A bit of Dodgers history was made on Tuesday night, August 4, 2020, during the sixth inning of their road game against the San Diego Padres. Third baseman Justin Turner was hit by a pitch (HBP) for the 74th time in the 766th game of his Los Angeles Dodgers career.

Now, this is not a ‘stop-the-presses’ type of record with a photograph of Turner’s bruised left shoulder being sent to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. After all, Houston Astros Hall of Fame second baseman Craig Biggio holds the modern-day record of 285 HBP. In fact, Turner must absorb an additional 23-HBP just to reach the top-100 of all time in this bruising category.

So, why was number 74 so “special” that Turner asked for the ball * before trotting to first base? After the game, JT quipped, “I don’t think many kids are dreaming about holding that record, but I don’t think I’m catching anyone on the Dodgers home run list.” (Duke Snider – 389)

Perhaps another reason for requesting the ball is in recognition of the Dodgers players who are now second and third behind him in that category; Hall of Famers Zach Wheat and Jackie Robinson. Those are a couple of elite players with whom it is an honor to have your name associated regardless of the category. Wheat played 2,322-games as a Dodger, Robinson 1,382 to reach 73 and 72 respectively; Turner only 766 games.

Wheat’s total was an achievement of longevity, while Robinson was a target for many MLB pitchers as he broke the MLB barrier for African Americans. Turner’s record is a combination of crowding-the-plate, and pitchers throwing inside to keep him from extending his arms for power. Unfortunately, some of those HBP have resulted in Turner spending time on the Injured List that includes a broken left wrist.

While some MLB players look for ways to get on base any way possible, the Dodgers need Turner’s hitting more than it needs his HBPs. It would be much better if this record-setting ball is replaced later this year with the ball that Turner hits for the game-winning run in the 2020 World Series. But, if that winning run scores by another Turner HBP, so be it.

* Having watched baseball for more than 65-years (Little League, high school, college, professional minor league, and major league), I have never before seen a player ask for the ball after being hit by a pitch.

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