3000 Hit Mania Trivia Quiz

Answer: Cap Anson

Adrian "Cap" Anson played his entire career in the 19th century, when record keeping was not as important as it is today. Although his hit total varies depending on the source, it is generally accepted that he had at least 3000 hits in his career. When his totals from the National Association (which preceded the formation of the National League) are included, it's well over 3000. Honus Wagner was the next player to reach 3000 hits, in 1914.

Answer: 1960s

From the years 1926 through 1969, only 2 batters collected their 3000th hit. Paul Waner did it in 1942, and Stan Musial did it in 1958. World War II and the Korean War played a part in this, as many star players (such as Ted Williams) lost the prime seasons of their careers due to military service.

Answer: Roberto Clemente

Roberto Clemente doubled off Jon Matlack for his 3000th hit on the final day of the 1972 regular season, then was lifted for a pinch-hitter. He then went 4-for-17 in the 1972 NLCS versus the Reds. No one at the time realized that these would be his final at bats. Sadly, he died in a plane crash during the offseason while trying to deliver supplies to Nicaraguan earthquake victims.

Answer: Tony Gwynn and Wade Boggs

San Diego's Tony Gwynn got his 3000th hit on August 6, 1999 in Montreal. The next night Wade Boggs got his 3000th hit for Tampa Bay versus the Indians. The other pairs listed all got their 3000th hits in the same season, but in different months.

Answer: Rod Carew

Rod Carew collected his 3000th hit as a member of the California Angels, versus his former team (the Minnesota Twins) on August 4, 1985 in Anaheim. Earlier that day, Tom Seaver (playing for the Chicago White Sox) won his 300th game, at Yankee Stadium (the city where he had achieved most of his wins as a member of the New York Mets).

It was Seaver's win that dominated the headlines the next day.

Answer: Wade Boggs

Boggs hit only 118 home runs in his career (the other choices all hit at least 500). But his final home run was also the 3000th hit of his career, the first player to do so. Derek Jeter (who played alongside Boggs with the 1996 Yankees) also homered for his 3000th hit in 2011.

Answer: Craig Biggio

Houston's Craig Biggio entered the June 28, 2007 game against Colorado with 2997 hits. He grounded out in his first at bat, but singled in his each of his next 5 at bats. His 3000th hit drove in the tying run, but he was thrown out trying to get to second base on the play.

His 5th hit of the game (with 2 outs and no one on in the 11th inning) started a rally which ended with a walk-off grand slam by Carlos Lee. Derek Jeter also got 5 hits when he joined the 3000 Hit Club 4 years later.

Answer: 1928 Philadelphia Athletics

Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker, and Eddie Collins were all members of the 3000 Hit Club by 1925, and all spent the entire season with the 1928 Philadelphia A's. But by 1928, Collins was a full-time pinch hitter so they never were all in the same starting lineup. Cobb and Speaker retired after the 1928 season. Murray, Ripken, and Palmeiro all played for the 1996 Orioles, but Ripken and Palmeiro hadn't reached 3000 hits yet.

Answer: Dennis Eckersley

Dennis Eckersley gave up Dave Winfield's 3000th hit on September 16, 1993, and was named to the Hall of Fame in 2004. Rip Sewell gave up Paul Waner's 3000th hit, but his cousin Joe is the only Hall-of-Famer in the family. Juan Marichal and Gaylord Perry never gave up a 3000th hit, but did surrender milestone hits as Marichal gave up Eddie Mathews' 500th home run and Gaylord Perry gave up Hank Aaron's 600th homer.

Answer: Mike Hargrove

Mike Hargrove managed the Indians from 1991-1999, during which time Robin Yount got his 3000th hit against the Indians in 1992 and Wade Boggs got his 3000th hit against the Indians in 1999. Eddie Murray collected his 3000th hit as a member of the Indians in 1995. In 2000, Hargrove managed the Orioles as Cal Ripken Jr got his 3000th hit. Finally, Rafael Palmeiro collected his 3000th hit in 2005 against Hargrove's Seattle Mariners.