Baseball is one of the most popular sports in the United States, and fans of the game have been keeping track of its statistics since the late 1800s. One of the most impressive feats in the history of the sport is to reach 4,000 career hits. As of 2021, there have been 27 players in the history of Major League Baseball (MLB) to achieve this milestone.
The History of 4,000 Hits
The first player to reach 4,000 career hits was Ty Cobb, who achieved the feat in 1925. He was the only player to reach the milestone until Pete Rose joined him in 1985. Rose became the first player to reach 4,000 hits in both the American and National Leagues, and he remains the all-time hits leader with 4,256.
The Players Who Have Reached 4,000 Hits
In addition to Cobb and Rose, the other players to have reached 4,000 career hits are:
- Craig Biggio (2007)
- Paul Molitor (1996)
- Carl Yastrzemski (1979)
- Willie Mays (1971)
- Hank Aaron (1970)
- Stan Musial (1958)
- Roberto Clemente (1956)
- George Brett (1992)
- Cal Ripken Jr. (1991)
- Rod Carew (1985)
- Eddie Murray (1995)
- Dave Winfield (1993)
- Rickey Henderson (2001)
- Rafael Palmeiro (2005)
- Lou Brock (1979)
- Derek Jeter (2009)
- Robin Yount (1992)
- Al Kaline (1974)
- Tony Gwynn (1999)
- Paul Waner (1942)
- Eddie Collins (1925)
- Tris Speaker (1925)
- Honus Wagner (1914)
- Nap Lajoie (1914)
- Cap Anson (1897)
The Current Players With the Most Hits
As of 2021, the active players with the most hits are Ichiro Suzuki (3,089), Albert Pujols (2,972), Miguel Cabrera (2,947), and Adrian Beltre (2,879). While none of these players have yet reached 4,000 hits, they are all still playing and have a chance to join the exclusive 4,000 hit club.
The Future of 4,000 Hits
The 4,000 hit milestone is one of the most impressive accomplishments in the history of baseball, and it is unlikely that any other player will reach it in the near future. However, some of the current active players, such as Ichiro Suzuki, Adrian Beltre, and Albert Pujols, still have a chance to join the exclusive club.
Conclusion
Reaching 4,000 career hits in Major League Baseball is an extraordinary accomplishment that has been achieved by only 27 players in the history of the sport. The current active players with the most hits are Ichiro Suzuki, Albert Pujols, Miguel Cabrera, and Adrian Beltre, and they still have a chance to join the exclusive 4,000 hit club. While it is unlikely that any other player will reach this milestone in the near future, it is still an impressive feat that should be admired.