A Kansas City Royals player has a shot at one of baseball's toughest records. Through Sunday, first baseman Billy Butler has hit into 26 double plays this season, giving him a legitimate shot at surpassing the record of 36 set by Jim Rice in 1984. What makes the feat even more impressive is that Butler has managed to do it without the support of his teammates. Rice set the record hitting behind Wade Boggs and Dwight Evans, who both ranked in the top 10 in on-base percentage. Which is in stark contrast to Kansas City, whose lead-off hitters rank ninth in the American lead with their number two hitters ranking twelfth. So, essentially Butler has hit into double plays without anyone on base. Now, that IS a special feat!
Source: Wall Street Journal: Personal Journal, August 24, 2010.
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