Chase Utley vs. Joe D

[tdarko]

Joe DiMaggio had a 56 game hit streak in 41'
Chase Utley had a 35 game hit streak in 06'

I would never take away anything from Joe D., what he did is something that will never be done again...this is why I am as impressed with Chase Utley's streak compared to Joe's. Here are some reasons why:

-In today's game hitters are facing relief pitchers. Joe D was facing one pitcher for 4 and 5 at bats a game while Utley gets three cracks at a starter, then one shot at a specialist and then one chance at a closer, much much more difficult to face. The more times a pitcher gets through the lineup the more the advantage goes to the hitter.

-Left-Handed specialists. Joe D never had to face a pitcher that was put into the game just to get him out. Utley has had to face pitchers that are the best in the league at getting guys like him out, that are professionals at getting him out.

-Joe D never faced a sinker or splitter or much of the dominating stuff that pitchers have today.

-African-American and Latin players weren't around when Joe D played. May seem weird but this changes the game dramatically, Utley is facing the best pitchers from a larger pool whereas Joe D was facing the best pitchers amongst who they would let play.

-Media. The media coverd Joe D obviously and he was a melting pot for exposure with his charisma, off-the-field night life, dating life and the fact that he played for the greatest sports franchise in the history of ALL sports. Even with this said, it doesn't compare to what a hitter has to go through in today's media spotlight. The pressure is more intense.

There are probably more but this is all I can really think of right now. Just so you know I think Joe D's streak is the most impressive feat in all of baseball record. I also do not think it will ever be broken.

What are your thoughts when comparing the two streaks?

[JasonK]

What about Rollins? His that spanned last season to this season was about as long. Luis Castillo and Albert Pujols a few years ago both broke 30 as well I think. I'd say a 35 gamer shouldn't even be mentioned with Joe D.

[Jack of Arcades]

Joe D's streak has to be the most overrated accomplishment in baseball.

[Karak567]

[ QUOTE ]
Joe D's streak has to be the most overrated accomplishment in baseball.

[/ QUOTE ]

We know you think this. You tell us this every single day.

[Jack of Arcades]

As far as I can tell through search, I've talked about this in two different topics. So... yeah, I think you're getting just a taaaaaaad defensive about one of your favorite players.

[tdarko]

JasonK,

I think Rollins' streak is just as impressive and have talked about it previously. I also think that any 30+ game hitting streak is as impressive as Joe D's when taking in today's factors. So, I guess I think the opposite of you, that ALL the players streaks you mentioned are as impressive...Utley was just for comparison's sake and he also happens to be the last guy with a long streak.

A few days ago Vlad Guerrero had a 44 game hit streak against the Rangers, it was broken b/c he was intentionally walked 3 times and then his missile to right was snagged by a circus catch. In today's game hitters face so much more than they did in the 30's and 40's.

[Assani Fisher]

all fair points imo.

[Karak567]

[ QUOTE ]
As far as I can tell through search, I've talked about this in two different topics. So... yeah, I think you're getting just a taaaaaaad defensive about one of your favorite players.

[/ QUOTE ]

I know.

[Kneel B4 Zod]

During Joe DiMaggio's record hitting streak in 1941, Ted Williams batted .412, while DiMaggio batted .409.

I don't have the power numbers, but I would wager a large sum that Ted was also better in this regard during the streak.

[JasonK]

Why wasn't anybody in Joe D.'s era close to his streak if it was that much easier back then?