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What the record is for the most pitches ever delivered to a single batter at bat?

Dick Vitales wrote:

Do you know a source of information to tell me what the record is for the most pitches ever delivered to a single batter at bat?

Craig Tomarkin wrote:

Dick,

I'm forwarding your question to Mike Attiyeh, our trivia expert (attiyeh@baseballguru.com).

I once heard that Luke Appling fouled off a record number of pitches in an at bat, but I don't know how many it was or if his record stands.

Sincerely,

Craig Tomarkin

BaseballGuru.com

Mike Attiyeh's Response

Hello Dick,

I am afraid we'll never know with great certainty such an answer, for such specific a ledger was not kept in the early years of baseball. These days, of course, almost every conceivable record or count is kept by the teams and certain medias.

Yet, Dick, it might interest you to learn that certain reports reveal Luke Appling of the White Sox fouled off 15 Bob Feller pitches over a single plate appearance during Feller's 1940 opening day no-hitter. Also, Richie Ashburn of the Phillies once fouled off 14 straight pitches from Cincinnati hurler Corky Valentine - in a 1954 game - before drawing a walk.

I hope that helps.

Happy Holidays!

Author of Who Was Traded for Lefty Grove?

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