Kansas City Royals outfielder Tyler Tolbert has etched his name in baseball history, tying a major league record with hits in 12 consecutive plate appearances. The historic streak concluded during a chaotic 16-12 victory over the New York Mets at Citi Field on Tuesday night.
Tolbert, primarily utilized for his defense and as a pinch runner, achieved the remarkable feat with an infield single in the fifth inning, marking his fifth hit of the game. The streak ended in the ninth inning when he hit a fly ball to right field, concluding his night 5-for-6 and falling just short of breaking the record.
Fans at Citi Field gave Tolbert a standing ovation as his teammates celebrated on the dugout's top step. The team later honored the achievement with a champagne toast in the visiting clubhouse.
"All I can do is just smile. I’m just grateful for the journey and the opportunity,” Tolbert said following the game. “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's streak matches the record originally set by Johnny Kling in 1902. The mark has since been tied by Pinky Higgins in 1938, Walt Dropo in 1952, and Jose Miranda in 2024.
Royals manager Matt Quatraro expressed pride in his player's performance. “I just couldn’t be more proud of him, the way he competes. His effort, energy, attitude – he lifts everybody up every day,” Quatraro stated.
Tolbert's bat from the historic streak is slated to be sent to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.