Ron Hunt
From BR Bullpen
Ronald Kenneth Hunt
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 0", Weight 186 lb.
- Debut April 16, 1963
- Final Game September 28, 1974
- Born February 23, 1941 in St. Louis, MO USA
[edit] Biographical Information
Ron Hunt had a decent batting average during the deadball era of the 1960's and 1970's, but he is most famous for getting plunked by the pitch. He led the league in hit-by-pitch seven times in a row, and was second in the league in that category two other times. He was twice named to the All-Star team and was the first member of the New York Mets to be a starter in the game, being chosen the starting second baseman in 1964.
Hunt's 50 hit-by-pitches in 1971 are the highest season total in the 20th Century, only trailing Hughie Jennings' 51 in 1896 on the all-time list. When Hunt posted his total, Jennings was credited with only 49 hit-by-pitches that season, meaning that Hunt was celebrated for a while as the all-time record holder. Years later, further research credited Jennings with two more instances in 1896, giving him back the record. But if Hunt had known the record would eventually be 51, he doubtless would have found a way to step into the path of a couple more curve balls to pass Jennings.
[edit] Notable Achievements
- 2-time NL All-Star (1964 & 1966)
