Today in History: 56 Games in a Row
A memorable piece of baseball history was carved 78 years ago today when New York Yankee outfielder Joe DiMaggio successfully recorded a hit for the 56th consecutive game – the longest of such streaks in Major League Baseball history. Over the course of the MLB’s long history (the commonly accepted inception date is April 1876), registering a hit in at least 40 straight games has occurred only 5 other times, and only once in the past 50 years.
There are only a few longstanding records in sports that are considered unbreakable. After a bit of research into America’s 4 major sports, I’ve curated an “Mt. Rushmore” of unbreakable sports records, listed in no particular order:
- NHL: Wayne Gretzky’s career point total of 2,857 (next closest: 1,888)
- MLB: Cal Ripken Jr’s consecutive games played of 2,632 (next closest that isn’t Lou Gehrig: 1,307)
- MLB: Cy Young’s win total of 511 (next closest: 417)
And lastly, DiMaggio’s 56 consecutive games with a base hit (next closest: 45). One fundamental characteristic of each of these records is the consistency that was required to make them possible; however, what distinguishes DiMaggio from the rest is the time frame in which his record was set.
Of the achievements previously deemed Mt. Rushmore worthy, DiMaggio’s is notably the only record that spans a single season as opposed to an entire career. To continue the streak, DiMaggio had to perform day in and day out. All it would take is one bad game without recording a hit to bring a hitter back to square one.
Gretzky, Ripken Jr., and Young all played professionally for 20+ years in their respective sports – mentioned not to diminish from their talents or achievements in the slightest, but only to establish the context of their extended success. DiMaggio didn’t have to be the hero every game, but during his run, he had to contribute. All of the others could afford a slump and still set their marks – DiMaggio could not.
A record of this magnitude requires not only skill but an impressive amount of mental fortitude. In sports, specifically, one must remain focused on winning and stay out of their own head when the pressure begins to mount. DiMaggio himself said it best: “If you keep thinking about what you want to do or what you hope will happen, you don’t do it, and it won’t happen.”
In the real world consistency isn’t always sexy, but time and time again it delivers results. Flash and unpredictability may infatuate current society, but I guarantee that working hard and developing consistency in both craft and character is a great foundation for professional success.
“Do it again and again. Consistency makes the raindrops to create holes in the rock. Whatever is difficult can be done easily with regular attendance, attention, and action.” – Isrealmore Ayivor