Nick Markakis

[Carolina Speed]

Nick Markakis now leads the NL in Hits, 128, Doubles, 32 and BA., .320.
Markakis is an interesting story. At 34 years old, he now has 2,180 hits, 463 doubles, 1,024 runs, almost 1,000,(941) RBI's, .289 career BA., and over 3,200 Total Bases. I had no idea and I would think most people did not know this man had these kind of stats. Very impressive for someone who has never stood out as a great player. After seeing his name at the top of the stat page most evenings, I looked at his career stats and it made me wonder if this man could get to 3,000 hits and make the Hall of Fame?
There is only one eligible player with 3,000 hits not in the HOF. Rafael Palmeiro, failed drug test. At 34, Markakis is ahead of Tony Gwynn, Wade Boggs, Lou Brock, Rickey Henderson, Ichiro Suzuki, Honus Wagner, Cap Anson, Craig Biggio, and Dave Winfield's pace!
Markakis has only been an all star once, this season. Has never received an MVP vote. Has only led the league in one stat his entire career. SF, (10) in 2009. He will certainly get MVP votes this season with his play and Atlanta being in the post season hunt. It will be interesting to follow the rest of his career to see if he can get to 3,000 hits and see what the voters do with him if he gets there.

 

[Bucky]

Impressive career for Markakis. Always knew he was a solid ballplayer but hadn't a clue he already has 2000 hits!

 

[ramicackle]

If Markakis gets 3,000 career hits, there is a 99% chance that the voters will elect him to the hall. Bill James currently gives Markakis about a 35% chance of getting 3,000 hits. All players with 3,000 career hits are in the hall, unless they have a significant moral infraction such as steroids or gambling on baseball.

 

[Carolina Speed]

Markakis leading the NL in Hits, 174 and doubles, 40. Now has 2,226 hits and 964 RBI's, 1040 runs. I'm thinking he's going to finish the season with a minimum of 2,240 hits. That being said, he would have to average 152 hits over the next 5 years to get to 3,000. That would be to age 39. If he could play until age 40, that number drops to 127 hits per season. He has averaged over 171 hits per season thus far in his career. So barring any major injury, it's very doable. As I said earlier, he is ahead many other 3,000 hit club members. I hope he makes it!
Boggs, Biggio, and Gwynn played until age 41. Rickey Henderson, 44, and Ichiro Suzuki, 44 is still playing.

 

[ramicackle]

Markakis went 5 for 5 tonight. 9 for 24 in 2019 with 2,246 career hits.

 

[Carolina Speed]

Impressive career for Markakis. Always knew he was a solid ballplayer but hadn't a clue he already has 2000 hits!

Nick Markakis has retired. After 15 years with the Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles. At 37 years old he accumulated 2,388 hits. Was an ALL- Star in 2018. He had a .288 career average, twice batted .300 and a pair of 100 RBI seasons. 515 doubles and 189 HR's, 1,119 runs and 1,046 RBI's. He earned some gold gloves and silver sluggers, but I'm unsure of how many.
He had 2,237 hits at age 35 and I thought he had a real shot at 3,000, but after playing in all 162 games in 2018, he got banged up a little in 2019 and of course the covid shortened 2020 season along with his retirement announcement derailed him from reaching that milestone. Solid player.