MLB Iron Man Streak

[beerguy55]

I don't think Ripken has anything to worry about.

There are only three players who actually played all 162 games last season.

[Umpire in Chief]

I think DiMaggio's hitting streak is in greater danger than Ripken's Iron Man. That said, I doubt I'll live to see either be broken.

[Richvee]

1 hour ago, Umpire in Chief said:

I think DiMaggio's hitting streak is in greater danger than Ripken's Iron Man. That said, I doubt I'll live to see either be broken.

In this age of relief pitchers, I agree. However, the way baseball is talking with all these silly speed up rules, if they ever decided to limit pitching changes, the door opens a little for a 57 game hit streak. Never say never...

[umpstu]

3 hours ago, Richvee said:

In this age of relief pitchers, I agree. However, the way baseball is talking with all these silly speed up rules, if they ever decided to limit pitching changes, the door opens a little for a 57 game hit streak. Never say never...

Good point.

[TheRockawayKid]

What is the Ripken rule? Appear in a game? Or play 5 innings? I was never sure. 

[beerguy55]

3 hours ago, TheRockawayKid said:

What is the Ripken rule? Appear in a game? Or play 5 innings? I was never sure. 

I believe it was starting a game and making it to five innings - on his record breaking victory lap he did it after the fifth inning completed.

[ALStripes17]

I believe it was starting a game and making it to five innings - on his record breaking victory lap he did it after the fifth inning completed.

Because the game has to go 5 innings (or 4 1/2) to be counted as a completed game in the books. Game goes shorter than 5, then any stats don't count.

I'm pretty sure the record was for consecutive starts. No requirement to play a certain number of innings in any of those games.

[TheRockawayKid]

1 hour ago, ALStripes17 said:

Because the game has to go 5 innings (or 4 1/2) to be counted as a completed game in the books. Game goes shorter than 5, then any stats don't count.

I'm pretty sure the record was for consecutive starts. No requirement to play a certain number of innings in any of those games.

Apparently, Gehrig's streak started as a pinch hitter. So maybe it's just being in a game, period. 

 

Quick edit: It's an at-bat or at least a half-inning on defense. 

[ALStripes17]

Apparently, Gehrig's streak started as a pinch hitter. So maybe it's just being in a game, period. 

Upon further review, I agree with you. It's consecutive games played.

[beerguy55]

On 2/25/2017 at 0:08 PM, ALStripes17 said:

Because the game has to go 5 innings (or 4 1/2) to be counted as a completed game in the books. Game goes shorter than 5, then any stats don't count.

I'm pretty sure the record was for consecutive starts. No requirement to play a certain number of innings in any of those games.

Games that don't make the fifth inning and end up being replayed still keep the official stats for players.  They keep their at bats, rbi's, era, whatever...including games played - see Matsui's rookie season where he played 163 games.

By rule, Ripken's victory lap should have come after the top of the first ended - MLB says a consecutive game streak either requires half an inning of defense, or a completed plate appearance, which is why Gehrig's started with a pinch hit at bat.

[ALStripes17]

and end up being replayed

There's your caveat...They don't know if that game will have to be resumed at a later date.


Extenuating circumstances in Matsui's case (as well as Albert Belle's in 1998). The original game went 5 full innings and was considered a complete game tie. Counted for player record purposes but did not count towards team W-L record.


Again, the game has to go 5 innings (4 1/2 for home team winning) in order for the stats of the game to count.

[beerguy55]

3 hours ago, ALStripes17 said:

There's your caveat...They don't know if that game will have to be resumed at a later date.


Extenuating circumstances in Matsui's case (as well as Albert Belle's in 1998). The original game went 5 full innings and was considered a complete game tie. Counted for player record purposes but did not count towards team W-L record.


Again, the game has to go 5 innings (4 1/2 for home team winning) in order for the stats of the game to count.

oops - my bad.  Got those scenarios mixed up.

In fact, in a tie game that goes beyond five innings, it doesn't really matter if the game gets replayed or not.  If the teams end the season at 161 games played, the stats for that 162nd incomplete game do count for the players.

[beerguy55]

On 2/25/2017 at 1:37 PM, TheRockawayKid said:

Apparently, Gehrig's streak started as a pinch hitter. So maybe it's just being in a game, period. 

 

Quick edit: It's an at-bat or at least a half-inning on defense. 

It's probably what you meant, but it's a "plate appearance" rather than an "at bat".  And the player has to complete the PA by either getting out or reaching base.  So if he fouls off the first pitch and breaks his foot, and leaves the game, his streak is over.  However, an ejection won't end the streak.

And as stated, it must be an official game.