Actually, we do have a challenge being mounted. Jimmy Rollins of the Phillies has played in every game and already has 514 at bats, a pace which would give him 712 and shove the immortal Willie Wilson into second place. It's a one man pursuit, no one else is on pace to top 700.
Rollins has a number of things working in his favor. I once codified the ideal AB record breaker....needs to be a lead off hitter....needs to walk with exactly the right frequency, just enough so that the OBA remains high enough to justify leaving him at the top of the order, but not so often that it cuts into the at bat totals severely. The player needs to be a on a team with a good offense, so that at bat opportunities are increased.
Rollins fits this profile. The Phillies lead the NL with .355 team OBA, so the lineup turns over with great frequency. Rollins bats lead off for them and his 36 walks added to his .290 ba is just enough to justify keeping him at the top. He hasn't missed a game this season and has never been on the DL in his career. The Phillies are in contention, so it isn't likely that Rollions will be taking any days off just to try out some rookie.
The other factor is luck....the breaks have to come Rollins' way...no injuries, the team remains in contention down to the final day...extra inning games happen often....but it looks like a legit challenge.
I wonder if Bud Selig will be there for it when Rollins reaches 700 plus at bats and is positioned to shatter the record in any game. And will Rollins be able to deal with the media swarm and hate mail and all the other distractions which come when chasing immortality like this?
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