In baseball, a single is the most common type of base hit, accomplished through the act of a batter safely reaching first base by hitting a fair ball (thus becoming a runner) and getting to first base before a fielder puts him out. As an exception, a batter-runner reaching first base safely is not credited with a single when an infielder attempts to put out another runner on the first play; this is one type of a fielder's choice. Also, a batter-runner reaching first base on a play due to a fielder's error trying to put him out at first base or another runner out (as a fielder's choice) is not credited with a single.
On a single hit to the outfield, any runners on second base or third base normally score, and sometimes the runner from the first base can advance to third base. Depending on the location of the hit, a quick recovery by the outfielder can prevent such an advance or create a play on the advancing runner.
Pete Rose[1][2] is the all-time leader in singles with 3,215 career. Ty Cobb[3] (3,053) is the only other player in MLB history with over 3,000 career singles.
As of September 23, 2024, no active players are in the top 100 of career singles. The active leader is Jose Altuve, tied in 191st with 1,541.
Key
Rank | Rank amongst leaders in career singles. A blank field indicates a tie. |
Player (2025 1Bs) | Number of singles hit during the 2025 Major League Baseball season. |
1B | Total career singles hit. |
* | Denotes elected to National Baseball Hall of Fame. |
---|---|
Bold | Denotes active player.[a] |
List
- Stats updated as of the end of the 2024 season.
Notes
- ^ A player is considered inactive if he has announced his retirement or not played for a full season.
References
- ^ "Pete Rose Career Stats". Baseball Reference. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
- ^ Sturgill, Andy (May 1, 2014). "Pete Rose Biography". Society For American Baseball Research. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
- ^ "Ty Cobb Career Stats". Baseball Reference. Retrieved April 20, 2021.
External links
- "Career Leaders & Records for Singles". Baseball-Reference.com.