Difficulty of achieving a cycle hit in baseball

April 27, 2023

Difficulty of achieving a cycle hit in baseball

The Difficulty of achieving a cycle hit in baseball

A cycle hit, also known simply as a cycle, is one of the rarest achievements in baseball. It occurs when a batter hits a single, double, triple, and home run in a single game. In the history of Major League Baseball, there have been fewer than 350 cycles hit, making it a truly remarkable feat. The difficulty of achieving a cycle is due in large part to the rarity of hitting a triple. Triples are the least common type of hit in baseball, with only a small percentage of hits going for three bases. Additionally, home runs and doubles are not guaranteed in any given game, even for the best batters. To achieve a cycle, a batter needs to be in top form and have some luck on their side. They need to hit for power, but also have the speed to stretch a hit into a triple. And even if they hit a triple, they still need to get a single, double, and home run to complete the cycle. In addition to the physical challenge of hitting for a cycle, there is also a mental component. As a batter progresses through the game and realizes they are in position to achieve a cycle, the pressure mounts. They may become overly aggressive at the plate, trying too hard to hit for power and ultimately undermining their chances. Despite the difficulty of achieving a cycle, it remains a coveted achievement for batters at all levels of the game. It is a testament to a player's skill, focus, and endurance, and it is always cause for celebration when one is achieved. Shohei Ohtani achieved a cycle hit on June 13th, 2019 as a designated hitter, becoming the first Japanese baseball player to achieve a cycle hit in Major League Baseball. The ball game on April 27th, 2023, Ohtani hit a single, double, and triple, but needed a home run to complete another cycle hit. Shohei Ohtani needed a home run to become the first starting pitcher to hit for the historical cycle in the Major League Baseball, and the ball was caught at the warning track. It was just few feet away! We can't take our eyes off Shohei Ohtani this season as well.

Shohei Ohtani was THIS close to hitting for the cycle…

(He would have been the first starting pitcher in MLB history to accomplish this feat)

🎥 @PitchingNinja pic.twitter.com/5vEaaMZtLh
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) April 27, 2023