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Nick Madrigal of the Chicago White Sox came into the season saying it was his goal to get 3,000 hits in his career. Only 32 players in the history of baseball have ever accomplished that feat. On the surface, it seems like an absurd total to have as your career goal. Madrigal’s teammates even poked fun at him by wearing “Mr. 3000” tee shirts with his face on them.
There is a reason for Nick Madrigal’s confidence in himself. For starters, he puts the ball in play. In 532 plate appearances in 2019, Madrigal only struck out 16 times.