MLB history watch: The wacky records that could be broken this month

Unusual MLB Records on the Brink

Major League Baseball is a sport rich with history and statistics. Every season, players and teams push the boundaries of what’s possible, setting new records and challenging old ones. This month, several quirky records are on the verge of being broken, and fans are eagerly watching to see if history will be made.

Longest Game by Innings

Baseball games can stretch on for hours, especially when teams are evenly matched. The longest game in MLB history by innings was a 26-inning marathon between the Brooklyn Robins and the Boston Braves on May 1, 1920. As of October 2023, a few games this season have flirted with the idea of breaking this record, with several going into extra innings beyond the 20th. While breaking this record requires a perfect storm of circumstances, the possibility remains tantalizingly close.

Most Strikeouts in a Single Game

Strikeouts are a pitcher’s best friend, and achieving a high number in a single game is a testament to skill and endurance. The current record for most strikeouts in a nine-inning game is 20, shared by Roger Clemens, Kerry Wood, and Max Scherzer. With pitchers like Gerrit Cole and Jacob deGrom consistently delivering high strikeout performances, this record could be challenged any day now.

Consecutive Games with a Home Run

Home runs are the highlight of any baseball game, and hitting them consistently is a rare feat. The record for consecutive games with a home run is held by Ken Griffey Jr., Don Mattingly, and Dale Long, each with eight games. As of October 2023, several players are on hot streaks, and fans are watching closely to see if anyone can extend their run to nine games.

Most Errors in a Single Game

While errors are generally something players strive to avoid, they can sometimes pile up in a single game. The record for most errors by a team in a single game is 12, set by the Chicago White Sox in 1903. With the pressure of the postseason looming, teams are under immense stress, and the possibility of a high-error game is always present.

Highest Batting Average in a Season

Achieving a high batting average over the course of a season is a mark of consistency and skill. The record for the highest batting average in a season is held by Hugh Duffy, who hit .440 in 1894. As of October 2023, several players are maintaining impressive averages, and while breaking .440 is a tall order, the pursuit of excellence continues.

Teams on the Verge of Record-Breaking Performances

It’s not just individual players who are chasing records; teams are also pushing the limits. Here are some team records that could be broken this month:

Most Wins in a Season

The record for most wins in a regular season is 116, achieved by the Seattle Mariners in 2001. As of October 2023, a few teams are on pace to challenge this record, showcasing their dominance throughout the season.

Longest Winning Streak

Winning streaks can define a team’s season, and the record for the longest winning streak is 26 games, set by the New York Giants in 1916. With several teams currently riding impressive streaks, this record is within reach.

Most Runs Scored in a Single Game

Scoring runs is the ultimate goal in baseball, and the record for most runs scored by a team in a single game is 30, set by the Texas Rangers in 2007. Offensive powerhouses are always a threat to this record, and fans are eager to see if it can be surpassed.

Table of Potential Record Breakers

As the season progresses, these records remain within reach, adding excitement and anticipation to every game. Whether it’s a player or a team, the pursuit of breaking these records keeps fans engaged and the sport thrilling.