader, the unenshrined Pete Rose, and descends to Jimmy Ryan, a 19th century star who had 2,513.
A few, like Rose and tarnished White Sox star Shoeless Joe Jackson have not been honored. Some, notably Adrian Beltre (3,166 hits) retired only recently or, like Albert Pujols, remain active. They await their turn.
Still, the correct answer is no, our subject did not accumulate 2,500 base hits during the course of his illustrious career. That response strikes nearly 90 possibilities not already eliminated from consideration, among them:
- Rickey Henderson, June 24, 1979, versus the Texas Rangers at Oakland Alameda County Coliseum, double to right off John Henry Johnson.
- Tony Gwynn, July 19, 1982, versus the Philadelphia Phillies at Jack Murphy Stadium, run-producing sacrifice fly to center off Mike Krukow.
- George Brett, Aug. 2, 1973, vs. the Chicago White Sox at White Sox Park, line drive caught by pitcher Stan Bahnsen.
- Stan Musial, Sept. 17, 1941, versus the Boston Braves at Sportsman’s Park, routine pop up to third base.
- Dave Winfield, July 19, 1973, versus the Houston Astros at Jack Murphy Stadium, groundout shortstop to first.
- Al Kaline, July 25, 1953, versus the Philadelphia Athletics at Connie Mack Stadium, fly ball to center field.