Tommy Thevenow, a National League infielder, is notably recognized for hitting an exceptionally low number of home runs throughout his major league career. Despite playing for over a decade, Thevenow finished his career with just two home runs, both achieved early in his playing days.
Tommy Thevenow's Remarkable Home Run Record
Tommy Thevenow's career total of two home runs stands out, especially given his longevity in Major League Baseball. His professional career spanned from 1924 to 1938. What makes his record particularly notable is the extensive period he played without hitting a single four-base blow (a home run).
Thevenow's two career home runs were unique in themselves:
- Both were inside-the-park home runs, meaning he circled the bases on a batted ball that stayed in play, relying on speed and hustle rather than power to clear the outfield fences.
- They occurred early in his career, implying that he spent the vast majority of his playing time without hitting another one.
Key Highlights of Thevenow's Non-Home Run Streak:
| Statistic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Longest Streak | 3347 at-bats without a home run |
| Period of Streak | September 24, 1926, until the end of his career in 1938 |
| Total Career Home Runs | 2 |
This incredible streak underscores his identity as a "non-home run hitter" among position players who accumulated a significant number of at-bats over their careers. While many players, especially pitchers or those with very brief MLB stints, have zero career home runs, Thevenow's record is remarkable for a full-time infielder playing for more than ten seasons. His ability to remain in the major leagues for such a long period without developing power hitting speaks to other facets of his game, such as defense and contact hitting.
