In a chaotic game on a dreary Tuesday night at Citi Field, Tyler Tolbert was making history.
The Royals outfielder, often utilized as a defensive specialist and pinch runner, tied the major league record with hits in 12 straight plate appearances with his fifth-inning infield single, his fifth hit of the night.
Tolbert fell just short of the record, hitting a fly ball to right in the ninth inning to end his streak and go 5-for-6 on the night.
Tolbert received a standing ovation from the fans at Citi Field as his teammates gathered on the top step of the dugout.
They also celebrated with a champagne toast in the visiting clubhouse after their 16-12 win over the Mets.
Tyler Tolbert’s historic streak
| At-bat | Result |
|---|---|
| July 4 vs. PHI, third inning | Single |
| July 4 vs. PHI, fifth inning | Single |
| July 6 vs. PHI, first inning | Single |
| July 6 vs. PHI, third inning | Double |
| July 6 vs. PHI, fifth inning | Home run |
| July 6 vs. PHI, sixth inning | Single |
| July 6 vs. PHI, eighth inning | Single |
| July 7 vs. NYM, second inning | Home run |
| July 7 vs. NYM, fourth inning | Single |
| July 7 vs. NYM, fifth inning | Single |
| July 7 vs. NYM, sixth inning | Single |
| July 7 vs. NYM, seventh inning | Single |
“All I can do is just smile. I’m just grateful for the journey and the opportunity,” Tolbert said.
“I appreciated the fans supporting me and cheering me on, trying to get the next one. When I was on deck, they were like, ‘Go for another one. Go for another one.’ Most importantly, just my teammates, man, they were locked in. Just awesome. Look in the dugout and everyone’s smiling. Brings a smile to my face, too.”
Tolbert matched the record set by Johnny Kling in 1902. It has since been tied by Pinky Higgins in 1938, Walt Dropo in 1952, Jose Miranda in 2024, and now Tolbert.
“I just couldn’t be more proud of him, the way he competes. His effort, energy, attitude – he lifts everybody up every day,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said postgame.
Tolbert’s bat from the streak will be sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., living in baseball history forever.
