Baseball is full of exciting plays and thrilling moments, but few can compare to the sheer jubilation of a walk-off hit. A walk-off hit is when a batter ends the game in dramatic fashion with a clutch hit, sending the home team and its fans into a frenzy. There have been many great walk-off moments throughout baseball history, but who holds the record for most walk-off hits?
The History of Walk-Off Hits
Walk-off hits have been a part of baseball since the game’s inception. The first known walk-off hit occurred in 1871 when Chicago White Stockings first baseman Cal McVey hit a two-run single to give his team a 5-4 victory over the Fort Wayne Kekiongas. Since then, there have been countless more walk-off hits, but who has the most?
The Most Prolific Walk-Off Hitters
There have been many prolific walk-off hitters throughout the years, but none have been as successful as the following players. These are the players who have the most walk-off hits in MLB history:
1. David Ortiz – 17 Walk-Off Hits
David Ortiz is arguably one of the most beloved players in MLB history, and his walk-off prowess is a big part of the reason why. The former Boston Red Sox slugger holds the record for most walk-off hits with an impressive 17. His most memorable walk-off hit came in the 2004 ALCS against the New York Yankees, when he hit a walk-off home run in the 12th inning to send the Red Sox to the World Series.
2. Stan Musial – 15 Walk-Off Hits
The great Stan Musial is second on the list with 15 career walk-off hits. He achieved this feat primarily as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played from 1941-1963. His most memorable walk-off hit came in 1951 when he hit a game-winning grand slam against the Boston Braves.
3. Albert Pujols – 14 Walk-Off Hits
Albert Pujols is one of the greatest players of all time, and he also holds the record for the third most walk-off hits in MLB history with 14. Pujols achieved his walk-off hits primarily as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals, where he played from 2001-2011. His most memorable walk-off hit came in 2006 when he hit a game-winning home run against the San Francisco Giants.
Honorable Mentions
Though they don’t have the most walk-off hits, there are a few other players who deserve to be mentioned. Hank Aaron holds the record for the most walk-off home runs with 7, while Ichiro Suzuki holds the record for the most walk-off hits in a single season with 5. Additionally, players such as Babe Ruth, Derek Jeter, and Lou Gehrig all have impressive walk-off hit totals.
Conclusion
Walk-off hits are some of the most exciting plays in baseball and have been a part of the game since its inception. Though there have been many great walk-off hitters throughout the years, the record for most walk-off hits belongs to David Ortiz with an impressive 17. Stan Musial and Albert Pujols are also near the top of the list, with 15 and 14 walk-off hits, respectively. No matter who the player is, a walk-off hit is sure to send the crowd into a frenzy and provide a thrilling finish to the game.