Expert: Brian Flaspohler - 9/11/2006

Question
Brian

Can a consecutive game hitting streak be broken by intentional walks? Has it always been so?

Thanks for listening!

Answer
Paul,

I'm not sure how the rule has changed over the years, but the current rules in the major league rulebook are:

"CONSECUTIVE-GAME HITTING STREAKS.
A consecutive-game hitting streak shall not be terminated if all the player’s plate appearances (one or more) result in a base on balls, hit batsman, defensive interference or a sacrifice bunt. The streak shall terminate if the player has a sacrifice fly and no hit. The player’s individual consecutive-game hitting streak shall be determined by the consecutive games in which the player appears and is not determined by his club’s games."

So, it isn't just an intentional walk.  If all the player's plate appearances in a game fit one of the above conditions, then the streak isn't broken.

Hope this helps!

Brian