MLB Cycle History
The Major League Baseball (MLB) cycle is a feat that occurs when a batter hits a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game. It is a rare occurrence, as only 300 cycles have been hit in MLB history, but it is a very special moment for the batter, the team, and the fans.
What is a Cycle?
A cycle occurs when a batter hits a single, double, triple, and home run in the same game. The order in which the hits are made does not matter, as long as all four types of hits are recorded in the same game.
MLB Cycle Record Holders
The record for most cycles hit in MLB history is held by Hall of Fame outfielder Sam Crawford, who hit 12 cycles during his 19-year career with the Cincinnati Reds and Detroit Tigers. Crawford’s 12 cycles are the most in MLB history, followed by the 11 cycles hit by Hall of Fame second baseman, Fred Clarke.
Notable MLB Cycles
There have been many notable cycles hit in MLB history, with the most recent being hit by Trevor Story of the Colorado Rockies on June 30, 2020. Other notable cycles include:
- John Olerud: June 16, 1993
- Adrian Beltre: August 24, 2008
- Nomar Garciaparra: April 22, 2002
- Kirby Puckett: June 9, 1986
- Alex Rodriguez: April 26, 2005
MLB Cycles by Team
The Cincinnati Reds have the most cycles in MLB history with 33, followed by the Chicago Cubs with 32, and the New York Yankees with 31. The following is a list of the teams with the most cycles in MLB history:
- Cincinnati Reds: 33
- Chicago Cubs: 32
- New York Yankees: 31
- Philadelphia Phillies: 28
- Atlanta Braves: 27
MLB Cycles by Decade
The 2000s was the decade with the most cycles, with 81 being hit. The following is a list of the number of cycles hit by decade:
- 1900s: 16
- 1910s: 12
- 1920s: 48
- 1930s: 30
- 1940s: 18
- 1950s: 43
- 1960s: 41
- 1970s: 50
- 1980s: 47
- 1990s: 59
- 2000s: 81
- 2010s: 63
MLB Cycles by Position
Outfielders have hit the most cycles in MLB history with 181, followed by second basemen with 42, and third basemen with 40. The following is a list of the number of cycles hit by position:
- Outfielders: 181
- Second Basemen: 42
- Third Basemen: 40
- Shortstops: 35
- Catchers: 10
- First Basemen: 8
- Pitchers: 4
MLB Cycles by League
The National League (NL) has seen the most cycles in MLB history with 186, followed by the American League (AL) with 114.
MLB Cycles by Year
The year with the most cycles was 1996, with 14. The following is a list of the number of cycles hit by year:
- 1931: 4
- 1935: 5
- 1939: 4
- 1941: 5
- 1947: 5
- 1951: 5
- 1956: 4
- 1962: 5
- 1968: 6
- 1973: 6
- 1979: 6
- 1985: 8
- 1991: 7
- 1996: 14
- 2001: 9
- 2006: 8
- 2011: 6
- 2016: 7
- 2020: 4
Conclusion
The Major League Baseball cycle is a rare feat, but one that has been achieved 300 times in MLB history. Sam Crawford holds the record for most cycles hit with 12, while the National League (NL) has seen the most cycles with 186. The year with the most cycles was 1996, with 14. Outfielders have hit the most cycles with 181, followed by second basemen with 42, and third basemen with 40.
The cycle is an impressive feat and a special moment for any batter that is able to accomplish it. It is a moment that will be remembered and celebrated by the team and the fans.