Ildemaro Vargas has extended his hitting streak to open the season to 24 games. The Diamondbacks infielder singled to centre field in the top of the first inning at Wrigley Field.
Vargas Climbs the Record Books
Vargas’s 24-game hitting streak to start the season is the second-longest since 1940. Ron LeFlore of the Tigers holds the record with a 30-game streak to open the 1976 season.
Dating back to last year, Vargas has hit in 27 straight games. This is the longest active streak in MLB. It is also the longest since Trea Turner hit in 27 straight from September 12, 2021, through April 16, 2022. For hitting streaks of more than 27 games, this is the longest since Whit Merrifield’s 31-game streak from September 10, 2018, through April 10, 2019.
Diamondbacks History
Among Diamondbacks single-season hit streaks, the 24 games ties for second with Tony Womack. Womack also had a 24-game streak in 2000. Luis Gonzalez holds the franchise record with 30 games in 1999.
Including hit streaks that span multiple seasons, Vargas’ 27-game streak is second behind Gonzalez.
Teammates Take Notice
Vargas was on MLB Network before the game. All his teammates stopped what they were doing in the clubhouse to gather and watch.
Arizona manager Torey Lovullo commented on Vargas’s success. “He deserves that attention,” Lovullo said. “And all those things don’t happen by accident or because he’s lucky. He’s paid his dues, and he’s worked his butt off, and he’s learned how to play the game at a very high level. It’s all paying off for him and I enjoyed it. I sat there inside of this clubhouse with the rest of the team and enjoyed watching him get this attention. It’s a special moment for him.”
Vargas is on his third stint with the Diamondbacks. He has played parts of 10 seasons in the big leagues, but he has never had the kind of success he’s having now.