Royals outfielder ties MLB record with hits in 12 straight plate appearances

Kansas City Royals outfielder Tyler Tolbert tied a major league record with hits in 12 consecutive plate appearances during a 16-12 win over the New York Mets on Tuesday night. Batting ninth, Tolbert hit a two-run homer in the second inning and singled in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh. His final three hits were infield singles, the last coming against the Mets.

Record tied Tolbert matched the mark set by Johnny Kling in 1902 and later equaled by Pinky Higgins in 1938, Walt Dropo in 1952 and José Miranda in 2024, according to ESPN Research. The bat used in the streak will be sent to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

Game and reaction Tolbert was retired on a fly ball to right field in the ninth inning. Teammates applauded from the dugout and the announced crowd of 32,734 gave him an ovation. After the game the Royals held a champagne toast in the visitors locker room.

Tolbert, listed at 5-foot-10, was selected by the Royals in the 13th round of the 2019 draft and made his major league debut on March 31, 2025. 247 average and 28 stolen bases in 91 big league games. Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Tolbert's effort and attitude lift the team.

Teammate Nick Loftin called him a spark plug.