5 MLB milestones threatened by COVID-19

American poet T.S. Elliott once observed that "April is the cruelest month." Baseball fans would likely agree. The postponement of the 2020 MLB season has meant a month without the thrills, hope, and entertainment that America’s national pastime generally provides at this time of year. Ballparks are empty, batting cages are collecting dust, and players are becoming increasingly restless as their sport continues its long and relentless hiatus.

Major League Baseball remains optimistic its season could begin in late June and still feature up to 100 games, but such a scenario would jeopardize many of the records and moments that seemed all but guaranteed before the world was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. If the season is slashed, fans will have been robbed of witnessing these five major milestones.

6,000 total bases: Albert Pujols

Pujols already has a spot reserved in Cooperstown, but he could cement his legacy even further by racking up 6,000 total bases before hanging up his cleats. The 10-time All-Star is just 137 bases off the mark and, under ordinary circumstances, would have no problem comfortably clearing that total. Pujols has averaged 238 total bases per season over the past five years, and even managed 171 total bases in 2013 despite missing 63 games after tearing the plantar fascia in his left foot.

Every day that passes without games being played also deprives Pujols of the 113 total bases he needs to move into fourth place all-time ahead of Barry Bonds.

2,500 hits: Nick Markakis

One of the most surprising developments of 2018 was watching Nick Markakis’ transformation from dependable rightfielder into bona fide MVP candidate. The three-time Gold Glover hit .297 with 14 home runs and 93 RBIs, and now, thanks to his breakout season, is just 145 hits shy of 2,500.

Markakis has topped 145 hits in all but two of his years in the majors, and likely would have done so again in 2020 had the COVID-19 pandemic not delayed opening day by more than a month. The good news (yes, there is a little bit of that these days), is that Markakis is just one double away from 500, so it’s possible he could achieve at least one milestone this summer if the season eventually gets underway.

2,500 games played: Miguel Cabrera

The Detroit Tigers were planning a big celebration this summer for Miguel Cabrera’s 2,500^th career game, but that will likely have to shelved in light of recent events. The two-time MVP is 100 games short of the milestone and, at age 37, is in danger of falling short of the historic mark before his legendary career comes to a close.

2,000 hits: Joey Votto

Few players in MLB history have been better at getting on base than Joey Votto. The crafty Canadian has led the bigs in OBP seven times, and has posted a batting average above .300 in nine of his 13 seasons.

At this point it’s just a matter of when – not if – Votto will collect his 2,000^th hit. The former NL MVP is just 134 hits shy of the mark at the moment, and would have been in position to eclipse the total in September had the season begun on March 26, as originally scheduled. Given the delay, Votto (and his many fans) will likely have to wait for 2021.

250 wins: Bartolo Colon

Perhaps the only thing worse than a summer without baseball would be another summer without Bartolo Colon. The 46-year-old went unsigned in 2019, thereby depriving baseball fans everywhere of a chance to watch a middle-aged man take 101 MPH line drives to his gut.

Colon is reportedly desperate to return to the bigs in 2020 and pick up win No. 250. He’s only three victories away from that major milestone, but baseball will need to resume soon for him to have a legitimate shot. Father Time – and Aunt Jemima – are both working against him.

---

Win free spins every week in our BetAmerica Casino!