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WILD THINGS
Q: What is the record for most batters hit by a pitcher?
A: Constructed in 1912, Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox, is the oldest major league ballpark. Named Fenway Park because it is located in the Fenway area of Boston, the stadium made its debut on April 20, 1920, as the Red Sox beat the New York Highlanders 7-6. In the park's history, it has hosted some of baseball's most famous moments, including Carlton Fisk's game-winning home run in Game Six of the 1975 World Series.
Q: Which two days of each year are there no major (baseball, football, hockey, and basketball) professional sporting events played?
-- Max Romero
A: The two days each year when no sporting events are scheduled are the day before and the day after the major-league All-Star Game. With the basketball and hockey playoffs already finished, and the football season a few months from getting underway, baseball is the only sport with games scheduled in July. As there are no baseball games scheduled before and after the All-Star Game, those two days are the only days each year without a professional game scheduled.
A: Since baseball made its debut in the 19th century, 248 players have hit for the cycle. Eighteen players did it in the American Association, one did it in the Player's League, 126 have done it in the National League, and 103 players have hit for the cycle in the American League.
John Reilly, Bob Meusel, and Babe Herman are the only three players to have hit for the cycle three times in their career. Bob Watson was the only player to do it in both the American and National Leagues.
Q: Who was the only player to have more than 220 hits in his rookie season?
-- Steve Randolph
A: The only player to accomplish this feat was Lloyd Waner, who had 223 hits for the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1927. In 150 games that year, Waner hit .355, scored 133 runs, and had 27 RBI.
A: Toronto Blue Jays' first baseman John Olerud won the 1993 AL batting title, posting a .363 average that season. He totaled 200 hits, 109 runs scored, 107 RBI, and 114 walks while helping the Blue Jays defeat the Philadelphia Phillies in a six-game World Series.
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