Matt Olson could rewrite the Atlanta Braves record books in his first season with the team. In the process, his production could also set a major league record.
Olson has a major league leading 27 doubles entering Monday’s slate of action. This would put him on pace for an incredible 65 doubles on the year, shattering the Braves’ franchise record of 51 doubles which had been set by Hall of Famer Hugh Duffy back in 1894.
Matt Olson taking aim at record books in first season with Atlanta Braves
Those 65 doubles also put Olson in the conversation for another record. While they would not be enough to surpass Earl Webb’s major league record 67 doubles in 1931, he is on pace for the second most doubles in a single season in MLB history. Olson would also be the first player to reach the 60 double mark since Charlie Gehringer and Joe Medwick back in 1936.
Other players have come close recently. Todd Helton had 59 doubles back in 2000. Nick Castellanos fell short in his push towards the record in 2019, ending the season with 58 doubles. Even getting to the 60 double mark would be an accomplishment in its own right.
It is fair to wonder if Olson can continue at his current pace as well. He has never hit more than 35 doubles in a season, although the Colesium is not exactly an offensive haven. Also, as the weather continues to warm up, some of those hits that were doubles earlier in the season could end up over the fence.
Nonetheless, this chase will be something for Braves fans to keep an eye on. Olson is taking aim at a franchise record that has existed for 128 years, threatening to knock off one of the early stars of the game. His first season in Atlanta could be one for the ages.
Matt Olson is taking aim at the Atlanta Braves record books. At the pace he is currently on, he may have a chance at a major league record as well.