Record-Breaking Doubles: The Most Doubles Hit in a Single MLB Game
The record for the most doubles hit in a single Major League Baseball (MLB) game is a remarkable feat that has not been surpassed in the history of the league. This distinction belongs to Ed Delahanty, who achieved an incredible feat by hitting five doubles on July 13, 1896. Delahanty's record has stood the test of time, with no player since then managing to hit the same number of doubles in a single MLB game.
Players Who Hit Four Doubles in a Game
Despite the difficulty of matching Delahanty's five-doubles record, several players have managed to hit four doubles in a game. According to recent statistics, over 40 MLB players have accomplished this, with some notable mentions:
Kevin Newman and the Seven-Inning Scheduled Game
Recently, Kevin Newman of the Pittsburgh Pirates hit four doubles in a game against the Milwaukee Brewers on August 14, 2021. This achievement is particularly noteworthy because the game was scheduled for seven innings, making it the only instance in MLB history of a scheduled seven-inning game ending with a player hitting four doubles. If it had been a nine-inning game, Newman might have had another plate appearance, potentially leading to a fifth double.
The Modern Era and Notable Players
The modern era has seen 47 players hit four doubles in a game, but none have managed to hit five. However, there are a handful of players who stand out:
Frank Isbell and the Postseason
Greater distinction comes with Frank Isbell, who is the only player to hit four doubles in a postseason game. He achieved this feat on October 9, 1906, in game five of the World Series, as a member of the Chicago White Sox.
Lou Boudreau’s Unique Achievement
Lou Boudreau holds the unique record of hitting a home run along with four doubles in a game. This happened on July 14, 1946, while playing for the Cleveland Indians. Additionally, Boudreau’s versatility was further highlighted as the team's manager at the time.
The Double Feat: Billy Werber and Albert Belle
Twice in history, Billy Werber and Albert Belle have each hit four doubles in a game. What sets Belle apart is that he achieved this feat twice, first with the Baltimore Orioles on July 25, 1999, and then 25 days later on August 19, 1999. This remarkable consistency places Belle in a class of his own among MLB players.
Historical Context and Records
The question of which player has hit the most doubles in a single game of MLB has piqued the interest of many baseball enthusiasts. The historical records show that over 40 players have hit four doubles in a game, implying that it is not as rare as hitting for the cycle, which has only occurred 334 times in MLB history.
While the term "most doubles in a game" might initially seem to pertain to Delahanty's record, the recent accomplishment by Kevin Newman is particularly significant. His achievement in a seven-inning scheduled game adds new dimensions to the record and is widely considered the most recent and notable instance of a player hitting four doubles.
In conclusion, hitting four doubles in a game is a significant feat, with several notable players achieving this milestone. However, the record for the most doubles in a single game stands with Ed Delahanty, and the most recent and contextsually important achievement comes from Kevin Newman with his four double performance in a seven-inning game.