Kansas City Royals’ Tyler Tolbert ties MLB record with 12 straight hits

Kansas City Royals outfielder Tyler Tolbert has tied the Major League Baseball record by recording a hit in 12 consecutive plate appearances during a 16-12 victory over the New York Mets on Tuesday night.

The second-year player matched a historic milestone that has only been achieved four times previously in the sport’s history.

Operating from the number nine spot in the batting order, the right fielder began his remarkable evening at Citi Field with a two-run home run in the second inning.

He subsequently secured singles in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings to write his name into the record books.

Joining elite baseball company

The streak finally concluded when the 26-year-old flew out in the ninth inning, leaving him with an exceptional five-for-six performance that included four runs scored and two runs batted in.

By reaching base safely in 12 successive at-bats, he equals a standard most recently set by Jose Miranda earlier in 2024.

The exclusive list of record-holders also features Johnny Kling from 1902, Pinky Higgins from 1938, and Walt Dropo from 1952.

Building the historic streak

The foundation for this extraordinary achievement was laid over the weekend against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The versatile infielder initiated his unblemished run by going two-for-two on Saturday before being substituted for a pinch-hitter.

He carried that flawless momentum into Monday’s fixture, delivering a perfect five-for-five performance while starting at shortstop.

Tolbert’s offensive explosion provides a significant mid-season boost for a Kansas City franchise looking to build momentum in a highly competitive American League.